Sustainable Dubuque Quarterly Work SessionCity of Dubuque
City Council Meeting
Work Session - Top # 1.
Copyrighted
November 1, 2021
ITEM TITLE: 5:30 PM - Sustainable Dubuque Quarterly Work Session
SUMMARY: Housing and Community Development staff will update City Council on
the energy scorecard and energy savers project in conjunction with the
Teen Resiliency Corps. Sustainability staff will then share how this relates
to the Climate Action Plan and Implementation.
SUGGESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Sustainable Dubuque Quarterly Work Session Agenda- City Manager Memo
MVM Memo
Staff Memo Staff Memo
THE C
DUjIBQTE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Sustainable Dubuque Quarterly Work Session Agenda
DATE: October 25, 2021
Dubuque
WAWca 914
ii
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Sustainable Community Coordinator Gina Bell is transmitting the agenda for the
quarterly Sustainable Dubuque Work Session.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Gina Bell, Sustainable Community Coordinator
THE CITY OF
DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Gina Bell, Sustainable Community Coordinator
SUBJECT: Sustainable Dubuque Quarterly Work Session Agenda
DATE: October 22, 2021
Dubuque
AII•Anerim Ch
I
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
The purpose of this memo is to set the agenda for the quarterly Sustainable Dubuque
Work Session scheduled for Monday November 1, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council
Chambers. Housing and Community Development staff will update City Council on the
energy scorecard and energy savers project in conjunction with the Teen Resiliency
Corps. Sustainability staff will then share how this relates to the Climate Action Plan and
Implementation.
The following speakers will present on the following topics:
1. Housing and Community Development Housing Inspector, Shane Hoeper will
discuss the Energy Scorecard and Energy Savers Program.
2. Teen Resiliency Corps members will share their experience canvassing
neighborhoods and filling out scorecards.
3. Sustainable Community Coordinator, Gina Bell will link this work to the 50%
by 2030 Community Climate Action and Resiliency Plan.
Thank you.
Buildings + Energy
SUSTAINABLE DUBUQUE WORK SESSION
NOVEMBER 1, 2021
Rental Energy
Rating
“THINGS GET DONE ONLY IF THE
DATA WE GATHER CAN INFORM AND
INSPIRE THOSE IN A POSITION TO
MAKE [A] DIFFERENCE.”
–MIKE SCHMOKER
Developing the idea
Concept:
◦Create simple metrics regarding building
components or conditions that can be used to
predict the energy needs of the dwelling.
What’s important: Keep It Simple.
◦We need this to be simple enough that we could
train high school students in about 30
minutes so they could help us gather data and
rate buildings.
Evaluating Components and
Systems
The following five categories were selected
to be evaluated at time of inspection or
upon request:
1.Heating Source
2.Lighting
3.Water Heater
4.Windows
5.Insulation
Each category had a rating specification developed
for ratings between 0-3 with 0 being the worst rating
and 3 being the best.1.5
1.7
1.9
2.1
2.3
2.5
2.7
2.9
Total
AVERAGE RATING BY CATEGORY
Average HEATING
Average LIGHTING
Average WATER HEATER
Average WINDOWS
Average INSULATION
HEATING SYSTEMS
2%
17%
44%
37%
HEATING SYSTEMS (1223 Rated)
0 - Older natural draft (pre-1980)
1 - Electric resistance (e.g. baseboard heaters)
2 - Modern natural draft (80%)
3 - Condensing gas fired / electric heat pump
WATER HEATING
29%
54%
17%
WATER HEATING (1292 Rated)
0 - Older natural draft (pre-1980)
1 - Electric resistance
2 - Modern natural draft (80%)
3 - Condensing gas fired (PVC vent) / electric heat pump
LIGHTING
8%
33%
29%
30%
LIGHTING (1312 Rated)
0 - Largely incandescent
1 - Some high efficiency bulbs/fixtures
2 - Largely flourescent
3 - Largely LED
WINDOWS
1%
3%
21%
75%
WINDOWS (1332 Rated)
0 - Windows in disrepair
1 - Single pane - no storm
2 - Single pane w/storm
3 - Dual pane or better
INSULATION
1%
24%
54%
21%
INSULATION (1328 Rated)
0 - Not insulated
1 - Missing either attic or wall insulation (unknown - pre-1950)
2 - Moderately insulated (unknown - post 1950)
3 - Well insulated (to code)
2%
17%
44%
37%
HEATING SYSTEM
0 - Older natural draft (pre-
1980)
1 - Electric resistance (e.g.
baseboard heaters)
2 - Modern natural draft (80%)
3 - Condensing gas fired /
electric heat pump
8%
33%
29%
30%
LIGHTING
0 - Largely incandescent
1 - Some high efficiency
bulbs/fixtures
2 - Largely flourescent
3 - Largely LED
29%
54%
17%
WATER HEATING
0 - Older natural draft (pre-
1980)
1 - Electric resistance
2 - Modern natural draft
(80%)
3 - Condensing gas fired
(PVC vent) / electric heat
pump
1%3%
21%
75%
WINDOWS
0 - Windows in disrepair
1 - Single pane - no
storm
2 - Single pane w/storm
3 - Dual pane or better
1%
24%
54%
21%
INSULATION
0 - Not insulated
1 - Missing either attic or wall
insulation (unknown - pre-
1950)
2 - Moderately insulated
(unknown - post 1950)
3 - Well insulated (to code)
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
2%
17%
44%
37%
HEATING SYSTEM
0 - Older natural draft (pre-1980)
1 - Electric resistance (e.g. baseboard
heaters)
2 - Modern natural draft (80%)
3 - Condensing gas fired / electric heat
pump
Key Points –
Heating
Systems
Space heating accounts for the greatest end-
use energy consumption per dwelling
according to the US Energy Information
Administration
37% are achieving our highest score, leaving
63% with opportunities for improvement
The Energy Savers Program (ESP) incentivizes
replacement of heat sources by offering
funding of up to $3500 per qualifying
appliance/dwelling were occupied by a
low/moderate income occupant and when the
occupant pays for the utility expense.
NOTE: Replacements done with ESP must
meet the top tier 3
8%
33%
29%
30%
LIGHTING
0 - Largely incandescent
1 - Some high efficiency bulbs/fixtures
2 - Largely flourescent
3 - Largely LED
Key Points -
Lighting
Over 40% of lighting is indicated to
be in our lowest two categories
Lighting is simple and cost effective
to upgrade
Inspectors carry LED bulbs to
provide at inspections when they
do not currently have LED and a
standard bulb style exists
29%
54%
17%
WATER HEATING
0 - Older natural draft (pre-1980)
1 - Electric resistance
2 - Modern natural draft (80%)
3 - Condensing gas fired (PVC vent) /
electric heat pump
Key Points –
Water Heating
Water heating accounts for the
second greatest end-use energy
consumption per dwelling according
to the US Energy Information
Administration
The Energy Savers Program (ESP)
incentivizes replacement of water
heaters by offering funding of up to
$1500 per qualifying
appliance/dwelling where occupied
by a low/moderate income occupant
and when the occupant pays for the
utility expense.
NOTE: Replacements done under ESP
must meet the top tier 3
1%
3%
21%
75%
WINDOWS
0 - Windows in disrepair
1 - Single pane - no storm
2 - Single pane w/storm
3 - Dual pane or better
Key Points -
Windows
75% of existing windows were indicated to
be in our top tier 3
The City’s Lead Hazard Control Program
has replaced and upgraded many windows
since 1993
The City offers also offers a funding for
window replacement when windows are
required for emergency escape openings
in bedrooms and the existing windows do
not comply with recently updated
requirements. Occupants must be income
eligible to qualify.
NOTE: Because replacing windows effects
the exterior appearance of a building,
there are significant barriers to funding
window replacement using federal funds.
1%
24%
54%
21%
INSULATION
0 - Not insulated
1 - Missing either attic or wall
insulation (unknown - pre-1950)
2 - Moderately insulated (unknown -
post 1950)
3 - Well insulated (to code)
Key Points -
Insulation
Insulation is among the most cost-
effective options to improve comfort
and efficiency of a dwelling.
Insulation values are often difficult to
determine with visual inspections
(non-intrusive).
Until recently, utility companies
providing the heating utility offered
rebates for insulation that offset up
to 70% of the cost. Those rebate
programs do not appear to be in
effect currently.
Opportunities may exist to extend the
ESP program in the future to include
adding insulation.
Energy Savers Program Updates
As of October 7, 2021, we’ve accepted 63 applications
❖13 applications have been rejected for reasons listed
below:
❖Applicants have not responded to
commitment/acceptance letters
❖Tenant unwilling to supply information or provide
release of information
❖Appliance not qualified (HE appliance already
installed)
❖Mobile home ineligible for CDBG funds
50 applications are approved or are in process, of the 50,
❖44 applied for heat source replacement
❖28 applied for water heater replacement
❖Some applications were for one or the other and some
were both
❖18 applications were for owner occupied homes
❖32 applications were for rental properties (this increased
greatly since August when we began doing more direct
marketing of the program to landlords)
❖8 have completed the equipment replacement and been
approved for reimbursement for a total of $27,667.38
❖Of the 8,
❖7 were owner occupied homes
❖6 heat sources replaced with high efficiency
models
❖6 water heaters replaced with high efficiency
models
RentLab
Working to build RentLab site to
help better inform residents on
various community and building
characteristics so they can make
more informed decisions about
where they live.
HOME ADDRESS:
Heating System Score
0 Older Natural Draft (pre 1980)
1 Electric Resistance
2 Modern Natural Draft
3 Condensing/EHP
Water Heating Score
0 Older Natural Draft (pre 1980)
1 Electric Resistance
2 Modern Natural Draft
3 Condensing/EHP
Windows Score
0 Windows in disrepair
1 Single pane - no storm
2 Single Pane w/ storm
3 Dual pane or better
Lighting Score
0 Largely incandescant
1 Some high efficiency
2 Largely flourescent
3 Largely LED
Building Shell Score
0 Not insulated
1 Missing attic or wall insulation (unknown - pre-1950)
2 Moderately insulated (unknown - post 1950)
3 Well insulated (code)
Water Service Pipe (mark one)Type
Lead
Copper
Other
OTHER NOTES:
Energy
Score
Card
Teen Resiliency
Corps
The left: Good Dubuque –
neighbors help each other, you
take control and turn off things
to save energy in your house.
The right: Bad Dubuque –
closed off, no help, no control.
No one unplugs or turns off
things when they are done
using them. You just keep using
all the energy in the house.
--Jahkiya
Resiliency = in times
of emergency,
helping people in
need. To stick
together and ask if
they need something
like food, water or
extra clothes, or
shelter, if their home
has been damaged in
a tornado for
example.
What To Say (a guide –make it your own)
•Hi my name is _______.
•I am with the Teen Resiliency
Corps, a Sustainable Dubuque and
Multicultural Family Center
project.
•We are checking in on residents &
their homes.
•HOW ARE YOU? What concerns
you these days? (express interest in their response)
•We would like to assess the energy
efficiency of your home.
•Would you let us come inside to
look at the things listed on this
scorecard (show scorecard or explain what you want to see heat,
water heater, etc.)
•If they say YES –go in, assess and give LEDs
•If they are hesitant, mention the LEDs or ask what their concerns
are. Or ask them if they know the scorecard categories (heater
type/age, water heater type, etc.)
•If they say NO –ask if they will score themselves using the QR
code and enter information in the google form. If yes, give them
the flyer.
•Thank everyone, every time.
•A “How are you?” check in is also
important information.
•Remember to make a note of home addresses –to track where
you’ve been.
•If folks score really low or complain about high bills or feeling
cold, give them the Green Iowa AmeriCorps flyer –they can
perform a free energy audit and weatherization to help save
energy and lower bills.
•In Downtown area, please share Renew DBQ flyers about solar
program!
Energy Scorecard -You can fill
out the form on your own →
(It takes a minute so scan patiently☺)
If you’re interested in a Free
Home Energy Audit &
Weatherization (to save $$ and
energy), please contact the
Green Iowa AmeriCorps Team at
greeniowadb@gmail.com or
608.618.3744 or scan here to
find out more!
Energy Scorecard -You can fill
out the form on your own →
(It takes a minute so scan patiently☺)
If you’re interested in a Free
Home Energy Audit &
Weatherization (to save $$ and
energy), please contact the
Green Iowa AmeriCorps Team at
greeniowadb@gmail.com or
608.618.3744 or scan here to
find out more!
Heating System Old Boiler/Pre-1980
Natural Draft = 0
Electric
Resistance/Baseboard
Heaters = 1
Modern Natural Draft = 2
•Metal chimney
Condensing Gas Fired = 3
•Plastic exhaust
Ground Source Heat Pump/Condensing / Air
Source Heat Pump = 3
Water Heating
Electric Resistance = 1
•No chimney –has an electrical cable
Heat Pump or Hybrid = 3
•Has a “hat” & has an
electrical cable
•Metal chimney
Condensing
Gas Fired = 3
•Plastic exhaust
Modern Natural
Draft = 2
Windows
Lighting
MOSTLY CFL –fluorescent = 2
Spiral or tube shaped
MOSTLY LED = 3
Incandescent = 0
Hot
SOME INCANDESCENT MIXED
WITH SOME CFL OR LED = 1
Building Shell
Not insulated = 0
Moderately Insulated
(post 1950) = 2
Well insulated = 3
If unknown, note the date the house was built if
possible and what the exterior shell is comprised of
Missing attic or wall
insulation but has some (pre-
1950s) = 1
Water Pipe
Lead Pipe
•Grey with an “uninflated balloon”Copper Pipe
•Copper or blue-green in color
50% by 2030
50% by 2030
Dubuque’s Community Climate Action and Resiliency Plan
In the Buildings and Energy section, the CAP calls for a 10% citywide reduction in energy
consumption by 2030.
This includes increasing the energy efficiency of City facilities (MERF and other actions) as well as
improving energy efficiency in all sectors, promoting audits, energy efficiency rebates and
financial incentives and a variety of other actions. Critical to this is understanding what our
housing stock consists of so we can create solutions that make sense for Dubuque!
Municipal Energy Reinvestment Fund
•Fire HQ Lighting Project
•75% payback in one year
•Available for other departments
to access
Conclusion and Questions
We look forward to continuing our partnerships and developing new bright ideas that can help our
community continue its path to become more equitable, sustainable, and resilient.