Iowa Waste Reduction Center Receives EPA Pollution Prevention Award

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Receives EPA Pollution Prevention Award

The Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) at the University of Northern Iowa was recently selected to receive an EPA Region 7 2021 Pollution Prevention (P2) Award for their work on the 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.”

IWRC Director Joe Bolick emphasized, “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. We are honored by the EPA’s recognition of this work.”

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 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.