Sustain Dane

06/18/2026

Over the past four years, the Efficiency Navigator has made a positive impact on more than 250 families in Madison. The Efficiency Navigator will continue to move forward with important energy efficiency and health and safety improvements in a new cohort of buildings for 2026.

As Madison moves toward its goal of quality and affordable housing, continued investment and partnership are essential. We invite city leaders, community organizations, and residents to stay engaged, to share their lived experiences, support local initiatives, and champion efforts that ensure every household will live in a comfortable, efficient, safe and resilient home.

06/17/2026

Everyone’s curious about electric vehicles—how far they can go, where you charge them, and what ownership actually costs.

Join Madison Gas and Electric in Verona for this EVent to get clear answers to those questions, explore a variety of vehicles, and see what driving electric could look like for you.

Ready to learn more about driving electric? ⚡ Join MGE and Alliant Energy for “EV 101” on its new date—Thursday, June 18, from 6–7:30 p.m. at the Verona Public Library!
We’ll start with a short presentation covering the basics of electric vehicles. Then, head outside to chat with local EV owners and check out a dozen vehicles on display in the parking lot.

It’s a fun, hands-on way to get your questions answered and see EVs up close. We hope to see you there!

06/17/2026

Gas prices got you thinking? This summer is the perfect time to mix up your commute. Plus, your wallet will thank you. Swapping even one or two car trips a week can save you money on gas and parking, reduce wear on your car, and shrink your carbon footprint. Win-win-WIN!

RoundTrip Greater Madison—a free program for Dane County residents—makes it easy to get started:
🚴 Bike Buddies Program: This program connects newer riders with experienced bike commuters who can answer questions, help plan routes, and even ride along on a practice trip.
🚗 Carpooling: Riding to work with a neighbor or co-worker is an easy way to save money on gas and build community. RoundTrip’s CommuteHub offers free carpool matching to connect you with people with similar schedules and destinations across Dane County.
🚌 Metro Transit: With bus rapid transit between Sun Prairie and Madison’s west side, commutes are convenient. Plus, tap-to-pay makes riding the bus easier than ever!
🆘 Emergency Ride Home: This program provides up to six Union Cab vouchers per year (up to $75 each) for people who commute to work or school by carpool, transit, biking, or walking/rolling in the case of unexpected situations or emergencies.

Ready to explore your options? Learn more here: https://www.cityofmadison.com/mpo/commuting-travel. 🌿

06/16/2026

Last month, Sustain Dane & Midwest Solar Power hosted a Lunch and Learn discussing the State of Solar. Barrett Lione-Seaton of Midwest Solar Power LLC discussed how solar has evolved over time, the status of residential & commercial solar, incentive programs, and detailed how to get your home solar ready and installed. Attendees learned that solar system costs have dropped by more than 70% since 2010, most systems pay for themselves within 8–12 years, and many solar panels now come with warranties of 25 years or more. The discussion also highlighted advances in battery storage technology and the continued growth and efficiency of solar energy systems.

Watch the full Lunch & Learn here:

As communities and businesses work to address climate change, renew...

06/14/2026

Sustainability progress is a journey of many steps.

In this snippet from our Accelerate Sustainability Workshop, Janelle Taylor of Attic Angel discusses how one sustainability audit led to improvements across infrastructure, staff education, and community engagement—creating a stronger recycling system from the ground up. It's a lesson worth learning: lasting impact often comes from combining practical systems with ongoing education.

Hear more from this discussion in our latest podcast wherever you get yours. 🎧

06/13/2026

A friendly reminder for fellow bird lovers: it might be time to give your feeders a good cleaning.

We’ve recently heard reports of several birds in our area showing signs of illnesses like avian conjunctivitis and avian pox—diseases that can spread more easily when birds gather at feeders and birdbaths. The good news? A little maintenance can go a long way in helping keep our feathered visitors healthy.

Here are a few simple steps recommended by wildlife experts:
🧼 Clean feeders and birdbaths every couple weeks using a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
🌱 Keep the area beneath feeders tidy by removing old seed hulls, droppings, and spoiled food.
🏡 Spread out feeding stations when possible to reduce crowding and limit the spread of disease.

If you notice sick birds visiting your feeders, consider taking feeders down temporarily and disinfecting them before putting them back up. Feeding birds is a wonderful way to support local wildlife, and a little extra care helps ensure our backyard visitors stay healthy all season long. 💚

06/13/2026

Four apartment buildings in our Efficiency Navigator program have recently been approved for IRA Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program that will benefit 22 residents in a big way.

Through the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program, qualifying residents with incomes under 80% AMI can receive 100% of upgrade costs covered—up to $14,000 per unit.

The rebates will help cover the cost of air source heat pumps and updated electrical panels, upgrades that make homes more comfortable, more efficient, and more affordable to run.

Wondering if your home or apartment qualifies for energy efficiency rebates? Visit focusonenergy.com and check out "Rebates & Incentives" to explore what's available for you. Time is of the essence as the program is set to evolve.

06/11/2026

What happens to solar panels when they reach the end of their life—or get damaged in a storm?

As solar adoption grows across Wisconsin, so does the need for responsible solar panel recycling.

Here are three important things to know:
• Solar panels can be recycled. Valuable materials like aluminum, copper, glass, and even some components inside the solar cells can be recovered and reused.
• Severe weather damage is uncommon. Industry studies show less than 5% of solar panels fail due to weather-related events.
• Damaged panels require special handling. If a panel is broken, it's important to contain shattered glass and transport it safely to an approved recycling facility.

In our latest Ask Sustain Dane blog, we break down how solar panel recycling works, where Wisconsin residents can recycle panels, what it costs, and tips for safely transporting damaged units. Check it out: https://sustaindane.org/2026/05/25/ask-sustain-dane-recycling-solar-panels/

06/10/2026

Grab a coworker or friend and join us for our next Sustainable Breakfast Series event to learn about Wisconsin’s endangered species and the health of our waterways.

Freshwater mussels are vital to healthy water ecosystems, yet they are often overlooked in conversations around wildlife conservation. Wisconsin is home to more than 50 native mussel species, some of which can live for over a century. These remarkable animals play a critical role in maintaining water quality by continuously filtering water as they feed and breathe. However, nearly half of the state’s native mussel species are endangered due to habitat loss and the spread of invasive species like zebra mussels. Protecting freshwater mussels plays a key role in supporting the health of our local lakes and rivers.

Join us as we explore the science and stewardship shaping mussel conservation in Wisconsin including:
• Insights into local freshwater mussel biology, their history in our region, and their role in cleaning our waterways
• Mussel conservation efforts and the challenges and opportunities facing this endangered animal
• Strategies for building empathy and public engagement around animal protection including connections with mussels

Presenters include:
• Courtney Cordova, Interpretation Coordinator at Henry Vilas Zoo
• Jordan Richard, Endangered Species Biologist at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Lisie Kitchel, Conservation Biologist at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Learn more and register at https://sustaindane.org/eventbrite-event/mussel-up-for-water-conservation/