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Sustainable Solutions
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ustainability is more important now than ever. Here are just a few of the ways local businesses are working toward a brighter future.
WISCONSIN SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS COUNCIL Since 2020, the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council has seen membership increase dramatically. The council welcomes businesses of all sizes and provides services, including educational programming, networking opportunities, and measurement and certification of environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores. The Green Masters ESG program helps companies determine their top sustainability priorities, such as reducing waste, and provides tools to measure progress toward those goals. By joining the
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WSBC, companies can publicize their ESG scores to stakeholders and clients to demonstrate their commitment and results. According to WSBC Managing Director Jessy Ortiz, the most critical aspect of joining the council is being part of a community of businesses working on sustainability challenges. “Sustainability is not just a trend but a movement that benefits businesses by reducing costs and increasing employee engagement,” says Ortiz. All WSBC members are working toward sustainability goals, making the council a valuable resource for businesses looking to make a positive impact. wisconsinsustainability.com
HGA “Sustainability to a designer can differ from what the community
or client thinks sustainable design is – so we want to find where those two intentions align,” says Dan Kalkman, an HGA project architect and designer. Many of HGA’s ongoing sustainability efforts include using renewable energy sources in buildings the firm designs, such as solar panels or geothermal heating, as in building integrated photovoltaics currently in design for an addition to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. HGA has also joined the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Healthier Materials Pledge, which commits the firm to avoid certain potentially toxic building materials, and encourages sustainable resources, like mass timber. The firm also signed onto the AIA 2030 Commitment and the SE2050, two nationwide architectural
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These local organizations are working to make Milwaukee a greener city.