September 2, 2008 Mazomanie - Wick Buildings appointed a twelve-person Green Initiative Committee to discuss the green practices already in place at Wick Buildings and to direct their efforts for new innovative practices in the future. 

Current practices include the use of recycled steel for the majority of their buildings as well as a comprehensive recycling program that includes everything from scrap steel to printer toner cartridges to office paper.  Moreover, nearly the entire inventory of wood used to manufacture building components like girts, purlins, trusses and columns comes from independently certified well-managed forests as recommended by the green building industry at large. 

The group generated a list of over 50 ideas designed to reduce waste, recycle materials, and protect the environment.  "Some of the items are easy to implement, "says Wick Buildings Green Initiative Chair, Ryan Genrich, "like replacing old light fixtures in the plant with energy saving models and switching to high efficiency bulbs."  Other items on the list will take a bit longer to implement.  For instance, Wick is researching the feasibility of installing small horsepower motors in all their semi-truck cabs.  The motor is big enough to heat or cool the cab without running the main engine while the driver sleeps.  The fuel savings alone is substantial.  Other benefits include reduced carbon emissions.

The Green Initiative is not limited to the plant at Wick Buildings.  Their research will include field practices as well.  Site selection, water tables, and environmental impact will all be part of this ongoing project.

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