Pottawattamie County Roads Operation Center Honored for Excellence in Energy-Efficient Design

Posted October 28, 2025
Posted by Secondary Roads and Public Relations

The Pottawattamie County Roads Operation Center (ROC) has been recognized with MidAmerican Energy’s 2025 Excellence in Energy-Efficient Design Award, celebrating its exceptional achievement in sustainable facility design and performance. The award was presented at the Iowa Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Convention held last month in Des Moines. 

Each year, MidAmerican’s Commercial New Construction (CNC) Program recognizes the top four projects statewide that demonstrate outstanding energy savings in new construction, additions, and major renovation projects. Out of 164 projects completed last year, the Pottawattamie County ROC was selected as one of the top recipients, achieving 62% energy savings over the code baseline. 

The award honors the collaboration between Pottawattamie County, HGM Associates Inc., and Engineering Technologies, Inc. (ETI) for their efforts to design and construct a facility that minimizes environmental impact while enhancing functionality and comfort for county staff. 

Located on the eastern outskirts of Council Bluffs, the ROC campus includes two facilities: 

• A 7,750-square-foot Office & Meeting Facility, and 

• An 18,000-square-foot Vehicle Maintenance & Storage Facility. 

The $8.8 million project was the result of years of strategic planning with an end result that emphasizes sustainability, operational efficiency, and employee comfort. 

The Office & Meeting Facility features LED lighting, an advanced HVAC system, and extensive natural daylighting to reduce energy use while creating a welcoming workspace. The building also includes a state-of-the-art training room equipped for department-wide sessions, ensuring consistent, effective communication and professional development for staff. 

The Vehicle Maintenance & Storage Facility incorporates a high-efficiency HVAC system with air-to-air energy recovery and LED task lighting designed to improve visibility for maintenance and repair work. The facility enables staff to service county vehicles year-round in a controlled, comfortable environment, improving efficiency and safety. 

Commitment to Sustainable County Operations 

The ROC exemplifies Pottawattamie County’s broader commitment to responsible resource management, innovation in public infrastructure, and enhancing service delivery for residents. 

To learn more about MidAmerican Energy's Commercial New Construction Program, which supports energy-efficient design through modeling, technical assistance, and incentives, visit https://bit.ly/4gv3ru9.