Iowa City Public Works: COTE Top Ten Case Study

In April 2022, Iowa City Public Works earned a national AIA COTE Top Ten Award, the industry’s highest recognition for sustainable design excellence. The project—which houses the Streets and Water Departments—represents the first step of an ambitious master plan to consolidate and upgrade the city’s municipal facilities.

Sustainability is a top priority for Iowa City, which aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The facility’s design aligns with these goals by emphasizing energy efficiency, water conservation, and thoughtful material selection. It also accommodates future adaptations, including a solar array addition and graywater collection.

Watch the video to learn about the city’s sustainability goals and the new facility's impact.

Thank you to: 

• Geoff Fruin: City Manager, City of Iowa City 
• Ron Knoche: Public Works Director, City of Iowa City 
• Sarah Gardner: Climate Action Coordinator, City of Iowa City