The Iowa Waste Reduction Center at the University of Northern Iowa was recently selected to receive an EPA Region 7 2021 Pollution Prevention Award. The award will be formally presented on Oct. 26 during ceremonies at the Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference.

The Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) was selected for the award for their work on an Iowa Green Brewery Certification Program. The program assesses a brewery’s sustainability, including energy efficiency, sustainable materials management and environmental best practices. Currently, 28 breweries across the state have gained certification through the IWRC’s program. 

“I commend the Iowa Waste Reduction Center for developing the Iowa Green Brewery Certification program,” said Acting EPA Region 7 Administrator Edward H. Chu. “These voluntary programs help empower businesses to institute environmental best practices in their operations, which is a win for the business, the environment, and the community.” 

Pollution prevention (P2)  is any practice that reduces, eliminates or prevents pollution at its source. The EPA Region 7 P2 Awards celebrate organizations across the Midwest who have successfully implemented pollution prevention projects. 

“The Green Brewery Certification program is a free service for all Iowa breweries that provides sustainable guidance in environmental planning, energy efficiency, water quality and conservation and solid waste diversion and disposal,” said IWRC Director Joe Bolick. “We are honored by the EPA’s recognition of this work.”

The IWRC has 33 years of experience providing successful training programs, technical assistance, and pollution prevention services that have included projects and outreach focused on food waste, recycling efforts, energy efficiency, and hazardous substances. IWRC is a non-profit organization, part of Business and Community Services at UNI. For more information, visit www.iwrc.org.