How are firefighters, middle-schoolers and… nuns helping Wisconsin go green? Why, by working, learning, and worshiping in buildings that are maintained by green energy in some way, shape, or form.

The Sisters at the Holy Wisdom Monastery (Middleton) made a very wise decision indeed when they chose to deck out their place of worship with a geothermal heating system and solar panels (which provide nearly 13% of the total energy the building uses). These green choices landed the monastery the title of “greenest building in the country.”

 

Retro angle of the monastery's solar panels

But they aren’t the only ones getting in on the award-winning action.

The Wisconsin Green Building Alliance also honored a Madison fire station for their efforts in water conversation (they use collected rain water to wash their trucks!), as well as a middle school in Fort Atkinson for their amazing sun-heated swimming pool.

Wisconsin’s construction is going green and people are taking notice. Among those noticing are the folks over at Sustainable Engineering Group, an engineering firm that specializes in renewable energy, who classify our state as a "hub in green design and energy efficiency."

We live in a hub, guys! Now keep on building green ... Wisconsin wants more awards.