The Greater Des Moines Partnership's Sustainability Committee is charged with examining opportunities to implement green/sustainable practices within businesses to realize cost savings, increase energy efficiency, and encourage sustainable business practices. Leading companies recognize that increased sustainability can positively impact their profitability. In addition, it is a great way to engage employees and demonstrate commitment to our community.
Environmental Impact Awards
Congratulations to the following companies who were recognized at the Environmental Impact Awards through the years. Click here for more information regarding these awards and other recognition opportunities.
2015 Winners:
- Built Environment: Silent Rivers Big Transformation (Residential) and Shive-Hattery (Commercial)
- Business Category: Beckley Automotive Services
- Civic: Drake University (Non-governmental Organization) and City of West Des Moines (Government)
2014 Winners:
- Built Environment: Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity (Residential) and World Food Prize Foundation (Commercial)
- Business Category: Meredith Corporation (Large) and Blank Park Zoo (Small)
- Civic: Iowa Rivers Revival (Non-governmental Organization) and City of Johnston (Government Body)
2013 Winners:
- Built Environment: Oakridge Neighborhood Teen Center (Residential) and DART Central Station (Commercial)
- Business Category: Iowa Health-Des Moines (Large) and The ReWall Company, LLC (Small)
- Civic: Iowa Legal Aid (Non-governmental Organization) and City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation (Government Body)
2012 Winners:
- Built Environment: Sun Prairie Apartments (Residential) and City of West Des Moines for the Historic City Hall Renovation in Valley Junction (Commercial)
- Business Category: Kum & Go (Large) and Strategic America (Small)
- Individual: Pat Boddy
- Civic: Des Moines Bicycle Collective
Click here to learn more about the sustainability initiatives these award winners have put in place.
Business Recycling
Interested in starting a recycling program at your office? We recently hosted a webinar on how to do just that. You can view the slides and video here.
You can also learn more by visiting Metro Waste Authority.
Environmental Capital
Central Iowa's natural resources have served as critical contributors to the region's economy and quality of life for over a hundred years. Exciting opportunities exist to leverage these assets in even more dynamic ways. By developing more capacity in passive and active recreation such as parks, trails, and water sports, considering new ways to consolidate the management of critical environmental resources, and capitalizing on a revolution in sustainability practices that makes the region more livable; the potential exists to create hundreds of good-paying jobs. Read More.
What is Central Iowa's "Green Economy," and why does it matter? These are among the questions the Environmental/Natural Capital set out to answer int its new report, "A Greener Greater Des Moines."
Sustainability and the Law
We are working closely with Drake University students and the City of Des Moines in taking an active role in creating a more sustainable future for Greater Des Moines. Members of the Drake Law School class, Sustainability and the Law, have drafted changes to the Des Moines City code to ensure environmental friendliness and social responsibility, while promoting economic vitality.
MidAmerican Energy Save Some Green ®
Homecheck®
Weatherizing your home can save money on heating bills during the winter. MidAmerican Energy Company can help with a free HomeCheck energy audit. Click here to learn more!
Businesscheck®
For small businesses in Iowa, Illinois, and South Dakota, MidAmerican Energy Company will help start saving dollars immediately with a free audit. Click here to learn more!
Residential Equipment Program
MidAmerican Energy Company offers rebates on the purchase and installation of qualifying high-efficiency equipment.. Click here to learn more!
