Companies save money from UNI’s free energy audits
In January 2023, the Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC), part of the University of Northern Iowa’s Business and Community Services, was featured in the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association’s 2023 Q1 Retailer Magazine for its work with Bodensteiner Implement Company.
In August 2022, Bodensteiner Implement Company took advantage of the IWRC’s free energy assessment to identify steps their facilities could take to reduce their energy consumption. The IWRC’s Iowa Energy Efficiency Program for Rural Small Businesses is designed to assist small businesses seeking to reduce their energy consumption and improve their bottom line. A typical energy assessment evaluates a facility’s compressed air, lighting and building envelope.
“Implement dealers are an ideal candidate for these free energy assessments,” says Dan Nickey, associate director of the IWRC. “The evaluation doesn’t take long and more importantly, doesn’t require a large commitment from the facility’s manager.”
In total, Bodensteiner Implement Co. was projected to save $39,168 annually and could reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 585,579 lbs of carbon dioxide (CO2), 981 lbs of nitric oxide (NO), and 2,018 lbs of sulfur dioxide (SO2) if all recommendations are followed.
Thanks to a grant from the Iowa Energy Office, the assessment is conducted at no cost to businesses employing less than 100 people per facility in Iowa. The ultimate goal is to see Iowa reduce its energy consumption by making Iowa small businesses more energy efficient.
In the four years that the IWRC has been conducting free energy assessments, a small business has been able to see a 10% reduction in energy consumption resulting in an average savings of $3,400 per year. Bodensteiner Implement Co. now has the opportunity to save thousands in yearly energy costs and decrease their negative environmental impact.
To schedule a FREE energy assessment, simply contact Dan Nickey via email at daniel.nickey@uni.edu or by phone (319) 273-6588 or through the IWRC website.