GreeNetwork UPDATE
The GreeNetwork is a free electronic newsletter that is sent out every 4-6 weeks
by staff of the Iowa Department of Economic Development’s Community Development
Division. This page also contains an archive of the past issues of E-Network.
GREENETWORK – JANUARY 2012
GreeNetwork is a free electronic newsletter sent every 4-6 weeks by Iowa Economic Development Authority Community Development Division staff to 3,000+ recipients. Past issues are available at http://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/community/green_initiatives.aspx.
Thanks for your interest in sustainable community practices and happenings. The following information will assist you in promoting attitudes and practices in your community that are socially, environmentally, and economically sound. Please send GreeNetwork content suggestions to jeff.geerts@iowa.gov. You are also encouraged to forward this update to others and to reprint GreeNetwork material.
To sign up to receive GreeNetwork please visit http://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/ and click on "Login" located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
Updates:
Changing Downtown Video Series Released
Watershed Planning Grants
Seeking Energy Corps Host Sites
International Green Construction Code
Resources and Models:
Cultural Heritage Tourism Survival Kit
Aging in Place: A State Survey of Livability Policies and Practices
The Greenest Building: Quantifying the Value of Building Reuse
Upcoming Workshops, Trainings and Events:
Green Living Classes
Ecological & Soil Quality Restoration, Native Landscaping
Cedar Valley Erosion & Sediment Control Conference
Iowa Certified Construction Site Pollution Prevention Inspector Training
Rain Garden and Biocell Cell Design
Better Build ings: Better Business Conference
2012 Iowa Water Conference
Rainwater Harvesting
Business & Industry Stormwater Pollution Prevention & Management Practices
Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control – Exam Prep
Green Infrastructure Policy and Practices
Examining Window Retrofit Options
Funding and Assistance Opportunities:
Five Start Restoration Grant Program – National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Paint Iowa Beautiful Grants
Urban Youth Corps Program
Our Town Grants—National Endowment for the Arts
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Arts Project Grants
Solid Waste Alternatives Program
Keep Iowa Beautiful Beautification Grants
Iowa Community Cultural Grant
Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program
Iowa Energy Center Conference and Events Grants
Iowa Energy Center Technology Demonstration and Educ ation Grants
UPDATES:
Changing Downtown Video Series Released
http://www.youtube.com/user/IowaEconomicDev
The Iowa Economic Development Authority recently released a series of three educational videos on the authority’s YouTube page, http://www.youtube.com/user/IowaEconomicDev. The three videos produced with USDA Rural Community Development Initiative funding feature innovative initiatives taking place in Iowa communities to manage stormwater as a resource, improve downtown energy performance and rehabilitate downtown storefronts. The videos are:
• Changing Stormwater Into a Resource
Iowa communities Belle Plaine, Charles City and West Union integrate practices like pervious pavers and rain gardens into local community infrastructure projects.
• Changing Energy Use Downtown
I owa communities Woodbine, West Union and West Des Moines use innovativ e energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to save money and revitalize historic commercial districts.
• Changing the Face of Downtown
Iowa communities Belle Plaine and Woodbine are rehabilitating multiple storefronts in their downtowns and making a transformative impact.
Watershed Planning Grants
http://www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/WaterQuality/WatershedImprovement/WatershedPlanning/WatershedPlanningGrants
The DNR is opening another round of Watershed Planning Grants, which help local Iowa groups find solutions for improving Iowa’s state’s lakes, streams and rivers. Groups can get started by calling for a consultation to discuss their ideas and have their questions about the grant application process and watershed improvement answered. Applications are due April 2, 2012. Planning g rants offer $10,000 to $50,000 to develop Watershed Management Plans that address problems and create solutions for waters on the state’s impaired waters list. Local or regional groups, organizations or agencies (public or private) are eligible to apply.
Seeking Energy Corps Host Sites
http://www.energycorps.org/locations_ia.php
Energy Corps is a national service program that places AmeriCorps members with communities struggling with energy costs to provide hands-on assistance for residents, coordinate community action, and educate adults and youth in sustainable energy consumption. National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) invites qualified community based organizations and agencies in Iowa to submit an application for one of more Energy Corps member slots for the 2012 service term, February 2012 to December 2012. Eligible partners include non-profit organizations, stat e agencies and local governments, elementary and secondary schools, In dian tribes, colleges and universities, faith-based organizations or any combination of these or similar groups. Full-time members must serve 1700 hours and half-time members must serve 900 hours within the specified service term. Local funding match is required. For more information, go to www.energycorps.org/locations_ia.php, or contact Hannah Lewis, hannahl@ncat.org or 515-288-0460.
International Green Construction Code
http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/IGCC/Pages/PublicVersionDevelopment.aspx
International Code Council voting members took action on proposed changes to the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) during Final Action Hearings held in conjunction with the 2011 ICC Annual Conference in Phoenix. The result of the hearings is that the first editions of the I nternational Green Construction Code will be part of the family of International Codes. The revised 2012 code is expected to be published in March.