Thursday, February 23, 2012
A Sustainable Community
The divide between the environment and the economy has decreased in recent years as companies realize the benefits of "going green". Reducing inputs or waste, using more alternative energy and recycling often affect the bottom line in a positive way. Businesses, consumers and the environment all profit from environmentally responsible activities.

Sustainable living is a way of life in the La Crosse Area, which has grown into a buzzing hub for sustainability in recent years.  In fact, the City of La Crosse was recognized in the April 2008 edition of Country Home magazine as the “12th Best Green City in the United States.” The rankings looked at air and water quality, mass transit use, farmers markets, and organic groceries.  La Crosse was also named a Bronze level “Bicycle Friendly Community” in 2007 by the League of American Bicyclists. 

Additionally, the City and County of La Crosse recently created the permanent La Crosse Sustainable Commission.  This commission makes sustainability-related policy recommendations to the city and county, and also monitors the implementation of the La Crosse Strategic Plan for Sustainability.  With private enterprise, public organizations and government focused on a ‘greener’ way of life, the La Crosse area continues to make great strides to reduce its ecological footprint and grow into the future.

Browse the websites below to explore La Crosse's sustainability movement.
Sustainable La Crosse
The home for the city and county of La Crosse's sustainability efforts.  Recent accomplishments include the installation of a solar water heater project at the La Crosse Law Enforcement Center and the Black River Beach Community Center project which features geothermal heating, a solar water heater and natural lighting.

Coulee Partners for Sustainability
A non-profit formed in 2007 by a group of La Crosse area residents who are interested in promoting lifestyles that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially just. They support the proposition that society must meet its current needs, but that it must not diminish the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
 
Sustainable La Crosse Commission
Created in January of 2009, this joint city and county committee regularly reviews the implementation of the City and County of La Crosse Strategic Plan for Sustainability. The Commission also contributes to the education, expansion, enhancement and public awareness of the Sustainability Plan.

Mississippi Valley Conservancy
A regional, non-profit land trust, the Mississippi Valley Conservency has permanently conserved more than 11,700 acres of blufflands, prairies, wetlands, and streams in southwestern Wisconsin since its founding in 1997.  This organization's work helps ensure that the La Crosse area remains verdent for generations to come.

Myrick - Hixon EcoPark
Conveniently located in central La Crosse, Myrick Hixon EcoPark is a non-profit organization whose vision is to achieve respect for nature and to protect the environment for future generations. Their mission is to create a unique destination with dynamic educational programming, interactive displays, and ecosystem exhibits that will advance the appreciation and conservation of natural resources.

Driftless Region Bicycle Coalition
This alternative transportation advocacy group was created in in the summer of 2009.  It strives towards a more wholistic approach to transportation, stating that bicycling economically benefits communities and positively impacts the health of people.
 
Hillview Greenhouse
An urban agricultural center where community members from all walks of life work together to grow nutritious, local and sustainable food. The Greenhouse provides the skills and tools for all community members to plant, grow, prepare, and preserve their own organic food.  The Greenhouse also helps La Crosse residents create their own community and personal gardens.
Gundersen Lutheran
Gundersen Lutheran’s environmental program, called Envision, is a model for healthcare providers nationwide. The hospital is developing a portfolio of innovative energy projects designed to lower costs and lead the industry in environmental stewardship. Gundersen aims to be energy independent by 2014, has recently completed a LEED certified building, and uses waste biogas discharged from the La Crosse City Brewery and turns it into electricity.

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
With the construction of a LEED Silver certified academic building and a LEED Silver residence hall, UW-L has taken a lead in La Crosse's sustainability efforts.  Students at the University voted in 2007 to implement a 'Green Fund.'  Through this, students pay $5 per semester to fund environmentally sustainable projects, including an electric vehicle, updating to energy efficient lighting, and purchasing recycling bins for outdoor use.

Western Technical College
In 2010, Western became a charter participant in STARS 1.0, a measuring system for campus sustainability.  The Technical College also completed its first carbon footprint assessment in 2009 and has committed to construct all future buildings to LEED standards.

Viterbo University
The University features a Center for Sustainability within the Dahl School of Business. The Center for Sustainability is a community educational and consulting resource for businesses and non-profit organizations interested in sustainable practices. The University has also created a committee on sustainability and has implemented a number of sustainability initiatives.

Wisconsin Office on Energy Independence
OEI is committed to supporting Wisconsin's goal of generating 25% of its electric power and transportation fuels from renewable resources by 2025, capturing 10% of the emerging bioindustry and renewable energy market by 2030, and leading the nation in groundbreaking research that will make clean energy more affordable and will create good paying Wisconsin jobs.

Xcel Energy
The energy provider to the La Crosse area, Xcel Energy is developing renewable energy sources from wind, sun and biomass. They are the nation's No. 1 wind energy provider and is No. 5 in solar energy.  Xcel is also offering some of the largest energy efficiency and conservation programs in the country.  The company is pioneering new advanced, clean energy technologies and policies that seek balance between energy service, cost and the environment.
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