WEI to Convene Wisconsin Climate Wise Participants

Climate Wise is a component of President Clinton’s Climate Change Action Plan, a group of initiatives designed to help the United States honor its international commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000. Climate Wise is a voluntary, non-regulatory effort designed for businesses with manufacturing operations wishing to develop comprehensive and cost-effective energy efficiency and pollution prevention strategies.

WEI has been chosen by the Wisconsin Department of Administration to bring together Wisconsin Climate Wise participants. In 2000, WEI will coordinate two Climate Wise Peer Exchange sessions that will feature discussion forums addressing energy-related topics, presentations on how to turn energy efficiency and pollution prevention actions into a marketable asset that helps a company increase marketshare, and opportunities for participants to network and discuss issues among peers. The Peer Exchanges are also open to those interested in becoming a Climate Wise partner.

Climate Wise offers a range of technical assistance to make participating as simple and valuable as possible. Participants receive extensive assistance and resources that essentially custom-tailors the program to participants' needs. Participants learn about practical and proven actions taken by large and small companies to use energy, water, chemicals, and other materials more efficiently and to reduce waste. They then take these ideas, adapt them to their business and see increased profits, improved productivity and product quality, and enhanced corporate image with employees, customers, communities and investors.

Climate Wise also provides public recognition for companies committing to and achieving reduced greenhouse gas emissions and assists company efforts by offering informational resources, technical and financial assistance, training programs, seminars and workshops. Wisconsin Climate Wise participants include: Briggs and Stratton, Jockey International, The Louis Allis Co., Louisiana Pacific, Miller Brewing Company, Navistar International, Promega Corporation, Quad/Graphics, Snap-On Tools, The West Bend Co and Weyerhaeuser.

The U.S. EPA Climate Wise Program began in 1994 and today has more than 520 Partners and represents more than 13 percent of the U.S. industrial energy use. By the year 2000, Climate Wise is expected to save $600 million and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent-which is equal to removing 4 million cars from U.S. highways.

For more information on Climate Wise contact WEI at info@wi-ei.org or (608)280-0360.