• Start year: 2009
• Type: Technical/Infrastructure investment
• Status: In operation

The Police Department’s use of hybrid and the testing of 6 vs. 8 cylinder vehicles have improved the department’s fuel usage. The department’s current fleet of 15 hybrid vehicles will be supplemented by an additional 10 vehicles by the end of this year. This combined with take- home vehicle policy change resulted in a 15% fuel use reduction since 2009.

• Start year: 2006
• Type: Education/Awareness Raising
• Status:

A number of different committees, subcommittees and initiatives have been launched by the Park and Recreation Department to assist in the preservation, restoration, and sensitive development of our natural landscapes. These groups include the Park and Recreation Oversight Urban Conservation Committee (UCC), the Central Iowa Greenways Initiative, and the Urban Forestry Sub-committee of the UCC.
The Park and Recreation Board Oversight Urban Conservation Committee (UCC) was established in 2004 with mission to advise the board in designing ecologically–based policies and management practices that will promote healthy, functional ecosystems and provide a legacy of stewardship for the City of Des Moines.
The Central Iowa Greenways Initiative has been developed by staff for the board and has become a 60-member task force representing 32 public and private organizations including 8 cities, 2 counties, 3 state departments, the Army Corps of Engineers, Des Moines Water Works, environmental and recreational non-profits and the general public. The group’s vision is a sustainable greenways system of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers that preserves, protects, and enhances the environment, improves water quality, enables alternative transportation options, promotes fun, healthy lifestyles, and fosters community and economic vitality through regional cooperation.

• Start year: 2007
• Type: Technical/Infrastructure investment
• Status: In operation

Fleet Services initiated the use of soy-based biodiesel in June of 2007 for a targeted portion of the City’ fleet of diesel units at the rate of 5% at the main fueling station at East 5th and Market, WRA Wastewater Reclamation Facility, and outlying Parks remote storage facilities. Diesel engine performance and fuel related maintenance was monitored throughout the fleet that utilizes these fueling facilities. No observed negative effects on performance or maintenance were experienced.

• Start year:
• Type:
• Status: In operation

The Des Moines City Council provided a directive to staff to encourage developers seeking economic development assistance to seek LEED certification on their projects. This has been realized through an incentive program built in to Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement.