Saving the environment and money at the same time is becoming an important part in today’s growing green culture, particularly in Iowa and at the UI.

The Iowa Renewable Energy Association holds an Energy and Sustainability Expo yearly. This year — the 18th anniversary — the expo will be held Saturday Sept. 13 at the Frontier Natural Products Co-op, in Norway, Iowa.

The energy expo is cosponsored by the UI Office of Sustainability, UI Facilities Management, and the Iowa Energy Center along with many other organizations. They work on recycling and maintaining a clean event.

Eric Foresman, the president of the Board of I-Renew — who is also an energy engineer at UI Facilities Management — said he enjoys the event because he believes it is amazing to meet with people who are on the “cutting edge” of renewable energy in Iowa.

“It’s just a great culture to be in,” he said.

The event features workshops along with speakers who discuss topics related to renewable energy, and advocate for saving money on energy bills and creating a greener environment.

Mike Carberry, the director of I-Renew, said he believes the cost of energy has become a significant part of today’s society.

“The less energy we use, the better it is for our environment,” he said.

The Energy Expo includes speakers from the Iowa Office of Energy Independence, Iowa Energy Center, and Center for American Progress.

Roya Stanley, the director of the Iowa Office of Energy Independence, is a keynote speaker on Saturday’s agenda. She has attended the energy expo for the past two years.

“We really are embarking on a new green economy in the state of Iowa,” she said.

I-Renew spends a majority of its time planning the Energy Expo annually.

“[The event] is our major focus for all summer and probably all spring,” Carberry said.

Because the event is outdoors, some of the logistics include setting up tents, tables, chairs, water, and electric use.

Carberry has spent a lot of time promoting the event through media outlets throughout the state, he said.

Last year, the expo brought together more than 1,300 people in Cedar Falls.

Carberry said many UI students attend the expo. In fact, many UI environmental-science professors encourage their students to attend.

Officials see many benefits to attending the expo for students as well as the general public.

“I think the biggest thing people will get out of [the energy expo] is renewed enthusiasm for what’s possible,” Foresman said.