Des Moines Pursues 24/7 Clean Energy With New Building Standards

Des Moines is moving ahead with one of the most aggressive clean energy commitments in the country, a goal to run entirely on 24/7 clean electricity by 2035, without relying on carbon credits or offsets, according to city documents and local news reports [1][2][9]. The plan, described by E&E News as a first-of-its-kind approach, is already reshaping how new buildings are constructed and what technology firms are bringing to the region [2].

What the City’s 2035 Goal Means for Residents

Under the updated Climate Action Plan, Des Moines aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions 45% below 2010 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050 [2]. That’s not just an abstraction, the city council has already passed building code updates requiring higher insulation, energy-efficient windows, and renewable energy systems like solar panels and geothermal heat pumps in new construction [5]. For homeowners and renters, that translates into lower utility bills over time and more comfortable homes in both summer and winter.

Local community groups like 100% Iowa have highlighted Des Moines as a 100% Clean Community, signaling that the city’s leadership is drawing attention from clean energy advocates nationwide [9]. The city’s forestry and green infrastructure plans also tie tree canopy and stormwater management into the broader sustainability push, meaning residents see the effects in parks, streetscapes, and flood resilience [10].

Big Tech’s Bet on Water-Free Cooling

Two major data center projects in the metro area are adopting waterless cooling technology, a practical response to community concerns about water usage in a state that knows drought pressure. Edged’s new facility in Des Moines offers 13.2 megawatts of eco-friendly capacity and uses waterless cooling designed for AI workloads [3]. Not far away, Microsoft’s upcoming West Des Moines data center buildings will also feature zero-water cooling systems, directly addressing public feedback about water consumption [4][8].

For everyday Des Moines residents, this means the tech sector’s growth doesn’t come at the expense of the city’s water supply. It also keeps the door open for more high-tech jobs without straining local resources. The Axios Des Moines report in January 2026 noted that Microsoft’s move signals confidence in the region’s infrastructure and workforce [8].

What’s Next for the City’s Green Transition

The building code updates are already in effect, so anyone buying a newly constructed home or renovating a property will encounter the higher efficiency standards. While the 2035 electricity target is still several years away, the city is laying the groundwork now, combining regulatory changes, private-sector investment, and community planning.

Residents can expect to see more solar panels on rooftops and geothermal systems in new developments as builders comply with the updated codes. The city’s ongoing work with green infrastructure, including tree planting and stormwater management, further ties daily life to the climate action plan [10]. For those looking to reduce their own energy footprint, the city’s sustainability office offers resources and guidance on available rebates and programs, though specific figures depend on current utility offerings.