Insight on Business

September 2012

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IN FOCUS GREEN BUSINESS Masters of the green-iverse Program recognizes local companies for efforts to improve sustainability By Linda Dums for many years. "Sustainability is one of four key strategies for all of Menasha company," E says Morgan Wiswall, purchasing initiatives and sustainability manager for the Neenah-based company. "We really believe it's not only the right thing to do from an environmental and social performance, but good sustainability performance yields good financial performance. other Wisconsin businesses in learning how to be sustainable through the Green Masters program, offered by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council. The program, started in 2009, is an Menasha Packaging has joined " Eagles soar near Appleton Coated's mill in Combined Locks. The company is one of many in the New North region recognized as a Green Master through the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council. objective, points-based recognition program that recognizes Wisconsin's sustainability leaders and encourages continuous improvement through applications and networking. Based on the awarded points, companies are labeled Green Apprentice, Green Professional or Green Masters. "It gives you a nice snap shot where you are at," says Wiswall, noting Menasha Packaging's Green Master status. Tom Eggert, executive director of the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council, says the program gives companies credit for making efforts to www. insightonbusiness.com improve sustainability. "It's one thing to pat yourself on the back and say 'We are doing great things,'" he says, adding the Green Masters puts truth behind those words. Currently, 100 Wisconsin companies of all sizes participate in the program, with 22 hailing from northeast Wisconsin. "We're the only state in the country that has a program like this," says Eggert. Companies submit an application, which includes a survey about their present sustainability efforts, and they are required to take action in nine areas: waste, water, energy, A CLOSER LOOK Wisconsin Green Building Alliance: www.wgba.org climate change, transportation, supply chain, employees, governance and community interaction. "The more actions they take, the more points they get," says Eggert. The companies are given a list of fforts to use less energy and water and produce less waste have been part of Menasha Packaging Company's business plan ideas to get them started. Ideas include changing light bulbs, installing low- flow toilets, making a rain garden, producing an external sustainability report and providing employees with opportunities to take part in an annual community service event. [continued] » September 2012 • INSIGHT | 49 COURTESY OF APPLETON COATED

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