Energy Assistance Program: 3 STeps

1. Home Energy Performance Audit

A home energy audit is the first step in assessing how much energy a home consumes and evaluates what measures can be taken to make the home more efficient. Our energy audits consist of two parts: the blower door test and the initial walk-through. The blower door is specialized equipment that allows us to measure the level of air infiltration by surveying the extent of air leaks in the home envelope. As a leading cause of inefficiency in homes, air infiltration can potentially drive up the price of utility bills due to its impact on heating/cooling systems. While the blower door test is running, members will walk-through the home and search for areas where such energy loss might be occurring. By the end of this two-step process we will have an idea of how much work will be needed and provide an estimated cost. Audits are always free.

2. Weatherization

Depending on the results of the initial home energy assessment, Green Iowa members will schedule a follow up weatherization to address problem areas. Members spend anywhere between 2-8 hours reducing air infiltration and making efficiency improvements to the home. Each home is different.
Cost of labor is always free. Cost of materials used to be free only for qualifying households, and provided at-cost for non-qualifying households. During the 2016-2017 service year, a change was made to provide all services absolutely free for everyone!

3. Evaluation & Education

After making the needed adjustments, the team will conduct a post-weatherization blower door test to calculate the effectiveness of the service. If requested, members can also inform the resident on energy and money saving strategies or refer them to their local utility provider for additional information.

Weatherization materials are free to everyone that receives our services. Energy audits are always free. Cost of labor is always free. A typical weatherization will tackle problems such as:

WINDOWS: Permanent solutions such as caulking and sealing around window frame, installing sash locks. Seasonal (temporary) solutions include rope caulking and window kits.
DOORS: Installing weather stripping, door sweeps, caulking.
ATTIC ACCESSES: Insulating attic access door, seal perimeter with foam tape, ensure a tight seal with a latch lock or weight.
OUTLETS: Insulating outlets and light switches with foam gaskets.
RIM JOISTS: Sealing the area where the foundation meets the house frame with friction-fit rigid foam and caulk.
DUCTS: Sealing duct joints with HVAC tape and/or mastic.
WATER PIPE: Insulating hot and cold water pipes with foam sleeves to reduce conductive heat loss.
EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS: Installing Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and low-flow sink & shower aerators.

OUR MISSION

Together, our team focuses on the three C's of weatherization: Cost, Comfort, and Conservation. Whether you're interested in reducing utility costs, creating more comfortable living spaces, or conserving our natural resources, our weatherization services can help! Members of Green Iowa AmeriCorps undergo training and earn Building Analyst Professional certification from the Building Performance Institute (BPI). Armed with this training, our service teams assess a home's efficiency, evaluate problem areas, and seek potential solutions.

Energy Assistance Program: 3 STeps

1. Home Energy Performance Audit

A home energy audit is the first step in assessing how much energy a home consumes and evaluates what measures can be taken to make the home more efficient. Our energy audits consist of two parts: the blower door test and the initial walk-through. The blower door is specialized equipment that allows us to measure the level of air infiltration by surveying the extent of air leaks in the home envelope. As a leading cause of inefficiency in homes, air infiltration can potentially drive up the price of utility bills due to its impact on heating/cooling systems. While the blower door test is running, members will walk-through the home and search for areas where such energy loss might be occurring. By the end of this two-step process we will have an idea of how much work will be needed and provide an estimated cost. Audits are always free.

2. Weatherization

Depending on the results of the initial home energy assessment, Green Iowa members will schedule a follow up weatherization to address problem areas. Members spend anywhere between 2-8 hours reducing air infiltration and making efficiency improvements to the home. Each home is different.
Cost of labor is always free. Cost of materials used to be free only for qualifying households, and provided at-cost for non-qualifying households. During the 2016-2017 service year, a change was made to provide all services absolutely free for everyone!

3. Evaluation & Education

After making the needed adjustments, the team will conduct a post-weatherization blower door test to calculate the effectiveness of the service. If requested, members can also inform the resident on energy and money saving strategies or refer them to their local utility provider for additional information.

Weatherization materials are free to everyone that receives our services. Energy audits are always free. Cost of labor is always free. A typical weatherization will tackle problems such as:

WINDOWS: Permanent solutions such as caulking and sealing around window frame, installing sash locks. Seasonal (temporary) solutions include rope caulking and window kits.
DOORS: Installing weather stripping, door sweeps, caulking.
ATTIC ACCESSES: Insulating attic access door, seal perimeter with foam tape, ensure a tight seal with a latch lock or weight.
OUTLETS: Insulating outlets and light switches with foam gaskets.
RIM JOISTS: Sealing the area where the foundation meets the house frame with friction-fit rigid foam and caulk.
DUCTS: Sealing duct joints with HVAC tape and/or mastic.
WATER PIPE: Insulating hot and cold water pipes with foam sleeves to reduce conductive heat loss.
EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS: Installing Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and low-flow sink & shower aerators.

OUR MISSION

Together, our team focuses on the three C's of weatherization: Cost, Comfort, and Conservation. Whether you're interested in reducing utility costs, creating more comfortable living spaces, or conserving our natural resources, our weatherization services can help! Members of Green Iowa AmeriCorps undergo training and earn Building Analyst Professional certification from the Building Performance Institute (BPI). Armed with this training, our service teams assess a home's efficiency, evaluate problem areas, and seek potential solutions.

Energy Assistance Program: 3 STeps

1. Home Energy Performance Audit

A home energy audit is the first step in assessing how much energy a home consumes and evaluates what measures can be taken to make the home more efficient. Our energy audits consist of two parts: the blower door test and the initial walk-through. The blower door is specialized equipment that allows us to measure the level of air infiltration by surveying the extent of air leaks in the home envelope. As a leading cause of inefficiency in homes, air infiltration can potentially drive up the price of utility bills due to its impact on heating/cooling systems. While the blower door test is running, members will walk-through the home and search for areas where such energy loss might be occurring. By the end of this two-step process we will have an idea of how much work will be needed and provide an estimated cost. Audits are always free.

2. Weatherization

Depending on the results of the initial home energy assessment, Green Iowa members will schedule a follow up weatherization to address problem areas. Members spend anywhere between 2-8 hours reducing air infiltration and making efficiency improvements to the home. Each home is different.
Cost of labor is always free. Cost of materials used to be free only for qualifying households, and provided at-cost for non-qualifying households. During the 2016-2017 service year, a change was made to provide all services absolutely free for everyone!

3. Evaluation & Education

After making the needed adjustments, the team will conduct a post-weatherization blower door test to calculate the effectiveness of the service. If requested, members can also inform the resident on energy and money saving strategies or refer them to their local utility provider for additional information.

Weatherization materials are free to everyone that receives our services. Energy audits are always free. Cost of labor is always free. A typical weatherization will tackle problems such as:

WINDOWS: Permanent solutions such as caulking and sealing around window frame, installing sash locks. Seasonal (temporary) solutions include rope caulking and window kits.
DOORS: Installing weather stripping, door sweeps, caulking.
ATTIC ACCESSES: Insulating attic access door, seal perimeter with foam tape, ensure a tight seal with a latch lock or weight.
OUTLETS: Insulating outlets and light switches with foam gaskets.
RIM JOISTS: Sealing the area where the foundation meets the house frame with friction-fit rigid foam and caulk.
DUCTS: Sealing duct joints with HVAC tape and/or mastic.
WATER PIPE: Insulating hot and cold water pipes with foam sleeves to reduce conductive heat loss.
EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS: Installing Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and low-flow sink & shower aerators.

OUR MISSION

Together, our team focuses on the three C's of weatherization: Cost, Comfort, and Conservation. Whether you're interested in reducing utility costs, creating more comfortable living spaces, or conserving our natural resources, our weatherization services can help! Members of Green Iowa AmeriCorps undergo training and earn Building Analyst Professional certification from the Building Performance Institute (BPI). Armed with this training, our service teams assess a home's efficiency, evaluate problem areas, and seek potential solutions.

Sustainable Schools

Who We Are

The Sustainable Schools branch of the Green Iowa AmeriCorps program serves as a resource and catalyst for Iowa school districts to build a more energized and sustainable future. Sustainable Schools members serve as Sustainability Coordinators to different school districts throughout Iowa. The AmeriCorps members work to reduce district-wide energy costs and assist teachers and staff in implementing environmental project-based learning initiatives. School districts will be able to leverage these AmeriCorps members to save energy costs, as well as engage their students in more outdoor learning opportunities and lessons surrounding environmental sustainability.

Success Stories

DAVIS COUNTY CSD

$5,500

saved by engaging students in behavior-based energy efforts

$3,000

saved by diverting

food waste

$16K

saved by diverting recyclable materials

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WAVERLY-SHELL ROCK CSD

50+

educational activities conducted throughout the service term

"walking School Bus"

initiatives at elementary school

FooD waste

audit assistance at middle school

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS &

DUBUQUE CSD

150+

education lessons taught

St. Columbkille Elementary honored with the

2018 Green ribbon Award

from the U.S. Department of Education

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tama school.png

SOUTH TAMA COUNTY CSD

$17,600

rebate from

Alliant Energy

for LED upgrade

$2,800

Iowa DNR grant to plant 18 deciduous trees on campus

200

pounds of food waste decreased in 2 months by creating compost tumblers with Industrial Arts and FFA classes

paper recycling program

implemented throughout the district

DAVENPORT CSD

Developed

marketing program

for the district's past and current sustainability efforts

2019 green ribbon award

from the U.S. Department of Education

paper awareness campaign

for students and staff throughout the district

Van Meter CSD

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