WEI: Wisconsin Environmental Initiative

2023 Recap - WEI: Wisconsin Environmental Initiative https://lnkd.in/eMCgffh3 WEI's accomplishments in 2023 reflect its commitment to sustainable business practices, green building, environmental advocacy, and collaboration towards a more regenerative and just future. See our 2023 recap here: https://lnkd.in/eMCgffh3 American Sustainable Business Network Members of the American Sustainable Business Network Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin WisBiz Green WisBusiness.com WisPolitics.com GreenBiz.com #climatefastforward Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) #CleanEnergyJobs #greeneconomy #greenjobs #climatesolutions #cleanenergy #InflationReductionAct Morgridge Center for Public Service Badger Volunteers #infrastructure Monroe Street Madison Downtown Madison, Inc. Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce

🌟 WEI Transforming Wisconsin Multifamily Housing with Green Built Gold Standards! This week, WEI attended the 2024 WHEDA Conference: How Housing Happens and shared exciting news for developers, stakeholders, and our community: The Wisconsin Green Built Gold Standard has been approved by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) for sustainability scoring points on 2025–2026 projects! Here’s how Green Built Gold and its advanced certifications are driving energy efficiency, sustainability, and affordability in multifamily housing: ✅ Green Built Gold Certification Achieve high-performance standards through: • Integrative Design (Focus on Energy) • ENERGY STAR Certification • EPA Indoor airPLUS Certification 💡 Projects must meet higher benchmarks across key areas, from energy efficiency and waste reduction to water conservation and sustainable materials. ✅ Green Built Gold Plus Certification Take it to the next level! Meet U.S. DOE Zero Energy Ready Home standards for 10 additional WHEDA points. These homes are so efficient that renewable energy could offset most (or all) of their annual energy use. ✅ Green Built Gold Net Zero Certification Reach the pinnacle of sustainability with Net Zero Energy standards for 20 additional points. Projects must install or procure renewable energy to match the building’s total energy consumption. 🌱 Why It Matters: Every certified project undergoes independent, on-site verification, ensuring real-world impact. The result? A clear flexible locally developed framework for creating greener, healthier, and more sustainable housing for Wisconsin families while unlocking valuable investment tax credits and rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act. Ready to make your next project a green-building success? Visit here for more details: https://lnkd.in/gxs2rnXT Let’s build a greener future together! Contact us today: John Imes Co-founder & Director, WEI jimesother@gmail.com 🌐 www.weigogreener.org Focus on Energy WEI: Wisconsin Environmental Initiative American Sustainable Business Network WisBusiness.com WisPolitics.com Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin #sustainability #greenbuiltgold #NetZero #AffordableHousing #Wisconsin Trellis Group Wisconsin Conservation Voters Slipstream U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

BIPOC Ecopreneurs - Creating Sustainable Businesses It was a pleasure to collaborate with partners at the NHTI (The Network for Health, Technology, and Innovation) Business Program event, which is dedicated to empowering BIPOC entrepreneurs and business owners with the resources they need to succeed in today’s competitive market. Over the past year, the NHTI Innovation Project has achieved remarkable progress, enrolling 110 BIPOC businesses and graduating 86 in the Southcentral Wisconsin Region. The program has boosted portfolio revenue to over $6 million annually and facilitated 337 individual entrepreneurial mentorship sessions. “We recognize the significant challenges entrepreneurs face, particularly those from underrepresented groups. That’s why we’re so impressed by the NHTI Entrepreneurship Program's efforts to foster a community of BIPOC ecopreneurs, especially in the green building and technology sectors, said WEI Cofounder and Director, John Imes. A prime example is Altus’ work with Prodigal Building Systems on 4-unit development projects, aligning with Milwaukee’s community reinvestment efforts. These types of partnerships not only support sustainable growth but also empower entrepreneurs and create new pathways for economic empowerment." WEI looks forward to continuing our partnership and building on this important work to drive inclusive and sustainable growth across Wisconsin. Daniel Guerra Jr. 100state Madison College Entrepreneur Center JJ Pagac Shana LaFore Downtown Madison Inc. Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin Wisconsin Conservation Voters Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Power Wisconsin Forward WisPolitics.com WisBusiness.com Cle Gray Trellis Group MMAC American Sustainable Business Network #entrepreneurship #cleanenergyjobs #ecopreneurs #sustainablebusiness

Climate Week NYC Recap WEI Cofounder & Director John Imes attended Climate Week in NYC, the largest gathering of climate leaders, innovators, and action-takers from across business, government, politics, tech, academia, NGOs, and civic groups. With over 900 events and an estimated 100,000 participants, it was an incredible experience. Hosted by the nonprofit Climate Group, Climate Week 2024 focused on the theme “It’s Time,” emphasizing the need for a just transition that ensures the benefits of climate action reach everyone. You can read a full recap here: It’s Time Highlights - Climate Week NYC https://lnkd.in/e2EQZ9bY Other highlights include: ClimateVoice Reception: Introduced Climate Action at Work https://lnkd.in/gXM6YqBu is a fantastic resource with practical tips on taking action in the workplace by engaging colleagues, using influence, and advocating for climate solutions. The Nest Climate Campus Main Stage: Featured insightful sessions, including Facing the Climate Crisis: Protecting the Future of Food with Jeff Frank, CEO of Organic Valley; How to Achieve Rapid & Responsible Offshore Wind Development; Decarbonizing the Built Environment; and Cultivating a Sustainable Workplace. Pure Strategies, Inc. Panel: Co-hosted by Joel Makower, Director and Co-Founder of the Trellis Group (formerly GreenBiz), offered simple steps companies can take to protect, restore, and sustainably manage natural resources. For further insights, read Joel’s feature on the importance of Climate Week: The Secret to Success at Climate Week NYC? Just Showing Up: https://lnkd.in/e2nujVas Beyond the sessions, John enjoyed exploring New York’s green spaces and vibrant neighborhoods by subway and e-bike. He stayed in uptown Harlem, a historic neighborhood synonymous with Black culture, which added a rich, local flavor to the experience. Climate Week was a powerful reminder of the immense collaboration and innovation happening globally to combat climate change. It reinforced the urgent need for action and inspired forward-thinking solutions to create a more just and sustainable future for all. Clean Wisconsin RENEW Wisconsin American Sustainable Business Network Wisconsin Conservation Voters WisPolitics.com WisBusiness.com Trellis Group Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters Downtown Madison Inc. Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Greater Milwaukee Foundation Midwest Renewable Energy Association Midwest Climate Collaborative League of Wisconsin Municipalities #InflationReductionAct #climatefastforward #solar #batterystorage #microgrids #communitysolar #SmartGRID #climatewinshere #ClimateAction #SustainableFuture Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin Power Wisconsin Forward

WEI E-Update: Power Wisconsin Forward, Home Efficiency Rebates, BIPOC Ecopreneurs, Climate Action & More! https://lnkd.in/gUXyCpcU Power Wisconsin Forward Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin Clean Wisconsin RENEW Wisconsin Wisconsin Conservation Voters WisPolitics.com WisBusiness.com Trellis Group MMAC Downtown Madison Inc. Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Midwest Renewable Energy Association Midwest Climate Collaborative League of Wisconsin Municipalities 350 Wisconsin Climate Action Campaign DC Elevate Ingeteam Healthy Climate Wisconsin Michael Fields Agricultural Institute The Nature Conservancy Sierra Club Slipstream Evergreen Action Action for the Climate Emergency American Farmland Trust Citizens' Climate Lobby Climate Group Climate Power Electrification Coalition Forward Together Wisconsin Gathering Waters: Wisconsin's Alliance for Land Trusts MKE FreshAir Collective Healthy Climate Wisconsin Wisconsin Land+Water Conservation Association Walnut Way Conservation Corp Wisconsin Environmental Health Network Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council

Power Wisconsin Forward! Today, clean energy organizations statewide launched Power Wisconsin Forward, a movement dedicated to creating an affordable, reliable, and fossil-free future. Supported by leading clean energy and environmental groups, we stand firm in the belief that methane gas infrastructure harms our people, our planet, and our pocketbooks. To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/gP9_zjPh *Read the press release: https://lnkd.in/gwUuYJtb *Read WEI Cofounder & Director John Imes op-ed: Wisconsin Clean Energy Commitments at Risk https://lnkd.in/geGtn-2k Power Wisconsin Forward Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin Clean Wisconsin RENEW Wisconsin Wisconsin Conservation Voters WisPolitics.com WisBusiness.com Wisconsin Technology Council Trellis Group MMAC Downtown Madison Inc. Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Midwest Renewable Energy Association Midwest Climate Collaborative Public Service Commission of Wisconsin League of Wisconsin Municipalities #InflationReductionAct #climatefastforward #solarenergy #windenergy #BatteryStorage #communitysolar #smartgrid 350 Wisconsin Climate Action Campaign DC Elevate Ingeteam Healthy Climate Wisconsin Michael Fields Agricultural Institute The Nature Conservancy Sierra Club Slipstream Evergreen Action Action for the Climate Emergency American Farmland Trust Citizens' Climate Lobby Climate Group Climate Power Electrification Coalition Forward Together Wisconsin Gathering Waters: Wisconsin's Alliance for Land Trusts MKE FreshAir Collective Wisconsin Land+Water Conservation Association Union of Concerned Scientists Walnut Way Conservation Corp Wisconsin Environmental Health Network Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council

🌍 Bloomberg Green Festival Recap WEI had the privilege of attending the Bloomberg Green Festival, an inspiring global event with 2,500+ innovators, policymakers, and activists uniting for climate solutions. Held at Seattle Center, the event celebrated Technology & Innovation, The Climate Economy, Greener Living, and Green Policy with abundant energy and optimism! Watch: Bloomberg Green Festival Highlights: https://lnkd.in/gcUgqjZp Highlights: • The Renewable Energy session analyzed exciting growth trends in solar, wind, and battery industries. • Stacey Abrams passionately called for strong political leadership in climate action. • Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior Sally Jewell discussed integrating climate priorities into business operations, offering fresh perspectives. • Steven Hamburg of the Environmental Defense Fund showcased MethaneSAT’s role in detecting methane emissions to enhance climate transparency. • Engaging workshops and themed networking sessions on greener living, climate tech, food & agriculture, and ESG reporting fostered dynamic exchanges of ideas. • The Bloomberg Green Docs Festival featured inspiring finalists "Finding Home," "Between Earth & Sky," and "Chasing Time," with insightful post-screening discussions with the directors. *Together, we embraced opportunities for practical, collective change for a sustainable future! Let's continue to work together and create a vibrant, greener clean economy that works for all! For more information, please visit: https://lnkd.in/ekGVgsaM Clean Wisconsin RENEW Wisconsin American Sustainable Business Network Wisconsin Conservation Voters WisPolitics.com WisBusiness.com WEI: Wisconsin Environmental Initiative Trellis Group Downtown Madison Inc. Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Greater Milwaukee Foundation Midwest Climate Collaborative Midwest Renewable Energy Association Microsoft League of Wisconsin Municipalities Bloomberg Live #InflationReductionAct #climatefastforward #solar #batterystorage #microgrids #communitysolar #smartgrid #climatewinshere #BloombergGreen #ClimateAction #SustainableFuture #greenfestival

WEI E-Update: Clean Energy at Risk, Bad Day for Small Biz, ASBN Annual Report, Celebrating Bayview & More! 🌎 https://lnkd.in/ghKhvSDG Wisconsin Clean Energy Commitments at Risk? "...The potential health consequences, increasing financial burden and economic impacts on green job growth underscore the urgent need to transition towards cleaner, renewable energy sources. …Let’s urge policymakers to embrace a clean energy future for Wisconsin—one that benefits everyone, now and for generations to come..." Clean Wisconsin RENEW Wisconsin American Sustainable Business Network Wisconsin Conservation Voters WisPolitics.com WisBusiness.com WEI: Wisconsin Environmental Initiative Wisconsin Technology Council Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation GreenBiz Group Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters MMAC Downtown Madison Inc. Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Greater Milwaukee Foundation Midwest Climate Collaborative Midwest Renewable Energy Association Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Microsoft League of Wisconsin Municipalities #inflationreductionact #climatefastforward #solar #wind #batterystorage #microgrids #communitysolar #smartgrids #ClimateWinsHere Bloomberg Live

Wisconsin’s clean energy commitments at risk: https://lnkd.in/geGtn-2k … The potential health consequences, increasing financial burden and economic impacts on green job growth underscore the urgent need to transition towards cleaner, renewable energy sources. This is why many groups across the state – including the Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin (CECW), a coalition of climate, energy, environmental justice and conservation organizations, businesses and allies — oppose new fossil fuel plants and support a more holistic planning process … let’s urge policymakers to embrace a clean energy future for Wisconsin—one that benefits everyone, now and for generations to come. Clean Wisconsin RENEW Wisconsin American Sustainable Business Network Wisconsin Conservation Voters WisPolitics.com WisBusiness.com WEI: Wisconsin Environmental Initiative Wisconsin Technology Council Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation GreenBiz Group Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters MMAC Downtown Madison Inc. Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Greater Milwaukee Foundation Midwest Climate Collaborative Midwest Renewable Energy Association Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Microsoft League of Wisconsin Municipalities #inflationreductionact #climatefastforward #solar #wind #batterystorage #microgrids #communitysolar #smartgrids #ClimateWinsHere Tesla Energy

Great event at the WisPolitics.com luncheon today with Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Chair Summer Strand on the energy transition in Wisconsin! During the Q&A, WEI Cofounder & Director John Imes highlighted that companies like Microsoft are shifting to 100% renewable energy and making their battery backup power available to augment the grid. Additionally, massive battery energy storage systems are being deployed nationwide, even in fossil fuel states like Alaska, to replace natural gas plants for addressing peak demand while reducing costs. -- His question: Shouldn’t we align our energy portfolio with the state’s clean energy goals and prioritize a holistic approach to growing Wisconsin’s clean energy economy? To hear the response and watch the event, please visit here: https://lnkd.in/gjFySxG6 American Sustainable Business Network Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin Clean Wisconsin GreenBiz Group WisBusiness.com WEI: Wisconsin Environmental Initiative Wisconsin Conservation Voters Downtown Madison Inc. Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce League of Wisconsin Municipalities RENEW Wisconsin #inflationreductionact #climatefastforward #solar #wind #batterystorage #microgrids #communitysolar #smartgrids #ClimateWinsHere Tesla Energy