County seeks more ‘Climate Champions’
Last week, the Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change (OECC) launched the call to businesses, nonprofits and local governments to apply to be a 2025 Climate Champion. OECC developed the Climate Champions program to recognize the leadership of local entities that are taking significant action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Climate Champion application will be open from April 14 to July 1. According to a county news release, to date, OECC has recognized more than 150 entities across Dane County for their leadership on climate action.
“Leading on climate action is the Dane County Way so it’s no surprise that dozens of businesses, nonprofits and local governments are already Dane County Climate Champions,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “I look forward to seeing who else will get recognition this year.”
The Dane County Climate Champions program recognizes achievements across ten categories, including:
Building Energy Use — for entities with very energy-efficient buildings
Building Design — recognizing facilities still being planned or built that are projected to be very energy efficient
Fleet Operations — for entities with a fleet powered by clean fuels
Employee Commuting — for entities that encourage their workforce to commute via bike, foot, transit, or telecommuting
Water Saving Practices — for entities that have implemented practices to reduce water consumption
Waste Diversion Practices — for entities that have strong waste diversion practices
Sustainable Land Use Practices — for entities that have strong land use practices
Catalysts — for entities that help others take climate actions
GHG Emissions — for entities that have measured and reduced their emissions footprint
Other — for entities that have taken actions that don’t fit into other categories
OECC encourages entities to fill out the simple application to apply for recognition. Community members can also use the OECC forms to nominate a business or nonprofit for recognition.
“We will achieve the ambitious goals set in the Dane County Climate Action Plan only with the participation of local stakeholders–residents, businesses, faith organizations, nonprofits, schools and local governments. That’s why we are so excited to recognize another cohort of Climate Champions in 2025,” said Kathy Kuntz, Director of Dane County’s Office of Energy and Climate Change.
Dane County Climate Action Plan set a path to cut countywide emissions in half by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Last year, OECC presented 32 Climate Champions awards to 20 entities. Awardees ranged from local businesses to nonprofits and public schools.
“I’m proud to showcase the organizations being recognized for climate action. The variety of actions and dedication of local entities to reducing their emissions truly embodies the Dane County Way” said Agard.
To learn more and apply to be a 2025 Climate Champions, visit the Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change website and the related Climate Champions map.