Alliant Energy Center Receives Travel Green Certification

MADISON, Wis. - On April 19, 2007, Travel Green Wisconsin recognized the Alliant Energy Center as a recipient of the Travel Green Certification. Sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, Travel Green Wisconsin recognizes tourism-related businesses that are reducing their environmental impact through operational and other improvements.

The Alliant Energy Center, which attracts over 1 million visitors each year, is one of the largest organizations in Madison to receive Travel Green Certification. Through its use of green space on Willow Island and environmentally-friendly purchasing practices, the Alliant Energy Center has helped build sustainable tourism in Wisconsin. Recently, the Alliant Energy Center partnered with Johnson Controls to implement energy-saving measures in Exhibition Hall, which include energy-efficient lighting and upgrades to reduce gas emissions.

To achieve Travel Green certification, businesses have to meet several goals including demonstration of how they encourage staff and vendors to be environmentally aware and how they reduce their solid waste generation and energy consumption.

“At the Alliant Energy Center, it is important to us to support the community by using local vendors, promoting local businesses, and using organic and fair trade food from the Madison area,” said William DiCarlo, Executive Director at the Alliant Energy Center. “By continually monitoring our business practices to make sure they are socially and environmentally responsible, our goal is to support not only the community, but also the environment.”

Travel Green Wisconsin, which launched statewide in January 2007, is the first of its kind in the U.S. and has received coverage in a variety of national media outlets, including CNN, the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times. To date, certified participants include B&Bs, cafes, resorts, tour operations, convention centers and a variety of attractions.

“With the Alliant Energy Center’s certification, we will be reaching hundreds of thousands of visitors each year with a message of commitment to eco-friendly business practices in Wisconsin,” said Tourism Secretary Kelli A. Trumble. “From energy efficient systems to locally sourced organic food, the center will be making a substantial contribution to sustainable tourism.”

For more information about Travel Green Wisconsin, including a list of current members, visit www.travelgreenwisconsin.com. To learn more about the Alliant Energy Center, visit www.alliantenergycenter.com.

Dane County Home Page  |   Exhibition Hall  |  Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Updated: May 3, 2007