State and Local Climate and Energy Program

West Union Green Downtown

West Union, Iowa

Federal Funding: $500,000
Project Timeline: October 2010 – October 2013

Project Summary
Community Characteristics
Program Results/Estimated Results
Project Website
Photos

Project Summary

Using Geothermal Energy for a Downtown Heating and Cooling District with Environmentally-Friendly Infrastructure

Construction of the West Union green streetscape is underway. West Union is continuing to build water and sewer infrastructure for the project, including implementing a new porous paving system. Construction on two full blocks and an intersection is complete, and the construction on the Civic Plaza Project is nearly complete. A geothermal well field bid has been received and a winning bid will be selected. Future efforts include continuing the construction projects and beginning construction of the geothermal well field in early spring 2012.

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and replace aging downtown infrastructure, West Union, IA is planning to install a geothermal heating and cooling district in six downtown blocks and renovate the area with environmentally-friendly infrastructure. The project is part of the community's Clean Green Climate Action Plan. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has provided input for the project, and green best practices will be integrated into the project. The project will conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve downtown pedestrian infrastructure.

The key component of West Union's Clean Green Climate Action Plan is the implementation of a district-wide geothermal heating and cooling system. This project will implement such a system for six blocks of the downtown area, with a radiant-heat snow melt system for the streetscape. A new city-owned utility will oversee the system. The geothermal system will provide heating and cooling to the County Courthouse as well as to residences and businesses in the 60 buildings that lie within the 6 block district. These buildings represent 330,000 sq feet of conditioned space, and the system could provide heating and cooling for 80% of this space.

In addition, a green streetscape will be implemented as a complementary undertaking. Rainwater harvesting systems, porous pavement, and rain gardens will be installed, along with energy efficient street lighting. Bike racks and pedestrian infrastructure improvements will help encourage biking and walking.

The project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing a lower emissions source of energy to offset conventional energy use. In addition, more residents will be able to bike downtown, reducing the use of motorized transportation.

Community Characteristics

Population:	2,550
Area:	2.7 square miles
Government Type:	City
Community Type:	Rural
Median Household Income:	$34,515

Program Results/Estimated Results

Greenhouse Gas Reduction:	320 metric tons CO₂e annually
Eligible Building Sq Footage:	330,000 sq feet
Additional Benefits:	reduced rainwater runoff, improved pedestrian safety