Statute 299.83: Green Tier Program

Purpose

The authorizing statute (Wis. Stats. §299.83 [PDF 190KB]) for the Green Tier program was due to expire in July of 2009. In order to preserve the program and build upon past and current successes, legislation was proposed to accomplish three goals: (1) Repeal sunset dates (2) Update elements of the statute to make administering the law more efficient and clear; and (3) Improve and expand the law’s ability to realize improve the both environmental and business results.

Governor Jim Doyle signed into law SB 126 [PDF 69KB] at the State Capitol in Madison on July 8th, 2009. Senate Bill 126 renews the Environmental Results Program, now known as the Green Tier Program. The Green Tier Program is an innovative environmental regulation system administered by the Department of Natural Resources that is based on collaboration between regulators and environmentally responsible businesses.

SB 126 also renews the Environmental Improvement Program, now called the Environmental Compliance Audit Program. The bill also makes small changes and updates to both programs to ensure their effectiveness.

The Program

Wisconsin’s Green Tier program rewards regulated and un-regulated businesses, communities and trade associations aspiring to deliver superior environmental performance. The law provides tools that allow for a transition from just compliance minimums to performance recognition systems. Green Tier uses collaborative, proactive relationships to find creative solutions to further protect, improve and restore Wisconsin’s environment while building business value and recognition.

Superior Environmental Performance in practice

Data from the program clearly indicates that Green Tier companies are consistently and significantly outperforming other Wisconsin companies across a wide range of objective measures. For example, Green Tier pilot companies have reported a 30% reduction in emissions of hazardous air pollutants since the year 2000, bucking an overall statewide trend that shows a more modest 12% decrease. In addition, data shows:

1. SOx: Green Tier pilot companies down 40% since baseline (year 2000)
2. NOx: … down 40% since baseline (year 2000)
3. VOC: …down 35% since baseline (year 2000)

Business and Economic Value

Participating companies realize the economic benefit of achieving superior environmental performance. Since 2005, for example, 3M Corporation had 12 new construction projects approved by DNR without having to go through the traditional permitting process because of their continual delivery of superior environmental performance.; Moreover, 3M’s pollution prevention efforts resulted in savings of nearly $2.67 million in the last 5 years. Northern Engraving Corporation (NEC) realized business advantage through 3000 work hours saved annually through reduced paperwork. 3M and NEC are but two of many examples illustrating how collaborative environmental management delivers real economic advantage and superior environmental results. Tools within the law help Wisconsin companies protect our environment while realizing bottom line benefits.

Ideas sharing and top priorities of participants

In January of 2007 program participants convened for their first annual meeting. Collectively, these businesses are looking at ways to:

1. Use performance measures to improve business performance,
2. Think creatively about regulatory efficiency
3. Transition to sustainability using Green Tier as a tool in that progression

These issues, coupled with the results to date offer insight into the importance for re-authorizing Green Tier, updating elements of the statue and improving and expanding the program. It is clear that Green Tier is perceived as an incubator for innovation and collaboration. As such, Green Tier and its participants are breaking down traditional barriers and delivering superior performance, continual improvement and experiencing a balance of power that transcends rules and regulations.