- Home
- About
- Green Growth
- Green Built Home
- Main St. Green
- Clean Clear Waters
- Donate
- Sponsors
Purple State. Green Momentum. Real Results.
In a year shaped by political noise, economic uncertainty, and global climate urgency, Wisconsin proved a simple truth: results still matter more than rhetoric.
At WEI, 2025 reinforced our core belief that climate action works best when it is practical, inclusive, and locally driven. In a politically diverse (“purple”) state like Wisconsin, clean energy and sustainability are advancing not because they are ideological—but because they lower costs, create jobs, strengthen communities, and deliver real value to families and businesses.
From affordable Green Built housing and clean-energy standards to national thought leadership and global engagement at COP30, WEI helped turn momentum into measurable progress—right here at home.
Clean Energy That Saves Money and Builds Resilience
Wisconsin’s clean-energy transition accelerated in 2025—even amid headwinds.
Through guest columns, public testimony, and coalition advocacy, WEI reached audiences statewide via the Wisconsin Examiner, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Ideas Lab, Urban Milwaukee, WisPolitics, UpNorth News and more—making a clear, business-minded case for clean energy:
“Clean energy lowers bills, reduces risk, and strengthens competitiveness. Locking in new fossil fuel infrastructure while renewables and battery storage outpace gas is an expensive mistake Wisconsin can’t afford”.
As the Public Service Commission approved new methane gas plants despite strong public opposition, WEI elevated the economic facts: battery storage costs have fallen nearly 90% in a decade, hundreds of Wisconsin companies are part of the clean-energy supply chain, and major employers are demanding carbon-free power.
Rolling back clean-energy tools doesn’t save money—it raises bills, costs jobs, and slows innovation. In Wisconsin, clean energy is bottom-line economics.
Green Building at Scale: Affordable, Healthy Homes
One of WEI’s most significant accomplishments in 2025 was advancing Green Built Gold, Gold Plus+ Zero Energy Ready, and Net Zero standards for affordable housing—formally approved by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).
These standards set a new statewide benchmark for multifamily housing that:
Across Wisconsin, WEI certified and supported forward-looking developments including 1300 Residences (River Falls), Dakota Meadows & Bebe Lofts (New Richmond), Prairie Heights (Eau Claire), and the Lindoo School redevelopment (Ladysmith)—a historic reuse project featuring on-site solar and high-efficiency design.
When WHEDA awarded $36.6 million in housing tax credits to 27 developments across 13 counties, every project became eligible for WEI’s Green Built Gold standards, ensuring that thousands of Wisconsin families benefit from healthier, more efficient homes for decades to come.
This is climate leadership built to last.
Fixing the System: Smart Policy, Real Results
The Public Service Commission’s updated Rule 113 eliminated the requirement for individual electric meters in affordable housing—cutting millions in unnecessary construction costs and enabling centralized, solar-powered building designs.
Projects like 1300 Residences now demonstrate what’s possible: solar generation, high-efficiency heat pumps, and lower utility bills for low-income households.
This reform underscores a core WEI lesson: targeted policy changes can unlock enormous value—without new mandates or higher costs.
Housing, Workforce, and Main Street Solutions
Wisconsin’s housing shortage—estimated at 125,000 homes statewide—demands solutions that are fast, affordable, and future-ready.
In 2025, WEI helped shape new approaches through the StartingBlock Housing Ideation Workshop and advancing conversations around emerging building technologies, smart land use, and energy-efficient design.
The takeaway was clear: Wisconsin needs more homes, built smarter, with policies that remove friction and align affordability with sustainability.
We also highlighted Main Street in Crisis: How Tariffs Are Crippling Small Businesses—and What Congress Must Do Now to prevent small businesses from being crushed by out-of-control tariffs that are fueling inflation, breaking supply chains, and pushing local retailers to the brink.
Purple State, Green Momentum: Bridging Divides
From Madison to Seattle to Brazil, WEI carried a consistent message in 2025:
In a purple state like Wisconsin, results beat rhetoric.
WEI’s leadership was featured nationally through the American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN) and locally through convenings with entrepreneurs, policymakers, and sustainability leaders—showing how clean energy can unite diverse interests around shared economic outcomes.
Build it here. Power it here. Prosper here.
Local to Global: Wisconsin at COP30
At COP30 in Brazil, Wisconsin’s pragmatic approach resonated on the global stage.
From clean-energy manufacturing and dairy methane reduction to EV charging corridors and solar-powered schools, Wisconsin is demonstrating how state and local leadership can drive climate progress—even when federal leadership falters.
The global clean-energy markets accelerating at COP30 align directly with Wisconsin’s strengths. What happens internationally matters locally—to our workers, businesses, and communities.
Community, Coalition, and Momentum
In 2025, WEI celebrated the power of community—from Monroe Street Earth Day and lake cleanups to Climate Week NYC, statewide clean-energy marches, and neighborhood engagement.
We welcomed new Board leadership, strengthened cross-sector partnerships including the Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin (CECW) and proudly supported organizations like Green Homeowners United, helping Wisconsin lead the nation in IRA energy-efficiency rebates—cutting carbon, lowering bills, and creating good, local jobs.
Looking Ahead
As WEI enters its 30th year—now headquartered at StartingBlock—an innovative, sustainable space in Madison—we do so with confidence and urgency.
Wisconsin has what it takes to lead:
The momentum is real. The opportunity is enormous.
Thank you for being part of this work. Let’s keep building a cleaner, more affordable, and more resilient Wisconsin—together.
2024 in Action: WEI Breaking Through on Clean Energy and Sustainability
2024 was a transformative year for the Wisconsin Environmental Initiative (WEI), marked by significant milestones in clean energy advocacy, green building certification, and community engagement. From impactful summits to advancing sustainability standards and policy, WEI continues to drive meaningful change in Wisconsin and beyond. Below is a summary of our impactful work:
Driving Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Transition
RENEW Wisconsin Summit
WEI proudly sponsored the 2024 RENEW Wisconsin Summit at Monona Terrace in Madison, bringing together over 750 attendees, including experts, policymakers, and community leaders. The summit focused on advancing Wisconsin’s clean energy potential with priorities such as emerging technologies, workforce development, and inclusive sustainability. By fostering collaboration across sectors, the event set a roadmap for a thriving clean energy ecosystem. Read more about the Summit
Bipartisan Climate Victory: EV Infrastructure
Wisconsin achieved a rare bipartisan win with the passage of SB 791 and the anticipated signing of SB 792, unlocking $78 million in federal NEVI program funding. These bills will expand the state’s EV charging network, supporting clean transportation and boosting green tourism. Read the press release
Power Wisconsin Forward Launch
WEI joined clean energy organizations to launch Power Wisconsin Forward, a movement advocating for an affordable, reliable, and fossil-free future. This initiative challenges new methane gas infrastructure and promotes holistic clean energy solutions for Wisconsin. Learn more
Support Clean Energy in Wisconsin: Badger Hollow Wind
Projects like the Badger Hollow Wind Energy Center are critical for achieving Wisconsin’s clean energy goals. Once operational, this project will generate enough renewable energy to power 24,000 Wisconsin homes, reduce emissions equivalent to planting 62 million trees, and invest over $64 million into local communities. WEI encourages public support for this initiative, showcasing the economic, environmental, and social benefits of clean energy.
Advancing Sustainability in Housing
Green Built Gold Standards Approved
WEI’s Green Built Gold Standard, Gold+ and Net-Zero was approved by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) for sustainability scoring on 2025–2026 multifamily housing projects. This recognition underscores the standard’s role in driving energy efficiency, sustainability, and affordability in housing. Learn more
Home Efficiency Rebates Program
WEI attended the launch of Wisconsin’s HOMES program, offering $149 million in federal rebates for clean energy home upgrades. These incentives improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and create jobs. Learn how to participate
Bayview Foundation’s Sustainable Community Center
WEI provided Green Built Certification services for the Bayview Foundation’s new community center—a model for ultra-low-income housing. The project integrates Passive House standards, solar arrays, green roofs, and community gardens, showcasing sustainable, inclusive design. Read more
Environmental Policy Highlights
Protecting Wisconsin’s Green Tier Programs
WEI published op-eds in The Capital Times and Wisconsin Examiner defending Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Wisconsin’s Green Tier and environmental compliance programs. These programs enhance environmental performance, reduce costs, and foster competitive advantages, making them vital for green economic growth. Read the op-ed
Sustainability Professionals Raise Their Voices for Climate Policy
At Greenbiz24, Bill Weihl, founder of the Climate Voice Campaign, highlighted the critical role of sustainability professionals in driving climate policy. During the event, Weihl, who lost his voice to ALS, delivered a powerful speech using a Generative AI voice generator, emphasizing the urgency of climate action. WEI supports the LEAD Statement, launched at the event to mobilize industry professionals in advocating for stronger climate policies. Watch Bill Weihl’s speech and sign the statement
Clean Energy Commitments at Risk
WEI joined the Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin in opposing new fossil fuel projects and advocating for a clean energy future. Op-eds highlighted the economic, environmental, and health risks of methane gas infrastructure. Learn more
Business at the Forefront: Why American Companies Matter at COP29
WEI featured the blog post by Michael Green, Senior Advisor on Climate & Energy at the American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN) that highlights the pivotal role of the private sector:
“As American companies increasingly see value in environmental stewardship and resilience, the decisions made at COP29 will resonate across supply chains, financial markets, and competitive landscapes. Strong climate commitments bring stability to economies, open new markets, and stimulate innovation in everything from clean energy technologies to carbon capture.”
Community Engagement and Events
Earth Day Celebrations
From Monroe Street Green’s eco-friendly events to a Capitol rally, WEI participated in Earth Day 2024 celebrations with Badger Volunteers, highlighting the Inflation Reduction Act’s impact on clean energy and sustainable development. Read more
Climate Week NYC
WEI attended Climate Week NYC, engaging with global leaders on advancing climate action. Sessions emphasized just transitions, green innovation, and sustainable urban design. Explore highlights
Bloomberg Green Festival
WEI joined 2,500+ innovators and policymakers at the Bloomberg Green Festival in Seattle, focusing on climate economy trends and actionable solutions. Watch the highlights
Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin (CECW)
WEI actively engaged in the Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin (CECW) through monthly calls and in-person events, contributing to key campaigns and collaborative planning efforts. Highlights included updates on Public Service Commission (PSC) rate case hearings, the 2025 State Planning framework, and initiatives like Power WI Forward, the Healthy Home Imperative, and Clean Energy Standards. Learn more about CECW’s work here: CECW Fact Sheet.
Forward Together Wisconsin Fall Convening: Making Sustainable Attainable
WEI attended the Forward Together Wisconsin Fall Convening in Milwaukee, which gathered nearly 300 leaders from government, business, labor, and community-based organizations. The event featured inspiring discussions on leveraging the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to advance sustainability in Wisconsin. Key speakers included Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Rep. Gwen Moore, County Executive David Crowley, Mayor Cavalier Johnson, and representatives from The White House, DOE, EPA, and Treasury. This vibrant coalition highlighted the power of collaboration in making sustainability attainable for all.
Climate Fast Forward 2024
As a proud member of the planning committee and sponsor, WEI supported the third Climate Fast Forward Conference, Wisconsin's premier statewide event addressing climate change impacts and solutions.
Hosted by the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters in Rothschild, WI, this two-day event brought together changemakers—seasoned experts, new voices, and diverse communities most affected by climate change.
Building on the success of 2019 and 2022, Climate Fast Forward continues to empower action and drive meaningful climate solutions in Wisconsin!
Empowering Entrepreneurs
Ecopreneurs Program
In collaboration with NHTI, WEI supports entrepreneurship by helping individuals, including those from low-income or marginalized communities, grow sustainable businesses and foster economic empowerment through mentorship, green innovation, and inclusive opportunities.
WEI social media reached over 76,000 in 2024 with posts resulting in over 10,000 link clicks, page visits and post engagements. Check out WEI’s Facebook page and be sure to "Like" and leave comments on our social media to let us know how we're doing.
“2024 showcased WEI’s commitment to driving Wisconsin’s environmental and economic progress. With continued collaboration and innovation, we look forward to building a sustainable and equitable future for all.”
For more on WEI, please visit our website.
Want to support WEI? Please make a fully tax-deductible contribution as an individual donor or join WEI as a sponsor.
Thanks to all our partners for another great year!
WEI 20th Anniversary Video
