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January Newsletter Content
- New Year's Resolutions/Time to be Green
- Conference Recap
- Sustainability Events
- Inspiration Corner
- In the News
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Time to be Green
by Kylie Compe, Communications Intern WSBC
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The start of a new year calls for the making of resolutions, resolutions that need to be kept. As climate change continues to be an increasing threat, more people are needed to step up and make a difference. While individual actions are always appreciated, the most effective way to fight climate change is through broad, systematic changes. These changes could include embracing
stakeholder capitalism
, meaning companies will focus on creating long-term value rather than maximizing profits.
In an
opinion article
written by Klaus Schwab, the Founder and Executive Chairman of the
World Economic Forum
, he explains why stakeholder capitalism is the best option for today's social and environmental challenges.
"[A]ll companies should still seek to harness their core competencies and maintain an entrepreneurial mindset. But they should also work with other stakeholders to improve the state of the world in which they are operating."
We are living in a crucial time period where life as we know it is constantly changing and being threatened. Investing in the future might be the only way to save it.
"
Adherence to the current economic system represents a betrayal of future generations, owing to its environmental unsustainability,
"
Schwab writes.
"Millennials and Generation Z no longer want to work for, invest in, or buy from companies that lack values beyond maximizing shareholder value."
Make 2020 the year we fight back against climate change.
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Thank you to those of you that participated in Evolving Sustainability at the 2019 WSBC Conference on December 12th
.
We had over 300 guests, 11 breakout sessions, biodigester tours, a workshop on the UN SDGs and a lot of synergistic energy and relationships being cultivated. We also celebrated our 2019
Green Masters Companies,
and at the reception the night before, the
Sustainable Business Award Winners.
Congratulations to all these companies making a difference in Wisconsin!
Here's what conference participants had to say:
- "The breakouts were excellent and I loved the venue!"
- "Thanks for the high caliber of speakers and attendees, the energy was amazing!"
- "All of the content was very relevant to what I do on a day to day basis."
- "Its great to witness the overall willingness of various companies to help each other out to improve sustainability performance."
- I loved the emphasis on low waste w/ the mugs, reusable tote bags, etc.
Our conference also received a
Carbon Neutral Event
Certification
from Natural Capitol Partners. If you are interested, you can view our carbon footprint and offset
details
.
For those of you unable to attend, presentations and photos are available for viewing below.
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Finally, we want to give an additional shout out and THANK YOU to our sponsors and partners, whose support make the conference possible and whose participation made it a great event!
Thank you to the following companies making a sustainable difference in Wisconsin.
- Showcase: Evolution Marketing, Inpro, Kohls, Land’s End, Mercury Marine, Madison Gas & Electric, Oshkosh, Reynolds Transfer and Storage, Inc., Telkonet, Outpost Natural Foods, Trane, Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation
- Sustaining: 4imprint, Chortek Business Advisors, Focus on Energy, Logistic Recycling Inc., Johnson Controls
- Partners: B Local Wisconsin, Citizens Utility Board, Leonardo Academy, Midwest Renewable Energy Association, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, Outrider, Racine Sustainable Business Network, RENEW Wisconsin, Sheboygan Sustainability Group, Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership at Edgewood College, Sustain Dane, WI Academy of Sciences, Arts, & Letters, Women in Sustainability.
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USGBC’s 2020 Community Leadership Awards
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Hey, Green Master Program companies! We thought you might be interested in the opportunity to earn recognition with
USGBC's Community Leadership Awards.
These annual awards honor individuals and organizations whose exemplary work has been influential in the expansion of sustainable, higher-performing buildings and projects throughout USGBC's West North Central (WNC) Region. There are several categories, but we thought the following were the most applicable to you:
- Leadership in Sustainable Business Practice: This category recognizes businesses in our region which have demonstrated an unusually high, innovative, or influential level of commitment to sustainability throughout their business practice.
- Raising the Standard: This award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding commitments through their personal time and energy to expand the conversation around sustainability and green buildings outside the green building professional community to reach a broader population. This award category is inspired by USGBC’s Living Standard campaign.
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USGBC Wisconsin 2020 Annual Meeting & Luncheon
Jan 29 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Verona
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USGBC's Annual Meeting brings together the most informed and influential green building leaders in our community!
Join them to celebrate accomplishments, recognize leaders, thank our volunteers, and discuss hot topics. Connect with colleagues, while enjoying food and lively discussions about hot topics tied to
the future of green building in Wisconsin
. Whether a longtime member or new to USGBC's community, this event is open to all who are driven through action to create a healthier and more sustainable future for all!
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By Slipstream
Industrial Refrigeration Systems: strategies to improve energy efficiency
Feb 18 | 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Sun Prairie
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There are many no cost strategies to improve the energy efficiency of industrial refrigeration systems. Join our friends at Slipstream to learn how to
run your industrial refrigerated systems better with simple changes to reduce energy consumption
while meeting refrigeration load. This half-day workshop is geared for customers with custom refrigerated systems including cold storage and refrigerated warehouses.
Attendees will get an in-depth look at refrigeration system settings and new technologies. You will leave with an understanding of the
key elements to develop a successful implementation strategy
that will improve your system and save on your operating expenses.
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Mercury Marine WAEE Luncheon
Feb 26 | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Fond du Lac
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Mercury is a globally recognized leader in the manufacturing of high performance marine and mobility vehicles. How does that happen? How does a company grow from a single outboard engine in 1939 to an international sensation? In their own words
“…We love the outdoors, We love engineering. And we love to go fast".
You can make the case that their "love”, transcends just boats and motors. It is a part of a culture that drives learning, innovation, and agility.
Early adopters of sustainable technologies and practices,
Mercury Marine continues to work on becoming recognized one of the most environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing organizations here and abroad.
Join WAEE and their members for a presentation and a tour at the Mercury Marine Global Headquarters and Manufacturing Facilities. Learn how Mercury has leveraged technology, culture, environmental and social responsibility, into success.
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Manufacturing Matters: Focus & Go
Feb 27 | Milwaukee
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The manufacturing landscape is exciting and filled with many opportunities and challenges. Its dynamic nature favors companies that proactively change with the times
.
With that in mind the
Manufacturing Matters! 20/20
theme is “Focus & Go.”
There will be 6 tracks with 3 sessions in each one to choose from, including a session on
Integrating Sustainability Into Decision Making.
To see a full listing of sessions please
click here
.
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Women in Green - International Women's Day Annual Event
Mar 5 | 4 - 7 p.m. | Milwaukee
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Our 2019 Wisconsin Women in Green collaborators invite YOU to
join us to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) and the women making a difference in our families, our communities, and our workplaces. Women in Green is a worldwide initiative to inspire and empower women working every day to make measurable impact on quality of life.
This event will showcase female heroes standing up for a future with clean air, clean water, healthy food, access to quality education and equitable housing.
Join us to learn more about the female heroes in our communities, as well as stand up together for a brighter, more inclusive future.
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Business Tools for Sustainability
Mar 18 | 8:30 a.m. -11:00 p.m. | Waukesha
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The event takes place at Retzer Nature Center.
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Regional Sustainability Event for Growing Your Impact
Mar 24 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Neenah
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This program is designed to have three parts and will cover:
- Leveraging the Green Masters Program
- Regional networking, collaboration and getting support for sustainability
- Emerging financial trends and their connections to Sustainability
If you are
interested in learning from businesses in the region about how sustainability adds value, wondering how to leverage the Green Masters Program or are interested in expanding networking opportunities with colleagues we invite you to join us for this collaborative event. Designed to cover trending topics and how they can help you improve your impact in sustainability. The last part of the day will talk about the growing importance of sustainability in financial decision making.
The cost to participate is $25 and includes lunch.
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Earth Day@50: Aspiring for Sustainability, Striving for Justice, Crafting the Planet
Apr 20 | 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Madison
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n celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, this year’s conference will set the stage for a convergence between the past and the present,
highlighting the junction between conservation and restoration of the planet and new, ecological innovations.
There will be a focus on how we can leverage the best aspects of the past environmental movements while incorporating an increased sense of social justice.
**This year WSBC and Evolution Marketing are co-hosting a inset workshop at The Earth Day Conference from 10:15-2.30:
Business Workshop on Carbon; Tactics and Tools for Carbon Strategy and Management.
Save the date and stay tuned for more details!
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Looking Back on 2019
Source: The Ellen MacArthur Foundation
"
During 2019, we convened governments, businesses, and cities all over the globe to tackle topics ranging from food and cities to plastics and climate change."
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation reflects on 2019 through their sustainability programs and progress in making the world a greener place. The foundation has tackled issues such as clothing waste, the food system and worked to promote business methods like circular economy.
Check out their reflection to see what they have accomplished this last year.
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U.S. Emissions Dropped in 2019: Here's Why in 6 Charts
New data on America's greenhouse gases shows both good and bad news for the environment. View these six graphs and read what each mean for the environment.
Source: Inside Climate News
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Google joins New Plastics Economy as Technology Partner
Google has joined the Foundation’s New Plastics Economy initiative as a Technology Partner, and with other participating organisations, will scale-up solutions to eliminate plastic waste and pollution through its latest technology.
Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation
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Wisconsin led nation in cuts to environmental protection since 2008
Wisconsin lawmakers cut environmental protection funding more than any other state over the past decade, according to a new study of state pollution control programs.
Source: Wisconsin State Journal
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