This webpage is a resource for citizens and visitors to see what Windsor Heights is doing and what is out there to help make the city and home green in Windsor Heights.

This presentation shows a list of ideas that Windsor Heights can undertake in order to be a green community.  These are just ideas and suggestions, not an approved plan of action.  Read more at the Des Moines Register's website.

The below picture is of Lions Park, which is located directly behind City Hall.  The is a rain garden and an example of a green and stormwater best practices project. 

Windsor Heights residents can take advantage of rebates offered by Mid American Energy to purchase energy efficient appliances and to add insulation and other energy saving home improvements. 

Homeowners can also receive a Federal tax credit for making envelope improvements to and installing energy-efficient heating, cooling, and water heating equipment in their primary residence. The incentive is 30% of the cost of eligible measures, with a $1,500 cap on the credit per home. The tax credit for envelope improvements is based on the cost of the materials installed (insulation, windows, sealants, etc.), not the cost of labor. The credit for home heating and cooling and water heating equipment is based on both the cost of the materials and installation labor costs. For more information, please visit www.energystar.gov

In addition to operating the landfill where Windsor Heights garbage goes, Metro Waste Authority also has implemented the new single stream recycling program.  The program allows for all recyclable materials to be placed in a single waste bin, eliminating the need for curb side sorting by both workers and residents.  This program has lead to an increase in recycling of over 20%.  MWA also captures the methane produced by the landfill and uses this to power homes in Polk County. 

The below picture shows another green stormwater best practices project at Colby Park in Windsor Heights.  This is a bioswale where rainwater from the parking lots gets captures and filtered in the swale, before the water eventually drains into Walnut Creek and the Raccoon River, the source of Windsor Heights drinking water.