The University of Iowa will receive Environment Excellence award from Gov. Terry Brandstad Aug. 1 for UI officials sustainability efforts, according to a press release.

UI officials have been committed to building and renovating to superior environmental standards such as going paperless and incorporating renewable energies into the school’s energy portfolio.

“Of all these accomplishments, none ranks high in importance as the school’s commitment to building a new generation of leaders, critical thinkers, innovators and entreprenuers,” UI Office of Sustainability Director Liz Christiansen said in the release.

Alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass have contributed to saving money for the university and reducing its carbon footprint.

Christiansen said research in sustainability helps train people to tackle the challenges of economic growth.

The energy conservation that the university has taken part in has saved $500,000 each year.

The ceremony is slated for 3 p.m. in the Wallace Building Auditorium in Des Moines.

— by Zachary Pound