120 homes in Northeast Iowa now are more energy-efficient, thanks to Green Iowa Americorps workers headquartered in Decorah

Posted: Tue, Jul 16, 2019 1:19 PM

Since 2010, Green Iowa AmeriCorps, in partnership with Winneshiek Energy District, has engaged in the community through home energy assessment testing, educational programs for kids, and through service programs in the community.

The current Green Iowa AmeriCorps team has four members: Audit Coordinator Katherine Hannigan, Logistics Coordinator Briana Burke, Outreach Coordinator Maddy Knutson, and Education Coordinator Gracie Engle. The team is also assisted this summer by two temporary service members: Ally Peters and Luke Forsberg. Green Iowa AmeriCorps works in partnership with Winneshiek Energy District, a local organization with the mission to make the county more environmentally sustainable.

Over the last 11 months the four-person Green Iowa AmeriCorps team visited 120 homes in Northeast Iowa, where they conducted home energy assessments. These assessments involve safety tests, air leak tests, installing high efficiency (LED) light bulbs, duct sealing, and a detailed report of the home's energy assessment and recommendations for improvements.

It's estimated that the local energy assessments of these 120 homes prevented 112 tons of carbon pollution. Homeowners and tenants also save money from the energy assessments, with the average Winneshiek County resident saving approximately $140 annually. With rising rental rates and property taxes, these local savings can have real material value in the lives of local residents.

Green Iowa AmeriCorps is currently accepting applications for the upcoming service term, which last from September 2019 to August 2020. For more information, send enquiries to: director@greeniowaamericorps.org.

A potluck will be hosted at Whalen Cabin in Phelps Park Thursday at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate the service of the full-time and summer Green Iowa AmeriCorps members. Please bring a dish to share and your own plate and utensils.