Mar 28, 2022

UNI's IWRC celebrates 34 years of helping Iowa

In 2022, the Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) celebrates 34 years of serving Iowa businesses, communities and organizations through environmental consulting, assistance, training and education. From helping small rural manufacturers ensure they are compliant with environmental regulations and working with schools to reduce food waste to developing the Iowa Green Brewery Certification program and an internationally recognized military painter training program, the IWRC has spent over three decades providing direct environmental services wanted by the industries served.

“To still be operating at the level we are and to continue to stay relevant with our services and outreach really is a testament to our incredible staff here at the IWRC as well as the businesses and organizations we serve,” says Joe Bolick, IWRC Director. “We’re so lucky, our clients care about their impact on the environment and we care deeply about their businesses continuing to succeed and I think that is why we have continued to grow and thrive over the years.”.

In FY2021 alone, the IWRC has made a large impact on Iowa and beyond, including:

Provided 4,269 certifications to military painters and Department of Defense contractors, saving military bases and depots over $500,000 in painting and coating costs.
Provided detailed assistance or on-site review to 6,340 Iowa small businesses
Conducted 8 food waste projects.
Certified 30 craft breweries.

The IWRC is working with West O Beer, located in Milford, towards their certification with the Iowa Green Brewery Certification program.

A full list of training and workshops can be found online here.