About WEI

WEI 2024 Recap

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!