Member Profile Archive

February 2007: Eppstein Uhen Architects

March 2007: Marshall Erdman & Associates and We Energies

April 2007: Vogel Brothers Building Company and Royal Container Service

May 2007: American Transmission Company

June 2007: The Jansen Group

July 2007: Madison Gas and Electric

August 2007: Tri-North Builders

June 2008: MSI General Corporation

June 2008

MSI GENERAL CORPORATION
Adaptive Reuse and Urban Renewal
MSI General has always been design/build. For over 50 years the philosophy of grouping architects, engineers and construction managers under one roof has proven to be a successful construction delivery method. It is especially effective when applied to the “new” green building initiatives that we are now experiencing on a wide scale.

MSI General has 60 full time employees, including 4 architects, 5 architectural interns, a full time interior designer and 3 engineers. Teaming together with our in-house estimators, project directors and field superintendents, we offer “Single Source Responsibility™ to deliver your project on time and on budget.

In fact, there is nothing “new” about sustainable design at MSI General. We have always promoted socially responsible building practices and we aid our clients in exploring the options available in the latest materials and methods which integrate energy efficiency and environmental responsibility into their designs. We integrated High Performance construction standards back in 2006. MSI General has been involved in a number of adaptive reuse projects in the past 2 years.

At The Beerline Crossing in Glendale, we shared a vision with owners, developers, the tenant and the City and put together a strategic partnership which resulted in an award-winning project that was beneficial to everyone involved. The project was a former industrial site comprised of 17 vacant buildings (some dating back to 1907). We were able to re-use all of the original brick. The steel was either melted down and re-used, or incorporated into the new design. All of the old concrete was ground up for fill and paving base.

We currently have an industrial project in design development that we are pursuing LEED certification in, using exciting design features which include landscaping with native vegetation, paver brick on the main drive which acts as a storm water collector and a roof water system that collects rain water in tanks and is reused in the plant operating process.

MSI General is dedicated to the design and construction of new facilities in a sustainable manner, and is an expert at incorporating new technology in their renovations to lessen the harm caused by poorly designed buildings of the past.

MSI General is a member of WasteCap Wisconsin and USGBC. If you need more information on the services MSI General provide, visit our website at www.msigeneral.com.

August 2007

TRI-NORTH BUILDERS
Established in Madison, Wisconsin in 1981, Tri-North Builders specializes in commercial, healthcare, hospitality, and retail construction. The company has grown to become one of the nation’s largest construction companies and a leader in green building.

In October 2006, Tri-North moved into its new corporate headquarters located in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. Built to meet LEED® gold certification, the 55,000 square foot, three-story facility serves as the company’s showcase.

As one of the most environmentally-friendly buildings in the Midwest, Tri-North’s facility features an energy efficient mechanical system, cotton batt insulation (made from recycled blue jeans), a green roof, waterless urinals and low-flush toilets in the bathrooms, and pervious concrete in the parking lot. Additionally, the building’s large windows and skylights allow for extensive use of natural lighting in offices (over 75 percent), cutting electricity usage. The building’s HVAC and electrical systems are over 30 percent more efficient than standard systems, while the plumbing fixtures save 300,000 to 400,000 gallons of water each year. During construction, the company recycled 76 percent of the project’s waste, a total of 261.45 tons of debris.

In addition to its offices in Fitchburg, Tri-North has offices in Milwaukee and Dallas, employs over 300 people, and has revenues of $180 million.

For additional information on Tri-North Builders, Inc. and green building, please visit http://www.tri-north.com, or call 608-271-8717.

July 2007

MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC
Environmental stewardship is part of Wisconsin’s heritage. Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) works to support that tradition while providing reliable service to 137,000 natural gas and 136,000 electric customers in southcentral and western Wisconsin.

Next year, MGE will be the first investor-owned utility to meet a State of Wisconsin requirement that calls for an average of 10% of the state’s electricity to come from renewable energy by 2015. MGE will increase its wind power capacity by nearly eight times.

MGE works to integrate environmental responsibility in all phases of its business. In 2005, MGE received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Environmental Performance for its construction recycling effort at its new power plant.

MGE partnered with WasteCap Wisconsin and met its goal to recycle 75% of construction waste when the company built the 150- megawatt natural gas-fired West Campus Cogeneration Facility. Recycling at the power plant construction site saved 2,000 tons of concrete, metal, wood, cardboard, paper and plastic and $103,000 by cutting landfill fees and selling recovered materials.

This successful effort with WasteCap Wisconsin further developed MGE’s practice of reducing and reusing as many products as possible. For example, MGE offers customers a thermostat-recycling program to help reclaim mercury. The company sells scrap wire, iron and other metals for reuse and recycles large amounts of paper. In 2006, MGE recycled more than 550,000 pounds of copper, steel, iron, lead, aluminum and other miscellaneous metals. For more information about Madison Gas and Electric, visit www.mge.com.

June 2007

THE JANSEN GROUP
The Jansen Group, Inc. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has served the Milwaukee area as a quality general contractor and construction manager for over 75 years. Jansen is the only remaining general contractor that has its own highly skilled trade crews performing site work, concrete, masonry and carpentry. Jansen has established itself as a leader in the green building movement. Due to the commitment of its employees, recycling has become a standard corporate policy for all projects. Jansen was a partner and participant in an EPA / DNR funded study performed by Wastecap Wisconsin on the training and implementation of recycling on five commercial construction projects each performed by WasteCap trained project managers.

Green building practices were incorporated in the expansion and renovation of Jansen’s offices over 10 years ago. The Jansen Group chose to remain in its current location in order to maximize the use of the existing facility structure. Some of the features include: an open office concept utilized to take advantage of day lighting by maximizing natural lighting to all areas of the office; linoleum flooring in all circulation and support areas of the building made of natural material; existing built-in furniture that was reused and modified for new office layouts. Employees are encouraged to recycle and each workstation has separate containers.

Jansen was the construction manager on the team that received the first LEED Gold new building certification in the State of Wisconsin for the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, in Bayside. The facility incorporates numerous green building features including a geothermal HVAC system, photovoltaic system, low flow and waterless toilet fixtures, recycled and rapid renewable content materials as well as trees sustainably harvested from the site for structural member and decking material. An extensive recycling program was conducted by The Jansen Group and WasteCap Wisconsin resulting in a 78% recycling rate on the project.

Jansen was also the construction manager on the Urban Ecology Center project in Milwaukee. The team used LEED as a guide for all design and construction decisions made on the project. Extensive use was made of reclaimed materials for finishes, such as reclaimed gymnasium flooring, ceiling tile, unique wall treatments, windows, brick and slate chalkboards. A gray water system, green roof, rain gardens, low flow fixtures and permeable paving were also used. With WasteCap’s help, Jansen achieved a 75% recycling rate on this project.

The Jansen Group is a member of Wastecap Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance. If you need any further information on Jansen and the services they provide, contact Monique Charlier, LEED AP, WC AP, Division President, at mcharlier@jansengroup.com or for more information on the Jansen Group, Inc. please visit http://www.jansengroup.com.

May 2007

AMERICAN TRANSMISSION COMPANY
American Transmission Co. is the organization that helps keep the lights on in the eastern two-thirds of Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and portions of Minnesota and Illinois. Since 2001, ATC has owned and operated the transmission system that moves large amounts of electricity generated at power plants to the distribution facilities that deliver service to customers. The company has invested more than $1 billion to improve the reliability of the transmission system and has plans for an additional $3 billion over the next 10 years.

Continual improvement is a hallmark of ATC operations, and that carries over into the organization’s goal to leave the environment better than when the company arrived to start its work. The over-arching goal for ATC’s environmental department is to identify, protect and preserve the environment in all aspects of the company’s work. The company works proactively and collaboratively to achieve its environmental goals by developing processes and seeking partnerships that foster stewardship.

ATC’s participation in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource’s Green Tier program means the company has made a commitment to superior environmental performance. One of the metrics used to evaluate that performance is recycling and waste management. In 2006, the first full year of participation in Green Tier, ATC recycled construction waste with excellent results, doubling the amount of salvage material over the previous year. More than 300,000 pounds of scrap metals and more than 52,000 pounds of oil were recycled. Almost all old equipment (wood poles, steel transmission structures) is reused or recycled. More than $1 million was generated in salvage value in 2006.

Other partnerships with landowners, nonprofit groups and conservation organizations work to improve habitats on the company’s transmission line corridors. Wood turtles, the Karner blue butterfly and native vegetative species all have benefited from ATC’s environmental credo – “Better because we’re here.” For more information on American Transmission Company, visit www.atcllc.com.

April 2007

ROYAL CONTAINER SERVICE
Royal Container Service provides more than just containers
Royal Container Service is known for their work in job site waste removal. But, Royal Recycling, a division of Royal Container Service, also works to recycle and reduce waste by diverting wood scraps and pallets from landfills to make colored mulch, animal bedding and playground cover.

Colored mulch is used by landscapers and homeowners around plants and trees, inhibiting weed growth and helping to retain moisture. Animal bedding is used in the winter months for cows and pigs. The wood is ground to a small size, is more absorbent and more desirable than sawdust.

Royal Container Service keeps dumpster sites clean and organized for contractors in order to maximize material separation. Containers, which vary from 6 to 30 cubic yards, are placed in a convenient location on the job site and safely removed using a hook-lift system.

Servicing all of Dane County and parts of Columbia, Green, Sauk and Jefferson Counties, Royal Container Service is committed to using the most advanced technology to effectively provide service to their customers. To learn more about Royal Container Service, visit www.royalcontainer.com.

VOGEL BROTHERS BUILDING COMPANY
Vogel Brothers helps Madison business achieve LEED certification
Over the last 75 years, Vogel Brothers Building Company has expanded to include green construction services. They were awarded a Demonstration Grant from the Department of Natural Resources to implement a construction waste management program for the building of Affiliated Engineers office in Madison. With the help of WasteCap Wisconsin, the project successfully recycled and reused 75% of its construction waste and achieved LEED certification.

After breaking ground in June 2006, Vogel Brothers began the process of adding another LEED certified building to its resume. The Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation office in Madison is being constructed with the help of fellow green supporters such as Eppstein Uhen Architects and Arnold & O’Sheridan. The organization champions innovative energy initiatives that that deliver short- and long-term economic and environmental benefits to consumers, businesses and policy makers and is working with Vogel Brothers to incorporate some of the values they teach into the construction of their new office.

George Vogel Jr. led the company for the first 40 years, handing it off to his son, David in 1969. Seeking to diversify, a branch operation opened in Lakeland, Florida in 1980. Now, Peter Vogel leads the Wisconsin division and Dan Vogel is president of the Florida division.

Vogel Brothers annually supports Madison’s Race for the Cure by providing a construction crew to build staging for the event. They also actively support United Way, Habitat for Humanity and WasteCap Wisconsin. David Vogel remains active as Chairman of the Board and received the Community Service Award from the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin in 2004 and continues to supporting various charities and events throughout the community. To learn more about Vogel Brothers, visit www.vogelbldg.com.

March 2007

MARSHALL ERDMAN & ASSOCIATES
Striking a balance between caring and functional efficiency
For more than 50 years, Marshall Erdman & Associates has specialized in working with group healthcare practice and hospital administrators, physicians and other healthcare providers to create innovative medical facilities. Healthcare facility planning, design and construction are its specialty.

Marshall Erdman's comprehensive process begins by incorporating the identification of post-construction benefits into the pre-design process, which they call Beneficial Outcomes.SM When a facility is designed, a balance is struck between caring, comforting spaces and functional efficiency, as well as between serving current needs and offering flexibility for future adaptation. Civil, mechanical, electrical and structural engineers work in the same building as the architects resulting in engineering solutions that are compatible with the architectural design.

Marshall Erdman recently designed the Dean East Multi-Specialty Clinic project in Madison, which consolidated four locations into one new multi-specialty facility thereby reducing the need for costly equipment and process duplication. Through their design and construction, they ensured energy efficiency and high-quality materials to reduce overhead and high life-cycle costs. The 146,000 square foot facility also houses Healing Hospitality® elements, including a four-story water feature, aquariums, natural lighting and framed art.

The Southwest Regional Health Center in Platteville, Wisconsin, features such amenities as a walking garden and full-service cafeteria contributing to higher satisfaction among patients and their families. The center also offers single-occupancy rooms, which incorporate the latest innovations in wellness to deliver improved medical outcomes. For more information about Marshall Erdman & Associates, visit www.erdman.com.

WE ENERGIES
Working to lessen CO2 emissions
We Energies serves more than 1.1 million electric customers in Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and more than one million natural gas customers in Wisconsin. We Energies also serve about 2,500 water customers in Milwaukee’s northern suburbs and about 500 steam customers in downtown Milwaukee.

Besides providing energy to more than a million customers, We Energies also works to lessen green house gas emissions through its Energy for Tomorrow program. Customers can decide what percentage of their energy bill will be matched by We Energies – 25, 50 or 100 percent. We Energies produces or purchases renewable energy to match the percentage of electric usage. More than 14,000 customers have partnered with We Energies in producing electricity through clean renewable sources. That is the equivalent of planting 6.3 acres of trees or the output of 10,286 sports utility vehicles.

One of We Energies newest environmentally conscious efforts is the construction of a Blue Sky Green Field wind project located in the towns of Calumet and Marshfield in northeast Fond du Lac County. According to a We Energies press release, the project will consist of approximately 88 wind turbines, will generate up to 203 megawatts of electricity, and will be capable of powering up to 45,000 average homes. It is anticipated that construction will begin in 2007 or early 2008. It is expected to cost up to $400 million. For more information about We Energies, visit www.we-energies.com.

February 2007

EPPSTEIN UHEN ARCHITECTS
Taking Responsibility Beyond Design
Eppstein Uhen Architects is one of Wisconsin's largest, most diverse architectural firms, employing about 150 people. Operating under the guidance of several core values, they categorize themselves as loose-tight-loose meaning flexible, casual, creative, and approachable; tight meaning professional, trusting, detail oriented, highly skilled and organized. Successfully balancing these two factors has resulted in a culture that supports interaction and teamwork, while encouraging individual growth and initiative among staff.

For clients, this translates into contact and decision-making at the project team level, with direct communication and few layers. Empowered to make the call, teams respond quickly and decisively. The staff has a strong pride in what they do, and they do it with a sense of humor, camaraderie, and fun.

One of their core values is a commitment to sustainable design. In architecture, sustainable design is an integrated approach that considers the entire life of a building from construction to demolition. The approach supports environmental stewardship and conservation, while balancing cost and benefits. Collectively, the firm believes it is their responsibility to encourage and educate clients and staff on considering design and construction strategies that use natural resources in prudent and environmentally wise ways. They have demonstrated their commitment by designing both of their offices with sustainable options in mind. In fact, their Madison office is LEED Certified, one of only 11 certified projects in the State of Wisconsin. For more information about Eppstein Uhen Architects, please visit their website at www.eua.com.

December 2006

VERIDIAN HOMES
Leading the way in residential construction recycling
Veridian Homes is a family owned and operated company dedicated to quality home building, community involvement and environmental stewardship. With 100 employees, Veridian Homes now builds 450 single-family and condominium homes each year in Madison, WI, and the surrounding area.

The Veridian Homes mission statement guides decisions in the organization from strategic leadership down to the purchase of products and materials. One focus is to reduce waste and use energy more efficiently in order to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources. Veridian recycles more material than any other home builder in Wisconsin and also devotes time and resources to land planning, habitat restoration and water conservation in order to restore harmony between communities and their environment.

Veridian specializes in building homes and neighborhood communities dedicated to Smart Growth. All Veridian single family homes and condominiums earn Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® (WES) and Green Built Home (GB) certification. Veridian Homes has also gained Green Tier status in Wisconsin - a voluntary environmental management program driving continuous environmental improvement. Veridian Homes has also entered into a voluntary Clean Lakes Charter with the Department of Natural Resources, the City of Madison and Sun Prairie and Dane County to exceed and continuously improve upon erosion and storm water control standards.

Under the National Association of Home Builders, Certified Builder program Veridian has implemented an integrated Quality, Envrironmental, Health and Safety Management System to support the focus on continual improvement. As a result of these and other efforts Veridian Home's won the FET Governors Award for Environmental Performance Excellence in 2006.

For more information about Veridian Homes, please visit www.veridianhomes.com.

November 2006

ENGBERG ANDERSON DESIGN PARTNERSHIP
Sustainable Design for Healthier Communities
At Engberg Anderson Design Partnership, Inc. (EADP), thoughtful and creative design solutions combined with state-of-the-art technology is the basis of their approach to green design. Through a variety of project types, from buildings, to river walks, to the creation of sustainable design guidelines, EADP has gained a reputation for creating holistic, appropriate plans and designs that enliven and improve the built environment for communities, owners and users.

As members of the U. S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Wisconsin Green Building Alliance (WGBA), on whose Board Partner Mark Ernst serves, EADP is committed to using green building practices whenever possible. With 7 LEED 2.0 Accredited Professionals, the firm's overall approach includes evaluation of Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality.

The firm has incorporated green design elements into over twenty projects, many of which have been publicly recognized for their sustainable features. Most recently, EADP is especially proud to have been the recipient of the 2006 Sustainability & Energy Efficiency (SE2) Leadership Award, Award of Excellence for the design of Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward Riverwalk.

For more information about EADP's commitment and contribution to sustainable design in our built environment, please visit www.eadp.com.

October 2006

NATURAL RESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
Smarter Solutions, Exceptional Service, Value
Natural Resource Technology, Inc. is an environmental services firm delivering solutions for the development, management, restoration and sustainability of our natural resources. Practice areas include:

- Environment soil, sediment and groundwater investigation/remediation, air and water resources, litigation support
- Energy energy corridor development, management of oil, has and electric utility waste streams (hydrocarbon, coal ash, former manufactured gas plants)
- Property Development brownfields, property transfers, building construction and demolition
- Risk Management environmental management systems, compliance, sustainable development, waste reduction, recycling

Natural Resource Technology is a leader in assisting clients seeking participation in the Green Tier Charter program and the development of Environmental Management Systems. The company 'walks the talk' on corporate sustainable development and has adopted its own governance policies for financial, environmental and social performance. Capturing their own sustainable development policy and implementing its 'Triple Bottom Line' philosophy enables Natural Resource Technology to add value to its clients seeking efficient use of energy and natural resources as well as minimization, recycling, and reuse of what were traditionally waste materials.

In addition to being recognized for its high sustained growth and engineering technical excellence, Natural Resource Technology has been named among the best places to work in southeast Wisconsin. The company has received awards from the Milwaukee Business Journal (Beyond the Paycheck) and MetroParent Magazine (Family Friendly) for its innovative work-life policies and benefits programs. For more information, visit www.naturalrt.com

September 2006

PIERCE ENGINEERS
Pierce Engineers, Inc. (PE) is a consulting structural engineering firm offering professional design services to architects, developers, and construction clients. The firm specializes in designs with structural steel, masonry, wood (conventional and glue-laminated), post-tensioned, conventionally reinforced and precast concrete systems for office buildings, educational buildings, parking ramps, medical facilities, residential, entertainment, industrial and manufacturing facilities.

Founded in 1991 and later incorporated in 1995, PE's staff of 36 engineers, technicians and support personnel utilizes state of the art design and drawing software enabling exploration into engineering solution options rapidly and accurately. Construction drawings are prepared electronically and coordinated carefully with architectural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing documents. PE's recent addition of REVIT will further enable three-dimensional coordination with architectural and consultant drawings by providing 3-D structural models. The technical expertise offered by PE's staff leads to innovative designs and construction techniques while maintaining simplicity through engineering ingenuity. PE's aggregate knowledge and experience results in highly imaginative and creative approaches to architectural and engineering problem resolution.

PE serves regional clients from its two offices located in Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin. With active registration in 29 states, PE serves clients across the nation. PE offers structural design and engineering services including, but not limited to:

- Commercial Office Building Design
- Residential Multi-Story Building Design and Construction Administration
- Post-Tensioned Multi-Story Building and Parking Ramp Design
- Analytical Investigations and Engineering Solutions of Unique Structures
- Long Span Designs for Public and Ecumenical Facilities
- Retail Building Design
- Industrial Building Conceptual and Final Design
- Multi-Family Conventionally Framed Residential Building Design
- Remedial and Remodeling Design Solutions for a Variety of Building Types
- Renovation, Restoration and Adaptive Reuse of Historic Structures

To learn more about Pierce Engineers, Inc., visit www.pierceengineers.com

August 2006

Making the Green Dream a Reality with Beyer Construction
Beyer Construction is a full service construction firm based in New Berlin, WI. Incorporated in 1951, the firm specializes in managing high image and technically difficult projects for educational, religious, corporate, health care and elder care clients. Incorporating green and sustainable building practices is a principal goal of the firm, at minimum ensuring that recycling, handling and disposal of waste materials and energy conservation take place on all jobsites. But, when an owner has a green project focus, Beyer says it really gets exciting!

Such is the case with the Brico Fund project, a house built in 1850 undergoing a complete renovation for Brico's new corporate offices. Part of Brico's mission is "to restore and sustain the earth's natural systems," so it was a logical choice to team with The Kubala Washatko Architects (one of SE Wisconsin's better known "green architects") and Beyer Construction to restore this historic building.

The driving force behind material and system selections is the project focus on recycling and energy use. Working with WasteCap Wisconsin, the team reduced waste and maximized reuse of existing materials. Over 15,000 lbs. of materials were reused and kept out of the landfill, resulting in a total reuse and recycling rate of 34.5 percent in the project demolition phase.

Other green-friendly project elements include:
- Eco-Pavers in parking areas and sidewalks to retain 100 percent of storm water on-site
- Rain gardens to absorb storm water
- Recycled content and recyclable new carpet
- Low VOC paints
- Insulated storm windows
- Making inoperable windows operable
- Use of daylighting by adding a clerestory and transparent areas in interior partition walls
- Low watts per square foot lighting

As Beyer continues its commitment to green and sustainable building practices, everyone benefits. To learn more about Beyer Construction, visit www.beyer.com.

July 2006

Ver Halen Inc. - Commercial Interiors
As one of the top national providers of Pella products, Ver Halen Inc. has become a leader in the fenestration industry in Wisconsin. The company originated in Milwaukee in 1911 where it was founded by Edward T. Ver Halen. Additional sales offices were added in Green Bay and Madison as the company continued to grow.

William Calawerts joined Ver Halen in 1968 as a sales manager in the Green Bay office and later moved the company headquarters to that location in 1980 when he and his wife Norma purchased the company from the Ver Halen family. Ver Halen has represented Pella Windows and Doors since 1927 and currently has offices in Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, and Appleton.

In 1950, Pete Kuyper, the founder of Pella Corporation, made the following statement: "We recognize our responsibilities as stewards of our natural resources and the environment, and will avoid wasteful or harmful disregard of the environmental effects of our operation."

Pella has continually taken this comprehensive approach towards the conservation of the environment and natural resources. This includes constant implementation of methods and procedures which include maximizing recycling opportunities, minimizing waste and pollution, reducing consumption, and employing the latest in waste management and recycling strategies, all while ensuring the products they provide are made to last. With superior construction and advanced glazing options, the windows and doors manufactured by Pella increase the energy efficiency in homes and businesses. Other fenestration products incorporate "Green Building" practices such as daylighting and views, ventilation, and light pollution.

Ver Halen's continuing growth and understanding of the importance of Green Building solutions has provided them the opportunity to supply quality Pella products for two LEED certified projects in the state of Wisconsin. These include the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Milwaukee and the Department of Natural Resources Regional Headquarters in Green Bay, both of which have received a gold rating. They have also supplied the windows for the Hoffman Corporation in Appleton, recognized for "Cool Daylighting," which is currently pursuing a LEED certification. Ver Halen is involved in several organizations which promote the conservation of our resources including "Focus on Energy" and the "Wisconsin Green Building Alliance" where they are considered an outstanding member.

For more information on Ver Halen Inc., please visit www.verhaleninc.com

June 2006

Packerland - A Smithfield Beef Group Company
Packerland Packing Company - Green Bay, a producer of beef and related products, is an operating company of Smithfield Beef Group, Inc., which owns and operates plants in: Green Bay, Wisconsin; Tolleson, Arizona; Plainwell, Michigan and Souderton, Pennsylvania.

Their efforts in research and development keep them on the leading edge of technology in the meat industry. They have one of the finest high tech in-house laboratories in the industry today. Their commitment to quality and consistency is also proven by the large number of quality assurance inspectors when compared to the number of head produced.

- Packerland-Green Bay processes 2,200 head per day running two production shifts and one cleaning shift five days per week.

- They are strongly committed to protecting the environment and going beyond compliance with their operations.

- They are ISO 14001 certified. The ISO 14001 certification is a direct result of an Environmental Management System that facilitates continual improvement and environmental performance.

- Packerland-Green Bay received the 2005 Governor's Award for Excellence in Environmental Performance for converting methane gas from an onsite anaerobic-based wastewater treatment system to fuel the plant's lead boiler. This significantly reduced the need to fuel the boiler with natural gas.

- They operate a rendering facility that recycles 100% of the inedible animal by-products (offal) generated in the beef production process. The rendering process turns waste product into soap, fatty acids, animal feed, pet food, cosmetics, cleaning products, rubber, and plastics.

- Packerland-Green Bay specifically, and Smithfield Beef Group in general, constantly strives for excellence in environmental performance.

For more information on Packerland Packing, please visit www.packerland.com

May 2006

Madison Gas & Electric - MGE takes responsibility for the environment
Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) takes its responsibility seriously to protect the environment while providing reliable service to 137,000 natural gas and 136,000 electric customers in south-central and western Wisconsin. The regulated utility is headquartered in Madison, the state capital.

Construction waste MGE partnered with WasteCap Wisconsin and met its goal to recycle 75% of construction waste when the company built a new 150-megawatt natural gas power plant on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The West Campus Cogeneration Facility began commercial operation in 2005.

Recycling at the construction site saved 2,000 tons of concrete, metal, wood, cardboard, paper and plastic and $103,000 by cutting landfill fees and selling recovered materials. MGE received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Environmental Performance for its construction recycling effort.

Recycling programs As a community energy company, MGE made a commitment more than 20 years ago to reduce and reuse as many products as possible. The company sells scrap wire, iron and other metals for reuse, recycles large amounts of paper and uses recycled paper for its publications. In 2005, MGE recycled 335 tons of scrap iron, aluminum, copper, paper, lead and other material.

Biodiesel fuel MGE uses B20 biodiesel fuel for 100 trucks and equipment in its fleet. Biodiesel is a clean-burning alternative fuel produced from domestic, renewable resources. It is biodegradable, nontoxic and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. The utility used about 15,000 gallons of biodiesel last year.

Wind, solar, conservation, renewables A wind farm, solar panels, energy efficiency and power from landfill gas and plant by-products also play roles in MGE's commitment to preserve the environment. Learn more at http://www.mge.com/environment.

April 2006

Engineering with an Innovative Approach
Working within a culture focused on innovation, expertise, and in-depth understanding of the operation of buildings and systems, Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (AEI) brings a distinct experience and valuable perspective to sustainable design. By recognizing and responding to the unique parameters and opportunities associated with each project, AEI designs buildings and systems that are inherently sustainable.

As an MEP and Lighting engineering firm focused on the design of buildings with extreme functional requirements, they are critically attentive to the appropriate use of technology. Working with their clients to balance risks and rewards, they are able to evaluate and apply groundbreaking technologies alongside proven solutions to ensure that facilities fulfill both their functional objectives and the practical imperatives of environmental responsibility. Working with their partners in the design, construction, and manufacturing sectors, they not only track new systems, equipment, and applications, but actively drive their development and implementation, setting new standards in the industry.

Beyond the professional services they offer their clients, AEI is actively involved in providing educational opportunities focusing on sustainability and engineering to their partners and communities. AEI personnel regularly contribute to ongoing coursework at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and been invited guest lecturers at Harvard University. Their Sustainable Practice Leaders travel throughout the country to offer a 3-hour, AIA Accredited seminar on emerging sustainable design technologies.

For more information about the projects AEI has recently completed or the services they offer please visit www.aeieng.com.

March 2006

Outpost Natural Foods - We're About Diversity, Community and Eating Well
Since 1970, Outpost Natural Foods has been supplying the Milwaukee community with quality, delicious and healthy natural and organic foods. Starting out with a store about the size of a large home, Outpost now serves its more than 12,500 owners from three locations: 100 East Capitol Drive and 2826 South Kinnickinnic in Milwaukee, and 7000 West State Street in Wauwatosa. It employs over 350 people, is a part of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1444, and is considered one of the top natural foods cooperatives in the US.

Outpost's mission is to ensure that owners have a healthy, diverse and sustainable community. Some of the ways Outpost achieves sustainability is by building stores using healthy and eco-friendly finish materials, energy-efficient lighting and equipment, gorgeous water-soaking xeriscapes (native plantings) around its parking, and by using best practices when it comes to recycling, using recyclable food containers, and purchasing wind power. It is also a certified organic retailer. Sustainability also comes by being a locally owned business and by sourcing hundreds of locally grown and produced food products to ensure that the local economy and small family farms remain strong and vital. Outpost also believes in giving back to the community through various programs - in 2005 that amount approached $80,000.

In addition to producing beautiful stores and offering terrific food, Outpost also publishes a free monthly periodical, The Exchange, a 60+-page journal on food and wellness, and annually publishes the Natural Choice Directory, a guide to green living and holistic health care in Southeastern Wisconsin. Come and visit us at www.outpostnaturalfoods.coop.

February 2006

Waste Management - The green mind behind Wisconsin's waste
Waste Management of Wisconsin provides collection, recycling and disposal services to municipal, commercial, industrial and residential customers throughout the state of Wisconsin and surrounding communities including the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They also have gas-to-energy plants which generate 45 megawatts per hour of electricity - enough to power approximately 44,000 homes. In addition, Waste Management of Wisconsin is the largest recycler in the state, providing recycling services for wood debris, all types of fiber, aluminum, tin, plastic and glass. Through Waste Management Recycle America, they have additional processing facilities across Wisconsin in Neenah, Milwaukee, Madison, Menomonee Falls, Franklin and Janesville.

Their commitment to the environment is evident in many programs that protect our natural resources and promote responsible management of the land, including: -Providing collection and processing facilities for recyclable material throughout the state, making Waste Management the largest recycler of post-consumer material in Wisconsin, handling 575,000 tons annually. -Creating a 20-acre wetland restoration complex next to the Menominee Landfill which was commended by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. -Building an environmental learning center at the Ridgeview Landfill near Manitowoc for educational programs and tours and helping to create environmental education materials for public schools.

In addition to providing customers with the highest standards of service, Waste Management is committed to serving the community through the support and sponsorship of many local and regional programs, including Madison Children's Museum, Rockton D.A.R.E. program, Children's Cancer Fund, Crime Prevention Foundation of Brown County, Bellevue Firefighters Association, Boys and Girls Club, Brown County Zoological Society and local Chambers of Commerce. Learn more about Waste Management and their services at www.wm.com.

January 2006

Alliant Energy - Environmentally friendly energy at its best
Alliant Energy, headquartered in Madison, Wis., is an energy-services provider with subsidiaries serving more than 3 million customers. Its two domestic utility subsidiaries, Wisconsin Power and Light and Interstate Power and Light, provide safe, reliable, affordable and environmentally sound electric and natural gas service to more than 1.3 million customers in Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois.

Alliant Energy's leadership and employees recognize and accept the inherent responsibility they have to minimize the environmental impact of its facilities and operations, protect and preserve natural resources, and explore new technologies to generate energy cleanly. As a result, Alliant Energy supports a variety of programs, activities and partnerships to demonstrate its commitment to being a good corporate citizen and promote environmental stewardship.

In 2002, Alliant Energy completed construction of its Madison, Wis. corporate headquarters. With assistance from WasteCap Wisconsin, approximately 527 tons of solid waste - more than 75 percent of the total waste generated by the project - was recycled, exceeding the project goal of recycling at least 50 percent of waste associated with the building's construction. The building has since been recognized by Environmental Protection Magazine as its Facility of the Year.

In 2003, Alliant Energy expanded its recycling program and recycled over 2.8 million pounds of solid materials, a significant increase in total recycled materials from 2002. The recycling program targets materials such as: fax, printer and copier toner cartridges, cardboard and office paper, wood, computers and electronics, as well as utility poles and plastic gas pipe. In 2004, Alliant Energy recycled 2.9 million pounds of solid materials. With the goal of increasing participation in Alliant Energy's recycling program, an online Recycling and Disposal Guide was developed in 2004 to assist employees with the appropriate recycling and disposal of waste materials. Alliant Energy continues to monitor and evaluate its recycling programs and practices in order to identify improvements and to expand the types of materials being recycled.

To learn more about Alliant Energy's environmental programs, visit http://www.alliantenergy.com

December 2005

We Energies is lighting the way to reducing, reusing and recycling resources
In providing electric service to more than 1 million customers, We Energies utilizes a variety of fuels and materials, including several million tons of coal each year. We Energies is a national leader in developing and implementing new approaches to reduce resources, use by-products generated in the energy production process, and recycle waste materials from other operations. The company is a national leader in beneficial use of coal combustion products (i.e. fly ash and bottom ash), successfully using approximately 93 percent of this material in 2004, compared to a national average of approximately 40 percent. Using this material avoids both the economic and environmental costs of landfill disposal. During 2004, We Energies sold more than 650,000 tons of coal combustion products for use in applications that include concrete, cement production, soil stabilization and building construction.

As part of an innovative Environmental Cooperative Agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at the Pleasant Prairie Power Plant in Kenosha County, We Energies recovered residual energy from ash that was either previously landfilled or otherwise would have been landfilled. Since the start of this pilot project in 2001, the recovery of this energy is the equivalent of replacing 1,600 rail car loads of coal that would have been mined and transported from Wyoming.

A more recent project is the installation of an "Eco-Pad" pavement consisting of 100 percent recycled materials. Made up of recycled concrete, slag cement, fly ash and bottom ash, this pavement was mixed in-situ, further reducing construction costs. Demonstrating a compressive strength of 3,000 psi (pounds per square inch) after one year, this project shows the potential for commercial applications of this technique for pavement construction utilizing recycled materials.

In addition to providing reliable electric service, We Energies also supplies natural gas to more than 1 million customers and steam service to approximately 500 customers within its service territory.

To find out more about these and other innovative approaches implemented by We Energies, visit www.we-energies.com or call Tom Jansen at (414) 221-2457.

November 2005

Marshall Erdman & Associates: Designing better outcomes for community health
As a firm that specializes in the planning, design (site, architectural, engineering and interior), and construction of medical facilities, Marshall Erdman & Associates (ME&A) takes pride in providing built environments that contribute to measurably better outcomes for patients, physicians and healthcare staff. ME&A's designers, engineers and construction managers recognize that wellness encompasses not just healthier patients but overall environmental stewardship. To this end, the firm incorporates sustainable design principles into its buildings.

"The process of delivering a green building provides a better building, in terms of patient and staff health and satisfaction, and operational cost savings," says Elizabeth Churchill, ME&A Manager of Sustainable Design. "In addition, it helps our clients demonstrate their concern for community wellness with a facility that has less of an impact on the environment."

ME&A recently completed a replacement hospital and clinic for Southwest Health Center in Platteville, Wis., where the project team recycled gypsum, wood, scrap metal and cardboard. Not only did they divert 95.48 tons of waste from the landfill, all diverted materials remained within Wisconsin, contributing to the health of local economies. Setting up the project was made easier by working with WasteCap Wisconsin and partnering with Faherty, Inc., the Platteville-based waste hauler. The recycling success on this job is now being repeated on other jobs throughout the country.

Founded in 1951, this fully integrated design-build firm is headquartered in Madison, WI, with regional offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Hartford and Washington, D.C. To find out more, visit Marshall Erdman & Associates at http://www.erdman.com.

October 2005

Noble Earth Turns Trash into Treasure
Noble Earth Technologies, Inc. is all about "turning trash into treasure," with the unique goal of converting new residential and commercial construction waste materials into high quality construction and consumer products.

As company founder, Samuel Cooke, P.E. explains, "Many of the waste materials that are thrown away at new construction sites are brand new materials that can be readily reused to make other products". Readily reusable/recyclable construction waste materials include items such as waste wood, metals, electrical waste, laminate and vinyl flooring, cardboard, and concrete/brick/block, among others.

As an example of how this is done, Noble Earth recently teamed up with the City of Fitchburg to collect dimensional and engineered lumber and other waste from construction sites, such as two Norwood Custom Homes condominium projects. The would-be waste from this and other sites was transformed into products such as picture frames, shelving, support members, flooring, and even wooden toys! To complete its efforts, Noble Earth will grind up the unused wood waste into mulch, generating a 99% reuse/recycle of the collected waste wood.

Noble Earth continues to seek other creative ways of "disposing" construction waste. Current innovations include pallet-mounted recycled material collection containers made from 98% reused/recycled materials. It is also designing a trailer-mounted wood waste processing setup that allows for on-site initial processing of wood and even conversion of some wood into products. Part of the new design involves innovations not currently available.

To learn more about Noble Earth Technologies, Inc., visit http://www.nobleearthtech.com.

September 2005

BT2 Makes Sense out of Numbers
Brownfield redevelopment is a win-win for communities and the environment, eliminating environmental hazards and replacing them with economic opportunity. Still, redevelopments don't happen unless the numbers make sense.

BT2 Engineering and Science, a 50-person firm in Madison, reduces costs for clients and turns waste into resources through work in brownfield redevelopment, landfill gas-to-energy projects, and beneficial use of industrial by products on the generating and receiving end. They offer comprehensive civil and environmental engineering services to clients ranging from real estate developers to solid waste managers.

By employing beneficial reuse of contaminated soil and demolition materials, BT2 not only helps make brownfield redevelopments financially viable, but also helps to keep tons of material out of landfills. Their successes include diverting 20,000 cubic yards of waste from landfills from a project in Cudahy and saving $15,000 in remediation costs for a project in Madison while preventing 630 tons of contaminated material from being landfilled.

BT2's vision is to be a leading provider of sustainable development services. Consistent with this vision, they strive to help their clients meet the development needs of today, while protecting and enhancing the natural environment for future generations.

For more information, please visit www.bt2inc.com.

August 2005

No Profile

July 2005

No Profile

June 2005

TerraFirma Environmental, Inc.
Terra Firma was incorporated in 2002 as a full service Environmental Services firm utilizing staff to produce projects in addition to teaming with many spcialty firms in the field. In addition, TerraFirma’s staff has served as an adjunt professor in the UWM School of Architecture and Urban Planning (SARUP) where they have taught graduate courses on “ Envrionrmental Aspects of Planning and Development”

Larry F. Boyer, Ph.D. PG, is the President and CEO of the firm, with over 30 years of environmental consulting and teaching experience. Currently Dr. Boyer leads TerraFirma in the Environmentally Sensitive Site Design / Sustainable Design field in the Milwaukee area. He also serves as an occasional member of the US Green Building Council's LEED v. 2.1, & 3.0 TAG for Sustainable Site Design credits, on the sustainable labs group for Lawrence Berkley Labs, and the Sustainable Stewardship Alliance-for WI Religious Organizations. He currently is a member of the Private sector committee for the Mayor’s Green Initiative for Milwaukee, and is working on a model for Urban food webs.

As a leader in sustainable desgn services and green building in the State of Wisconsin, TerraFrima is uniquely postiioned In the past, Dr. Boyer’s efforts led to the foundation of the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance, and the Midwest Sustainable Collaborative, formerly an alliance of his sustainable and natural resource expertise, green architectural services, and cutting edge energy modeling, commissioning and engineering design.

In October, 2004, three of TerraFirma’s projects were recognized for excellence in green design (Hoffman Headquarters & Schlitz Audubon), and for merit (Urban Ecology Center) at the Se2 Sustainability Energy Efficiency Leadership Conference.

TerraFirma Environmental has worked with WasteCap Wisconsin on providing Construction Waste Management services for the Schlitz Audubon Center and the Harley Davidson office addition. In addition, one of TerraFirma’s most recent projects is working in food waste reduction & food waste for energy and composting with Ecology, LLC of Glendale, WI.

Read more about TerraFirma Environmental, Inc. at www.terrafirmaenvironmental.com.

May 2005

No Profile

April 2005

Shadow Fax
Shadow Fax has been a leader in the recycling industry since the inception of laser printers back in 1987. At that time, new toner cartridges were being thrown away -- ending up in landfills. These days, many cartridges are recycled, but those that aren’t can still end up in landfills or are often shipped overseas for disposal where they can cause harmful, long-term pollution. Some of the materials used in the production of toner cartridges are toxic and those cartridges that are not recycled and end up in landfills can have damaging environmental effects for thousands of years to come.

Shadow Fax, a family owned, Madison-based Company, saw both the need for, and also the opportunity in offering a recycled alternative. By recycling toners, toner cartridges are being re-used and kept out of landfills. Also, by having the manufacturing facility in Madison, Wisconsin, jobs have been created right here at home rather than shipped overseas where the new toners are made. Perhaps most important to the consumer, by manufacturing recycled toner cartridges at home, Shadow Fax can offer a product that is better than brand-new-- in quality of print, the quantity of prints per cartridge, and with a dramatically lower failure rate -- and do it all at a savings over brand-new of 40% or more.

Shadow Fax recycles the toner cartridges for the most popular printers in the country: Hewlett Packard, Canon, Lexmark, Brother, and many others including MICR toners used in banking and payroll. Shadow Fax is now one of the largest recyclers of printing supplies in the state of Wisconsin, and has established recycling programs with many companies such as Hormel, R.W. Baird, Applebee’s, and T.D.S. in Madison. Shadow Fax believes the recycling solution is the only intelligent alternative available today!

For more information about Shadow Fax please visit their website at www.shadow-fax.com.

March 2005

American Transmission Company (ATC)
American Transmission Company (ATC), which began operations in Jan 1, 2001, is the first multi-state transmission-only company in the United States, providing electric transmission service throughout the eastern half of Wisconsin and into portions of Illinois. ATC's sole focus is on transmission - not generation or marketing, making them a single-purpose company. ATC supplies access to energy markets, makes necessary expansions to the transmission grid, and provides exceptional customer service, all while keeping the environmental impacts of their business and decisions in mind.

Committed to environmental stewardship, ATC exemplifies environmental leadership in many ways. ATC uses sustainable environmental policies and works closely with state and local agencies to minimize the environmental impact of their business. All of their projects include comprehensive environmental assessments of sensitive resources, such as wetlands, woodlands, natural areas, threatened and endangered species, and wildlife areas and great care is taken to ensure minimal impacts to the environment.

American Transmission Company is a new Sustaining member and partner of WasteCap Wisconsin. Representatives from both ATC and WasteCap Wisconsin participated in The Wisconsin Green Tier Bavaria 2004 Delegation, led by Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Hassett and Senator Neal Kedzie last October and the two organizations continue to be allies in protecting Wisconsin's natural resources.

WasteCap Wisconsin is proud to have American Transmission Company as a new member. For more information on ATC please visit www.atcllc.com.

February 2005

Ecology, LLC
WasteCap Wisconsin Member Ecology, LLC is on the cutting edge of food waste disposal in the United States. "American's produce billions of tons of biodegradable food waste every day. Our challenge at Ecology, LLC is developing a solution to recycle that waste while making the process easy, cost effective, and environmentally friendly" says Linda Ivarson, founder of Ecology, LLC. "The technology we offer, the first of its kind in the United States, makes recycling food waste easy."

Ecology, LLC is currently pilot testing their equipment, known as WWRS or Wet Waste Recovery System, at Pandl's restaurant in Bayside, WI with assistance from a WI Department of Natural Resources Demonstration Grant. The WWRS takes food waste from a feeding station via a vacuum (without adding any water), shreds it, and places it in an oxygen-infused, no-odor holding tank. When filled, the tank is emptied using a vacuum truck and the waste is then transported to a compost facility, municipal wastewater treatment plant, agricultural anaerobic digester for biogas production, or for appropriate land application treatment. "We would like to not only divert biodegradable food waste from landfills, but to achieve an economical and environmental solution that provides an incentive for Wisconsin businesses to recycle their biodegradable waste" says Linda Ivarson. Ecology, LLC hopes that their WWRS technology will be a conduit for increasing renewable energy production and regenerating soil for better food and livestock.

To learn more about Ecology, LLC or to contact them directly please visit www.ecologyllc.com.

January 2005

WasteCap Thanks John Reindl
In this month’s member profile WasteCap would like to recognize John Reindl for his outstanding dedication to waste reduction and recycling in Wisconsin and for his continued volunteer time contributions to WasteCap Wisconsin. John writes WasteCap’s monthly legislative updates and helps to keep us up to date on other solid waste issues. Thank you John for all that you do! John has been involved with solid waste issues since the late 1960’s, when he became active in an environmental group at UW-Milwaukee. Switching his degrees in math and electrical engineering to environmental engineering, his thesis was on setting up a recycling system for Milwaukee campus.

Since then, he was worked at a variety of state and local government levels, including UW-Extension, the Wisconsin Solid Waste Recycling Authority, DNR, and, for the last 16 years, for Dane County as its recycling manager. Living in Madison, he often gets asked to be on DNR workgroups and has served on the Council on Recycling since its inception.

Away from work, John likes to be outside, playing softball and golf, taking care of vegetable and flower gardens, and doing some biking. Indoors, his main hobby is as a volunteer genealogist for a group that focuses on Norwegian ancestry.

For more information about Pier Wisconsin please visit www.pierwisconsin.org. Watch for further updates on the work WasteCap is doing for this project in future email bulletins.

December 2004

Paragon Development Systems, Inc. (PDS)
Paragon Development Systems, Inc. (PDS) and WasteCap Wisconsin, along with Cascade Asset Management recently partnered together to help local businesses find new, more efficient ways to recycle their old, end of life, computers. PDS, a business who manages the full life cycle of computers for companies across Wisconsin, aligned with WasteCap to conduct a local computer collection collaborative where a group of small businesses teamed up on their computer recycling efforts. More information on this collaborative effort will be published in WasteCap's January email bulletin.

This collaboration is intended to address the fast growing portion of America's trash. With 250 million computers destined to be obsolete by 2005, they represent not only increased landfill space, but an opportunity for several hazardous metals, among them, lead, cadmium, mercury, to potentially harm people and our environment.

Having evolved from manufacturer and wholesale distributor of microcomputers and components, PDS, located in Oconomowoc Corporate Business Park, now provides its customers with high-end computing solutions and a wide-array of enterprise services. Since its founding in 1986, PDS has expanded its traditional services of procurement, deployment, asset management, and disposal support to form a methodology and approach to IT Life Cycle Management (LCM). The PDS approach to IT LCM is to view the entire cycle in six phases. Planning, Procurement, Deployment, Management, Support, and Retirement.

WasteCap Wisconsin wishes to thank Paragon Development Systems for their commitment to the environment and looks forward to a continued partnership with them.

For more information about PDS, please visit their website at http://www.pdspc.com/PDS/

November 2004

Quad/Graphics’
by Cheryl Moran, Corporate Environmental, CHMM
 Enlightened environmentalism is a natural part of Quad/Graphics' holistic approach to business. We are here to improve the quality of life for ourselves, for the communities where we live and work, and for all of earth's creatures. Underlying our day-to-day actions is our desire to make our surroundings better for our having been there. Our goal is to take better care of our clients, our community, our world and ourselves.

While we remain committed to complying with environmental legislation and regulations, which apply to our operations, we take an environmentally enlightened and proactive approach to business. After all, compliance does not always equate to superior environmental performance. We ask ourselves just two questions when making business decisions: is it good for business? Is it good for the environment? These simple ideas work in conjunction with our environmental mission; to take better care of our world.

Our goal is wise, balanced use of all resources, including financial ones. We're proactive by working to conserve raw materials, and we continually minimize waste and reduce our effect on the environment by working with clients and vendors, by testing new equipment, and developing new manufacturing processes and materials, and making one another aware of the difference each of us can make.

You can visit Quad/Graphics Website at http://www.qg.com

October 2004

Madison Gas and Electric Company
WasteCap Wisconsin member, Madison Gas and Electric Company (MGE) is an investor-owned public utility headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. Serving the Madison area since 1896, MGE generates and distributes electricity to nearly 132,000 customers and purchases and distributes natural gas to more than 129,000 customers. MGE takes great pride in being involved in the communities they serve and maintains a strong commitment to a cleaner environment.

One example of MGE’s environmental commitment is seen in the new West Campus Cogeneration Facility being built on the UW-Madison campus. The new natural gas fired plant will be one of the cleanest in the Midwest. MGE and UW Madison have worked closely with the community to take steps beyond current environmental regulations to mitigate environmental impacts.

The recycling program being implemented during the construction of the new facility is just one example of the extra steps MGE is taking to ensure the facility is as environmentally friendly as possible. Managed by WasteCap Wisconsin, the comprehensive recycling program aims to achieve a recycling rate of at least 75%. To date, crews working on the project have already recycled 1,506 tons of material, achieving a 91% recycling rate! 3308 trees were saved by recycling paper, cardboard, and wood alone! (Each ton of cardboard and paper recycled saves 17 trees. Each ton of wood recycled saves seven trees.)

Learn more about the MGE’s recycling efforts and other environmentally friendly efforts at the West Campus Cogeneration Facility by attending WasteCap’s Next Talk & Tour taking place at the new facility on Tuesday, November 16th, 2004.

For more information about MGE and about the West Campus Cogeneration Facility, visit MGE’s web site, www.mge.com.

September 2004

No Profile

August 2004

Because WasteCap is a leader in finding ways to reuse all kinds of waste materials, we often field questions from businesses and citizens wanting to know where they can go to either find recycled materials or to donate used materials that they want to save from the landfills. While there are many reuse resources available, two of WasteCap Wisconsin’s members, The Business Materials Exchange of Wisconsin (BMEx) and the Habitat for Humanity of Dane County ReStore are excellent examples.

The Business Material Exchange of Wisconsin (BMEx) The Business Material Exchange of Wisconsin (BMEx) assists companies, organizations and individuals that need materials by matching them with those that have reusable, surplus or by-product materials available. BMEx members use the organization’s website, www.bmex.org, to post materials they have available and to search for and respond to materials already listed. Experiencing a great deal of success, BMEx has helped to keep 17 million-plus pounds of materials out of Wisconsin’s landfills as of December 2003.
The BMEx program was conceived and implemented by the Greater Beloit Chamber, and then went statewide and received funding from the Wisconsin Recycling Market Development Board in 1997. Since that time, its funding has come from a variety of grant sources.
BMEx offers a free Basic Membership, as well as an Extended Membership for a small annual fee. To find out more about how you can benefit from being a member of BMEx call Amy Loudenbeck at 608-364-1131, send email inquires to bmex@ticon.net, or visit their website at www.bmex.org. Major enhancements to the BMEx website are expected to be unveiled by September 1, 2004. Access to the website may be limited until the new site is “live”.

Habitat for Humanity of Dane County Restore
The Habitat ReStore, located in Madison, WI, is one of the few building materials reuse centers in Wisconsin. Habitat for Humanity accepts donations of new and saleable, used building materials such as cabinets, lighting and plumbing fixtures, doors, lumber, flooring, and windows. Some of the donations to the ReStore are used to build Habitat for Humanity houses. Materials that are not used in Habitat for Humanity construction are sold to the public at 50-75% off the retail price.
> There are over 100 ReStores throughout the US and Canada and each one helps to make home improvements more affordable, helps Habitat for Humanity build more homes, and prevents useable building materials for going to a landfill.
For more information about the Habitat for Humanity Dane County Restore please call Jen Voichick at (608) 661-2813 or visit the ReStore’s website as www.restoredane.org. The Habitat ReStore is open Wed.-Sat 10-6pm and is located at 208 Cottage Grove Road in Madison.

July 2004

Alliant Energy
Alliant Energy, headquartered in Madison, Wis., is an energy holding company with two domestic utility subsidiaries that provide safe, reliable, affordable and environmentally sound electric and natural gas service to more than 1.3 million customers in Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois.

In 2002, Alliant Energy completed construction of its Madison, Wis. corporate headquarters. With assistance form WasteCap Wisconsin, approximately 527 tons of solid waste – more than 75 percent of the total waste generated by the project – was recycled, exceeding the project goal of recycling at least 50 percent of waste associated with the building’s construction.

In 2003, Alliant Energy expanded its recycling program and recycled over 2.8 million pounds of solid materials. This number reflects a 30 percent increase in total recycled materials from 2002. The recycling program targets materials such as: fax, printer and copier toner cartridges, cardboard and office paper, wood, computers and electronics, as well as utility poles and plastic gas pipe.

The 2004 Recycling Program has been expanded through the creation of an online Recycling and Disposal Guide to assist employees with the appropriate recycling and dispose of waste materials. In addition, Alliant Energy is continuously evaluating and enhancing its recycling programs and practices.

Because Alliant Energy must rely on natural resources to serve its customers, we believe we hold a special obligation to preserve and protect the environment. As a result, Alliant Energy supports a variety of programs, activities and partnerships to demonstrate its commitment to being a good corporate citizen and promote the importance of environmental stewardship. To learn more about Alliant Energy’s environmental programs, visit www.alliantenergy.com.

June 2004

Flad and Associates
Established in 1927, Flad & Associates is an architecture and engineering firm specializing in the planning and design of innovative facilities for academic, healthcare, and research, development and production clients. Today, with a staff of almost 300, Flad serves the needs of knowledge-based organizations around the globe.

The firm is committed to sustainable design, with nine LEED-accredited professionals on staff, helping clients to achieve sustainable, energy-efficient environments. Flad provides clients with highly specialized design solutions, including the development of laboratories for industry and academic institutions, and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities.

Flad’s current projects include the development of a prototype clinic for a regional healthcare network, which integrates green design features as a means of enhancing comfort for patients and their families, and increasing the efficiency and satisfaction of the staff, and a new bioscience facility at Purdue University, which supports biomedical engineering and proteomic analysis. Another project is a research and development facility for Johnson & Johnson, which also integrates features of green design.

Flad currently has two LEED™-certified projects and a third in review by the U.S. Green Building Council. In addition, the firm has four other projects that are LEED™-registered. Work is underway on Phase 2 of the Overture Center, a 385,000-square-foot expansion and remodeling of the Madison Civic Center in downtown Madison, designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates, with Flad & Associates and Potter Lawson. While not a LEED project, it represents one of the largest construction and demolition waste projects in Madison history, successfully recycling 74% of its demolition waste and 55% of its new construction waste. The Overture project provided several tons of scrap drywall to Royster-Clark as part of a WasteCap-led drywall-to-fertilizer pilot effort conducted in 2003.

In addition to its project-related efforts, Flad continues to support local and statewide environmental initiatives, such as the WasteCap candd Recycling Committee, the Mayor of Madison’s Energy Task Force Committee, and the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance Education & Advocacy Committee. The firm has also provided support for the UW System Green Campus Symposium II and other events that bring to Madison renowned sustainability experts, such as Pliny Fisk, educator and founder of the Austin Green Building Program, and David Orr, professor of Environmental Studies at Oberlin College.

For more information about Flad & Associates or for their contact information please visit www.flad.com.

May 2004

No Profile

April 2004

Urban Ecology Center
The Urban Ecology Center, a neighborhood based, non-profit community center and WasteCap Wisconsin Member, is building a new home. Located in Milwaukee’s historic Riverside Park, the Urban Ecology Center has not only found a way to better meet their mission and respond to the increased demand for their services, they have found a way do to it in an environmentally friendly way. "As an organization that focuses on environmental education, we want to build with as little impact on the earth and its resources as possible. We also want to be able to model and teach others how to build ‘green,’ using the new facility as an educational tool" says Jim McGinity, research liaison at the Urban Ecology Center.

During the building of the Urban Ecology Center’s new facility wood, metal, cardboard, drywall, commingled recyclables, concrete and other materials are being recycling and reused. The new Center also features environmentally friendly, sustainable-building features including daylighting, natural ventilation, use of recycling and reused materials and the creative use of rainwater.

"We are very excited about the Urban Ecology Center’s new facility" said Jenna Kunde, WasteCap Wisconsin. "Not only will the Center benefit through the establishment of a beautiful new facility, but their leadership will benefit the community and other organizations looking to complete similar projects."

To learn more about the Urban Ecology Center’s new facility or about the programs they offer, please visit their website at www.UrbanEcologyCenter.org.

March 2004

Ecology, LLC
WasteCap Wisconsin Member Ecology, LLC, with the help of Rothenburg GMBH, is on the cutting edge of food waste disposal in the United States. "American's produce billions of tons of biodegradable food waste every day. Our challenge at Ecology, LLC is developing a solution to recycle that waste while making the process easy, cost effective, and environmentally friendly" says Linda Ivarson, founder of Ecology, LLC. "The technology we offer, the first of its kind in the United States, makes recycling food waste easy."

Ecology, LLC is currently pilot testing their equipment, known as WWRS or Wet Waste Recovery System, at Pandl's restaurant in Bayside, WI with assistance from a WI Department of Natural Resources Demonstration Grant. The WWRS, built and produced by Rothenburg GMBH, takes food waste from a feeding station via a vacuum without adding any water, shreds it, and places it in an oxygen-infused, no-odor holding tank. When filled, the tank is emptied using a vacuum truck and the waste can then be transported to either a compost facility, municipal wastewater treatment plant, agricultural anaerobic digester for biogas production, or for appropriate land application treatment.

Working along side Pandl's, Marquette University, Onyx Waste Systems, and Growing Power, Ecology, LLC is working to prove that this technology, used for 25 years in Europe, can work here in America. "We would like to not only divert biodegradable food waste from landfills, but to achieve an economical and environmental solution that provides an incentive for Wisconsin businesses to recycle their biodegradable waste" says Linda Ivarson. Ecology, LLC hopes that their WWRS technology will be a conduit for increasing renewable energy production and regenerating soil for better food and livestock.

To learn more about Ecology, LLC or to contact them directly please visit www.ecologyllc.com.

February 2004

Pellitteri Waste Systems

WasteCap Wisconsin member and project partner, Pellitteri Waste Systems, has been working in the waste disposal industry for over 60 years. Starting with borrowed trucks to haul coal and garbage for Madison Capital square merchants, Pellitteri Waste Systems is now a state-of-the-art waste disposal and recycling business. Priding themselves in customer service, Pellitteri works with its customers to create a waste recovery system designed to accommodate the specific waste materials being generated, then implement that system as needed with components that offer permanent, long-term, or temporary waste disposal solutions. But Pellitteri is not just disposing of waste, "Whenever possible we recommend recycling or other reuse opportunities to our customers and we are continually seeking ways to provide our customers with more recycling options" said David Pellitteri.

In addition to being a WasteCap Wisconsin member for over 4 years, Pellitteri Waste Systems is working with WasteCap Wisconsin on several projects. Pellitteri is serving as the hauler for both WasteCap’s Veridian Homes Home Site Recycling project and MG&E's West Campus Co-generation Facility project. While the MG&E project is just getting underway, the Veridian Homes project, having been in operation since July, is already proving a success. "It takes a great deal of leadership and dedication from numerous parties to make a project such as the Veridian Homes Home Site Recycling project a success. Veridian Homes is seeing positive results not only because Veridian wants to see this project be a success, but also because the project partners, Pellitteri, are dedicated to make it work" said Jenna Kunde, executive director of WasteCap Wisconsin. Thank You Pellitteri for both your membership and your hard work and leadership.

For more information about Pellitteri Waste Systems and the services they provide or to contact them directly please visit www.pellitteri.com .

January 2004

Planning Design Build, Inc.
WasteCap Wisconsin Member, Planning Design Build, Inc., is a fully-integrated design build firm whose design and construction practices encompass the holistic design methodology. Planning Design Build, Inc. provides integrated in-house architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural engineering, interior design and general contracting services for its clients and utilizes a proprietary Integrated Planning ProcessSM that results in a well-constructed, high quality structure created to the owner’s specifications. Planning Design Build, Inc. specializes in office buildings, high-tech commercial buildings, retail complexes, hotels and indoor water park resorts in the Midwest.

Planning Design Build, Inc. has partnered with WasteCap Wisconsin on creating a construction waste recycling program at Wisconsin’s largest furniture store, Steinhafel’s Furniture Superstore in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. To date, the construction waste recycling program at Steinhafels has resulted in:

- 32% of the total construction waste volume has been recycled, 25% by total weight which includes wood, metal and cardboard.
- 45.7 tons (660 yards) of material has been diverted from area landfills.

In addition Planning has been published locally, in Business Watch, ‘New Buildings Benefit from the Latest Designs and Technology’, published nationally, in Building’s Magazine, ‘Sustainable Buildings: Real Costs, Real Value’, and has presented at the United States Green Building Council Conference – ‘Green Build’ – in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

For more information about Planning Design Build, Inc. please visit www.planningdesignbuild.com.

December 2003

No Profile

November 2003

Onyx Environmental Services
As an industry leader in the handling of hazardous waste, WasteCap Wisconsin member, Onyx Environmental Services, strives to make it safer and easier for people to comply with complex regulations that require businesses, institutions and government facilities to recycle their mercury containing lamps and other lighting and electronic waste. With over 10 years of recycling experience, Onyx Environmental Services works with businesses, be it large or small, to develop recycling programs to manage waste, protect the environment and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal mandates.

Because Onyx Environmental Services is the nation’s premier recycler of mercury-bearing lamps, lamp ballasts, batteries and electronic equipment Onyx is co-hosting WasteCap Wisconsin’s upcoming Talk & Tour entitled “Leading the Way in Fluorescent Tube and Electronics Recycling.” At this event, taking place on November 20th at Onyx’s Port Washington, WI Electronics Recycling Facility, speakers will help shed light upon the recycling options for light ballasts, batteries, computer and electronic equipment, and transformers and power distribution equipment as well as on the WDNR generator’s requirements for managing spent fluorescent lamps and mercury-containing devices. The Talk & Tour will include a tour of the Onyx Port Washington recycling operation, which handles over 40,000 lamps per day, and will highlight some of Onyx’s operations for handling fluorescent tubes and other mercury containing devices.

To learn more about Onyx Environmental Services please visit http://www.onyxes.com.

October 2003

Waukesha County
For the past 5 years, Waukesha County, a WasteCap Wisconsin member, has worked to improve local and regional business recycling and waste reduction efforts. County staff works with business owners and managers to provide information about setting up an effective recycling program, working with haulers to save on solid waste collection costs, and reducing waste. Waukesha County has also developed several fact sheets for businesses with recycling and disposal options for such items as computers and electronics, hazardous waste, and appliances (available at www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling ). Facility owners and managers can also request assistance from the County to conduct a waste assessment of their business for a comprehensive review of recycling and waste reduction programs and to provide suggestions and resources for improvement.

Waukesha County staff also assisted with the development of the new statewide Green Schools Program ( http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/greenschools/ ), a program available to all public and private K-12 schools, teachers, staff and students to work together to use the school, its grounds, and the whole community as learning tools to help teach sound environmental practices and promote environmental sustainability. As a member of the Southeast Wisconsin Waste Reduction Coalition ( www.besmart.org ), Waukesha County participated in developing the successful recycling program at the Harley Davidson 100th Anniversary celebrations this past August. Also, the Coalition will be working with WasteCap during the next 12 months to develop a fluorescent tube recycling education program for small businesses and institutions in Southeast Wisconsin.

September 2003

Kim Rauwald
WasteCap would like to use this month’s member profile to both recognize and thank a very valuable member of our WasteCap Wisconsin Team. For over a year Kim Rauwald has been assisting WasteCap’s Outreach Specialist in doing volunteer research for each month’s email bulletin. Kim’s volunteer efforts have been very valuable and have contributed significantly to the quality of each bulletin you receive.

Kim graduated December 2000 from UW-Madison with a degree in Psychology and an Environmental Studies certificate. As an undergraduate she pursued two different kinds of environmental research, and has been fortunate enough to have her research published. She began working within the entomology department to research biological control mechanisms in agricultural fields and changed focus later in schooling to pursue her interests in human attitudes and behaviors related to the natural environment.

Kim is currently employed by Accenture, a world-wide management and technology consulting company. She has spent the large majority of her time with Accenture staffed at Harley-Davidson, and continues to dream about owning a motorcycle some day! While she has learned a lot working within the business world, she looks forward to pursuing her environmental interests again soon.

Thank you Kim for all of your hard work!

August 2003

No Profile

July 2003

Lamp Recyclers, Inc.
Since 1993, WasteCap Wisconsin member Lamp Recyclers, Inc., has been working to process and recycle used lamp bulbs, including fluorescent, high-intensity discharge (HID), and specialty bulbs. Approximately 80% of Lamp Recyclers’ volume consists of fluorescent tubes, the majority of which come from industrial operations, schools, and hospitals.

Though fluorescent tube recycling is required by law, many organizations are unaware of the regulations regarding proper disposal of fluorescents or the potential for toxic chemical release when disposed of in landfills. Lamp Recyclers President Dick Coffey notes, “Education is the thing – most people want to do the right thing, but aren’t aware of the regulations." Fluorescent tubes are filled with mercury vapor, which readily disperses into the atmosphere when a tube breaks. Also, the ballasts of fluorescent and high-intensity discharge bulbs contain small amounts of PCBs. Lamp Recyclers’ process separates the components of the tubes and bulbs for recycling, capturing vapors and separating glass, phosphors, and metal endcaps for recycling.

To learn more about Lamp Recyclers, Inc., visit http://www.lamprecyclers.com.

To further effective fluorescent lamp recycling, the Southeast Wisconsin Waste Reduction Coalition, working through WasteCap Wisconsin, will coordinate a fluorescent lamp recycling outreach effort. More information will follow in subsequent bulletins!

June 2003

No Profile

May 2003

Jansen Group
WasteCap Wisconsin member Jansen Group is a general contracting and construction management firm serving southeast Wisconsin and surrounding areas. In April, the Jansen Group completed construction on Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, a major green-building effort striving for high-level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – a green-building standard developed by the U.S. Green Building Council) certification. The Schlitz Audubon project makes use of many green and sustainable-building features, including waterless urinals, a geothermal heat pump, an ultra-high efficiency fireplace and advanced climate control systems.

WasteCap Wisconsin worked with the Jansen Group to develop, implement, and track a comprehensive waste management plan that succeeded in reusing or recycling 78.7% of construction waste materials at the Schlitz Audubon site. Monique Charlier, project manager at Schlitz Audubon site and Vice President of CMA of Milwaukee, a Jansen Group company, notes, “Recycling on a jobsite has a huge impact, and if you have someone like [site superintendent] Dave Drew that really cares about it, it’s not that difficult. The reality of what it can keep out of the landfill is amazing.” Prior to the Schlitz Audubon project, the Jansen Group had not implemented a comprehensive jobsite waste reuse and recycling plan. Monique and the Jansen Group are now looking to make construction waste reuse and recycling a regular part of the construction process. While Schlitz Audubon is the Jansen Group’s first major sustainable-building project, it has long been a leader in construction in the Milwaukee area.

For more information, visit http://www.jansengroup.com.

April 2003

EnviroDog
WasteCap Wisconsin member EnviroDog is an environmental management system and vendor marketplace for environmental products and services. According to founder Roy Scharrer, the company’s vision has been steadily evolving since its launch last June. EnviroDog’s primary focus is on industrial waste disposal and environmental products and services. Currently, the EnviroDog system provides users with the ability to bid out contracts for industrial waste hauling, safety products, and other environmental products and services, while tracking all current data and analyzing for possible cost savings.The latter is shown in the form of a vendor’s assessment - based on tracked data, EnviroDog can determine if other vendors may offer reduced costs.

The goal of EnviroDog, Roy notes, is to make companies more profitable by minimizing costs and more productive by allowing its users to focus on core responsibilities. EnviroDog is looking to continuing its growth with an emphasis on working with property owners/managers and branching into the realm of conventional solid waste.

For more information on EnviroDog, visit www.envirodog.com.To contact Roy, click on “Contact Us”.

March 2003

Affiliated Construction Services
WasteCap Wisconsin member Affiliated Construction Services is a construction services firm that is part of an organization with access to over 800 architectural, engineering, and construction personnel.They specialize in providing single-source design, construction, and operational support for companies that require technically complex facilities, systems, and equipment.ACS was independently incorporated in 1994 at the request of two of their largest clients needing integrated construction services for industrial test facility projects.

WasteCap Wisconsin is working with ACS on its Harley-Davidson Product Development Center project, which is aiming for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Currently, the project enjoys a 76.8 percent recycling rate, by weight. Construction completion is scheduled for this month. ACS has found incorporating the requirements of LEED certification to be a seamless part of their integrated approach to construction management. Project Engineer Jeff Hyland attributes the success of on site waste management to educating crews throughout the duration of the project, especially in the early stages.Hyland notes that ACS plans to implement materials recycling on other projects, as “a construction waste management program does not cost the owner more money to implement.” He adds, “In addition, recycling construction waste helps to minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills and the negative impact it has on the environment.”

For more information on ACS, visit http://www.acscm.com.

February 2003

No Profile

January 2003

Oscar J. Boldt Construction
Oscar J. Boldt Constructionhas been a WasteCap Wisconsin member since 2000.   The Fox Valley firm recently enlisted WasteCap Wisconsin to provide waste reduction and recycling assistance at Lawrence University’s new residence hall project in Appleton, Wisconsin.  The project is pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification.  Oscar J. Boldt Construction is one division of The Boldt Company, a fourth-generation, family-owned firm in its 113th year of operation.  Today, Boldt works in industrial, institutional, healthcare and commercial construction.   Its projects vary greatly in size, from day-to-day maintenance and renovation to complete program management and construction responsibilities.

Learn more about Oscar J. Boldt Construction at http://www.boldtconstruction.com.