IWRC secures $200K in U.S. Department of Energy funding to help small businesses reduce energy costs and improve sustainability.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - December 18, 2025 - The Energy Efficiency Assistance Program for Iowa Small Businesses, developed by the Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) at the University of Northern Iowa will reopen thanks to a new grant award from an Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) energy program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. 

IEDA’s energy programs recognize and award initiatives that advance energy security, improve energy education and reduce energy use. The Energy Efficiency Assistance Program, under the direction of IWRC Associate Director Dan Nickey, was originally implemented in 2020-2022. In those three years, 79 Iowa small businesses received assistance and over $267,831, or 3,499,862 kWh per year in energy saving recommendations were identified. Over the next two years, this program will once again aim to help Iowa's small businesses reduce energy costs and improve sustainability through on-site audits and educational resources.

Who is Eligible?

• Iowa businesses with fewer than 100 employees
• Any geographic location within the state of Iowa
• Industries seeking cost savings and environmental improvements

What Does the Program Offer?

• Free on-site energy audits for lighting, HVAC, compressed air, and building envelope
• Customized audit reports with actionable recommendations
• Educational resources including fact sheets, case studies, and energy calculators
• Dedicated energy efficiency webpage for tools and guidance

Why it Matters

Small businesses often lack access to utility-sponsored energy programs. This initiative provides technical assistance and outreach to empower businesses to adopt best practices in energy management, improving economic resilience and environmental sustainability.

Past recipients of this program had the following to say about this program:

“Air leak inspection is a good service to provide companies. Management too often places their emphasis and priorities on “bigger” projects and neglects these smaller, low priority areas. Having the photo of each problem area is good because it re-enforces what employees need to be looking for and attentive to. Putting a dollar value on each leak helps management understand why the workers need to alert maintenance when they find /experience an air leak.” 

“I feel all business owners should be aware of such a user friendly, excellent service that is available to us. Super simple. Loved and appreciated the entire process!!”

Key Benefits

• Estimated annual cost savings: $244,080 statewide
• Measurable energy reductions in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or BTUs
• Increased participation and engagement through webinars and site visits

Program Goals

1. Conduct 72+ on-site energy audits across Iowa
2. Track implementation and measure savings
3. Provide quarterly and annual performance reports for transparency

How to Participate

Visit iwrc.uni.edu/contact to request a FREE energy audit today! 

For more about this project, contact Dan Nickey at dan.nickey@uni.edu

Contact: 

Molly Wells, Communications & PR Manager, IWRC
319-273-4309
molly.wells@uni.edu

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About IWRC: The Iowa Waste Reduction Center at the University of Northern Iowa has provided environmental services, technical assistance, and training to Iowa businesses for over 30 years. Learn more at iwrc.uni.edu.