Community and Business

Sustainability – At Home

Homeowners in Milwaukee County can take actions that save money and protect the environment.  Here are a few examples:

• Purchase energy-efficient light bulbs and Energy Star® rated appliances and get “cash back” rebates.  Go to www.focusonenergy.com/incentives/residential  for more information.
• Upgrade your thermostat to use less heat or air conditioning when out of the home .  Go to www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=thermostats.pr_thermostats  for a streaming video about how to select a programmable thermostat.
• Use rain barrels for downspout water for your gardening instead of potable water.  Go to www.v3.mmsd.com/rainbarrels.aspx  for more information.
• Consider riding the bus or biking instead of driving to work or to special events.  Go to www.ridemcts.com & www.milwaukee.gov/maps4460.htm  for more information on bus and bike routes.
• Instead of taking long drives for your recreational adventures, explore what Milwaukee County has to offer.  Go to www.countyparks.com for information about your Milwaukee County Parks.

Sustainability – At Work

Energy management is good business.  Many corporations in Milwaukee County have made a strong commitment to sustainable construction and operation practices.  Benefits include improved productivity and more cost-efficient operations that help make participating businesses more competitive.  A variety of services and incentives are available to businesses located in Milwaukee County.  

• Install energy efficient lighting.   Switching from incandescent and T12 bulbs to T8 bulbs and electronic ballasts saves about  40% in electricity.  Go to www.mge.com/business/saving/detail/t8.htm for sample annual energy savings comparison, and www.focusonenergy.com/information-center/business/commercial/fact-sheets.aspx for ideas on how to improve energy efficiency at your business.
• Use green cleaning products.   See www.greenseal.org/findaproduct/cleaners.cfm for a list of Green Seal certified products.
• Conduct an energy audit on your building.   Go to www.focusonerergy.com/business/commercial-business for ideas on the benefits and “how to”.
• Learn how other companies have implemented energy savings programs.  Go to www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=bygtw.showSplash and  www.we-energies.com/business_new/energyeff/index.htm