Got a Question?

1. Who is Eligible?

For whom is the program designed?

The Green Masters Program targets businesses of all sizes and sectors from anywhere in the state. The eligibility criteria are based on identifying actions in nine (9) key sustainability areas: energy, carbon and other emissions, water, waste and materials management, transportation, supply chain, community and educational outreach, workforce, and governance.



Why focus on businesses?

Leadership in the sustainability area largely rests in the private sector. The Green Masters Program broadens and accelerates the adoption of sustainability practices by recognizing and supporting those businesses that are sustainability leaders.



Will certain sectors of business be targeted?

No, businesses from any sector of the business world are encouraged to consider the Green Masters Program



Where are participants located?

Businesses from across the state are participating in the Green Masters Program. Though the majority of our participants are from the eastern part of the state, we have businesses from the south, the west and the north that are participating in the program.



If I am not a Wisconsin company can I still join?

No. The Green Masters Program is designed for companies in the state of Wisconsin. However, if you are incorporated elsewhere, but have facilities in Wisconsin, you may apply. See the question below for more information.



Is the Green Masters Program facility-specific, or can it apply to all facilities of a business in Wisconsin?

This is a choice each company makes for itself. The questionnaire can be facility-specific or corporate-wide. However, if corporate-wide, please do not claim credit for actions at non-Wisconsin facilities.



Frequently asked questions

My company is already doing a lot from a sustainability perspective, is it worth joining?

Yes! The Green Masters Program is the first statewide program of its kind and incorporates the best aspects of sustainability programs from across the world. Through the program, your company can be distinguished as a sustainability leader. The WI Sustainable Business Council will host an annual event offering media and stakeholder recognition opportunities for businesses achieving Green Masters status. Being a part of the Green Masters Program will increase the visibility of a company’s sustainability activities.



What if I am already participating in another program?

The Green Masters Program was not designed to compete with any of the existing sustainability programs in Wisconsin. Instead, the program recognizes Wisconsin businesses for their sustainability success. Participants in the Profitable Sustainability Initiative, the ME3 Program or the MPowering Champions Program would be ideal candidates to receive recognition through the Green Masters Program. In addition, the WI DNR offers the Green Tier Program ( http://greentier.wi.gov/). Companies that apply to the Green Tier Program may also qualify for the Green Masters Program. The difference between the two programs lies in the broader scope of required actions in the Green Masters Program.



2. Participation and Fees

My company is already doing a lot from a sustainability perspective, is it worth joining?

Yes! The Green Masters Program is the first statewide program of its kind and incorporates the best aspects of sustainability programs from across the world. Through the program, your company can be distinguished as a sustainability leader. The WI Sustainable Business Council will host an annual event offering media and stakeholder recognition opportunities for businesses achieving Green Masters status. Being a part of the Green Masters Program will increase the visibility of a company’s sustainability activities.



What if I am already participating in another program?

The Green Masters Program was not designed to compete with any of the existing sustainability programs in Wisconsin. Instead, the program recognizes Wisconsin businesses for their sustainability success. Participants in the Profitable Sustainability Initiative, the ME3 Program or the MPowering Champions Program would be ideal candidates to receive recognition through the Green Masters Program. In addition, the WI DNR offers the Green Tier Program ( http://greentier.wi.gov/). Companies that apply to the Green Tier Program may also qualify for the Green Masters Program. The difference between the two programs lies in the broader scope of required actions in the Green Masters Program.



3. Recognition

How does recognition work?

All members will receive a certificate suitable for framing, which recognizes their participation in the Green Masters Program. In addition, the top 20% of companies will be recognized at the WI Sustainable Business Council conference.



Will this be communicated statewide?

The Green Masters Program will work with each interested applicant on a press release announcing new participants in the Green Masters Program. We also recommend that participants share this information with local and regional news media. We especially recommend the use of social media, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or even YouTube, to communicate “green” accomplishments.



Will this be nationally or internationally recognized?

The Green Masters Program is designed specifically for Wisconsin businesses. It aims to set a standard of sustainability excellence which will set participants apart as models of global corporate citizenship. With support from the WI Sustainable Business Council, the Green Masters Program will be promoted as a best practice for other states, and across the world.



Where will Green Masters Program companies be identified?

All companies that successfully complete the questionnaire will be identified on the Green Masters Program participant webpage.



Can my company use the Green Masters Program logo?

Any company that successfully completes the Green Masters Program application is eligible, and encouraged, to use the Green Masters Program logo on marketing or promotional materials. Additional details regarding the use of the logo are available in the Logo Use Guidelines document (sent to each company upon acceptance into the program).



4. The Green Masters Program and Other Sustainability Initiatives

My company is already doing a lot from a sustainability perspective, is it worth joining?

Yes! The Green Masters Program is the first statewide program of its kind and incorporates the best aspects of sustainability programs from across the world. Through the program, your company can be distinguished as a sustainability leader. The WI Sustainable Business Council will host an annual event offering media and stakeholder recognition opportunities for businesses achieving Green Masters status. Being a part of the Green Masters Program will increase the visibility of a company’s sustainability activities.



What if I am already participating in another program?

The Green Masters Program was not designed to compete with any of the existing sustainability programs in Wisconsin. Instead, the program recognizes Wisconsin businesses for their sustainability success. Participants in the Profitable Sustainability Initiative, the ME3 Program or the MPowering Champions Program would be ideal candidates to receive recognition through the Green Masters Program. In addition, the WI DNR offers the Green Tier Program ( http://greentier.wi.gov/). Companies that apply to the Green Tier Program may also qualify for the Green Masters Program. The difference between the two programs lies in the broader scope of required actions in the Green Masters Program.