Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

February 2026 | Visit us online at www.icgov.org/climateaction. 

By the numbers: electrification trends

In 2024, the percentage of single-family homes built with electric heating rose to fifty-two percent. That’s a big change over the last decade; in 2015, 60% were equipped with gas or propane heating, and just 39% were heated electrically.

Heat pumps beat out gas furnaces by their biggest margin ever (32%) in 2024, with 4.1 million units shipped.  If the trend continues, heat pumps could eclipse ACs in sales by 2029. (Building Decarbonization Coalition)

About nine out of 10 heat-pump owners would recommend the tech to others, and a growing number of homeowners (32% in 2024 versus 23% in 2023) report having a good understanding of what home heat pump systems are.

Two out of three kitchen designers and professionals say that in the next three years, induction will become the most popular way to cook.

Climate Ambassador training: last call!

Interesting in joining the next cohort of Climate Ambassadors? It's not too late to sign up!

Climate Ambassadors take a deep dive into the City's climate action plan and efforts, learn about resources available through the City, and connect with others engaged in climate action.

Until the deadline of Feb. 6, applications will be accepted for the free training, which runs for 10 weeks from Feb. 10-April 14. Sessions includes tours, discussions, and activities that provide an up-close look at the City's climate action efforts. 

Find more information and apply to the the program by visiting icgov.org/CAambassadors. 

City High students co-sponsor library event

City High School’s Roots & Shoots Chapter is teaming up with the ICPL Friends Foundation to present From Plastic to Plants: The Future of Fashion with Luke Haverhals. In honor of Dr. Jane Goodall, whose vision continues to inspire action for a more sustainable and compassionate planet, this event offers hope for the future of fashion and the Earth. Luke Haverhals, the founder of Natural Fiber Welding, will share how his work is replacing plastics with plant-based, biodegradable alternatives. Find more information on the library's website.

• Thursday, Feb. 19, 6-7:30 p.m.
• ICPL Meeting Rooms and livestream

Join Green Iowa AmeriCorps for a night of Eco Trivia fun

Flex your knowledge of nature and win prizes in Eco Trivia with Green Iowa AmeriCorps at The Green House.

• Monday Jan. 22, 5 p.m.
• The Green House, 505 E. Washington St.

All are welcome to this event!

Iowa City’s Climate Action Commission meets monthly

Access upcoming and past meeting packets  at the Climate Action Commission web page.

Climate Action Grant questions answered at Wright House of Fashion

Nonprofit or business leaders interested in applying for a climate action grant can attend a free info session on Feb. 19, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Climate Action staff and previous grant awardees will be on hand to share tips and answer questions. No RSVP necessary; all are welcome!

• Thursday, Feb. 19, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Wright House of Fashion, 910 S Gilbert St.

Like new, only better: Iowa City Repair mends durable goods

Opting to repair rather than replace goods helps curb emissions related to manufacturing and transportation: an important win for the climate. The next Iowa City Repair event will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on February 14 at the Eastside Recycling Center in Iowa City. Volunteers will be available to help you fix your clothes, computers, small appliances and electronics, and more. Follow ICRepair on Facebook or Instagram for more updates! Questions can be sent to icrepaircafe@gmail.com.

Felicia Pieper

Global Food Project Program Manager

How do you take climate action?

I found my way into food work through getting a master's in public health a few years ago. My first job out of grad school was at a food pantry and that really got me thinking about how are we sharing resources, how are we distributing resources? And recognizing that we can grow our own food, but we need the tools and the systems to be able to do it efficiently. 

What can others do to take climate action?

Connecting with different orgs and groups to amplify the impact, I think, is crucial. Looking up people and organizations in your community that are already doing this work and plugging in instead of reinventing in the wheel. 

Why is it important to take climate action?

I think it's important for us to all find ways as individuals that we can change our habits, but also working in community to figure out how can we change our habits in our collective spaces. And then also advocating for policy changes. Because we've got one planet and we share it, and it's all our responsibility to leave it better than how we found it.

This month's reason for hope: Brits love their hedgehogs

Over 120,000 “hedgehog highways” now connect about 240,000 gardens across the U.K. Find more climate hope on the Project 51 web page.

More events from around the community:

"From Statutes to Soil: How Environmental Law and Geoscience Interact in Practice" a Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative event - February 18

Sign up for updates!

Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram using #SustainableIC.

Subscribe to this and other news at icgov.org/subscribe.

This newsletter is published by the City of Iowa City Climate Action and Outreach Division. For more information, or if you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in any Climate Action programming, contact ClimateAction@iowa-city.org at 319-887-6162.

Stay Connected:

Facebook
facebook.com/CityofIowaCity

Instagram
@CityofIowaCity

Nextdoor
City of Iowa City

Newsletters
icgov.org/e-subscriptions

Website: www.icgov.org