Iowa American Water's Environmental Grant Program

Iowa American Water announced today that the application process is now open for its 2011 Environmental Grant Program to support innovative, community- based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds and community drinking water supplies. Applications must be postmarked by March 25, 2011.

The company will award grants of up to $5,000. The program is designed to support diverse types of activities, such as watershed cleanups, reforestation efforts, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer restoration projects, wellhead protection initiatives and hazardous waste collection efforts.

Greenovation Podcasts

The Environment Report's Greenovation series features stories of the Grocoff's efforts toward making their Ann Arbor home the oldest net-zero house in America. Hear how they tackled fixing old windows, saved energy with auto switches, installed whole house fans and more.

Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives: Changes in Store for 2011

President Obama signed into law a tax package that contains modifications and extensions to energy efficiency tax incentives for homeowners, home builders, and appliance manufacturers. Information on all of these energy efficiency tax incentives are accessible on the Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) website so that consumers and businesses can take full advantage of changed federal tax credits for energy-saving technologies and practices. More at aceee.org.

Join us for EVERGREEN

We've got a great night of entertainment, sustainability, craftsmanship and community planned. Our second annual EVERGREEN fundraising party is on Thursday, November 11 from 7-10pm. It is a guaranteed good time with Michele Beschen (of b. organic, DIY Network and HGTV) as the night's emcee. Musical guests are David Zollo and Roxi Copland. And don't miss "Off The Wall" with our own green building expert Bill McAnally!

Live it Up Sustainably! Join Center on Sustainable Communities for their annual fundraising party showcasing regional craftsmanship, products and services. Enjoy a silent auction, raffles, complimentary appetizers, cash bar and live entertainment.

EVERGREEN

Thursday, November 11 from 7-10pm

West End Architectural Salvage, 22 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA

Tickets: $10 COSC Member / $15 Non-Members

Special Offer - Receive an Individual/Family Membership + 1 Ticket for only $40.00!

Purchase tickets now by going to www.icosc.com (click on "Donate Now") or contacting Leslie Berckes 515-707-2787 or leslie@icosc.com.

COSC Named USGBC Education Provider

You might notice a new addition on our website! We've been recently designated a U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Education Provider. The first of several COSC workshops approved for credit toward Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Credential Maintenance Program is  “The Fundamentals of Green Roofs in an Urban Environment.” The workshop offers 3 GBCI CE Hours and will take place as part of COSC’s “Day of Sustainability” at West Des Moines City Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 6th. A detailed description and registration information is available here.