Earthwise Environmental Inc.

Robert S. Miller, CWT

Founder & President

Robert Miller's passion is to change the way the chemical industry treats water, enhance environmentally-sound water management practices and reduce the amount of hazardous chemistry now used. He's been living that passion for decades – long before the current 'greening' of American business.

The founder and president of Bensenville, Ill.-based Earthwise Environmental Inc.™, Miller has 30 years of hands-on experience as an industrial and commercial water management consultant.

"The field allows me the opportunity to help clients improve water quality in environmentally-friendly ways that reduce use of precious energy resources and minimize use of chemicals," he says.

A native of Park Ridge, Ill., Miller earned dual bachelor's degrees in production and personnel management from Loyola University Chicago. His career in the water treatment field began in the early 1980s, with hands-on training at Oakite Chemicals, Berkeley Heights, N.J. He then became a technical representative at the Lake Zurich, Ill., location of Dearborn WR Grace (now GE Water).

Miller graduated from Dearborn's educational services specialty training program in 1983. The six-month, industry-recognized program focuses on all aspects of water management, energy efficiency and plant operating equipment. He then joined a small Illinois-based regional firm and served as district manager.

Miller founded Earthwise Environmental in 1995 to provide environmentally-sound water management options to clients including hospitals, schools, hotels, food processing plants, light industrial and commercial buildings. His company offers proactive programs designed to reduce water consumption while helping clients understand the real energy impact of poorly managed water programs and the potential for energy savings.

Earthwise Environmental also provides waterborne disease health protection through proactive Legionella control and education. Through his work in the industrial and commercial water treatment field, Miller is an established leader in the fight against Legionnaires' disease. Earthwise recommendations for Legionnaires' disease prevention exceed new industry standards set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Under Miller's direction, Earthwise Environmental collaborates with "think-tank" companies to help create the "what's next" generation of water management practices. Specific future goals include development of a non-chemical, completely 'green' water treatment approach.

"The target is to provide water savings, chemical minimization and protection of plant equipment and personnel," he says.

A strong believer in ongoing professional development, Miller received professional designation as a Certified Water Technologist (CWT) in 2005. The CWT, granted by the Association of Water Technologies (AWT), is the highest credential awarded to professionals in the industrial and commercial water treatment field.

Certification is an ongoing process that requires water treatment industry experience, continuing education credits, extensive testing, peer review and recommendations from colleagues and clients. Including Miller, Earthwise Environmental has four other CWTs on staff, more than any other water treatment firm in Illinois.

A hands-on approach to water management combined with professional affiliations, accreditations and educational outreach efforts have positioned Miller as an expert in the field. In addition to his work with clients, he has contributed to the industry through water management conference development, speaking engagements and technical trade publication articles.

In addition to AWT and ASHRAE, Miller is an active member of industrial and commercial water treatment field organizations including U.S. Green Building Council, Hospital Engineers Society of Northern Illinois, National Association of Corrosion Engineers, Society of Plastics Engineers, Healthcare Financial Management Association, Association of Facilities Engineers, Association of Hospital Engineers, Cooling Technology Institute, Chief Engineers Association and the National Leadership Council.