Our Efforts in Action
What are we doing to practice sustainability?
Here are seven key areas on which we're focusing our efforts in the coming years:
- 1. Reduce our greenhouse gas emissions
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We are dedicated to reducing energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Examples of our progress include:
- All of American Family's owned facilities are ENERGY STAR rated, and several of our larger facilities have attained the prestigious ENERGY STAR certification.
- American Family recently implemented more than 50 energy saving solutions that, combined, are reducing greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 1,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide a year.
- New high-energy-efficient lighting systems were installed in several American Family buildings, one of which garnered an award from the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).
- 2. Reduce our waste
Through reduction, reuse and recycling, we are cutting landfill waste.
In 2009, the most recent year for which data is available, American Family employees in the Madison area recycled 813 tons of paper. This is equivalent to saving almost 14,000 mature trees.
Since beginning our recycling efforts in 1989, the company has recycled more than 25 million pounds of recycled paper, generating $821,883 in combined paper rebate and landfill cost savings.
- 3. Reduce our water use
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Through a combination of conservation and technology, our plan is to reduce water use.
For example, we upgraded our Madison headquarters cooling tower to soft water, saving three million gallons of water per year. That's the equivalent of 4.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
- 4. Reduce our operational impact on the land
By reducing demand for more built spaces (office buildings, parking lots, ramps, etc.) and restoring native habitats, we intend to lessen our impact on the land.
American Family's most recent land management project involves two prairies totaling more than 20 acres at our National Headquarters (NHQ) in Madison. The prairies are growing from a mass seeding, conducted by a group of volunteers, including employees and their families. The new prairies will take up to four years to mature and show their splendor, but the beauty and environmental benefits they provide will be well worth the wait.
As a larger tract of land, the prairies will provide excellent habitat for grassland birds, which require a minimum of 10 contiguous acres. Thanks to prairie plants' extensive root systems, the new prairies will also prevent erosion and wet, soggy ground conditions.
The prairies promise to be a beautiful and environmentally beneficial addition to the NHQ landscape and serve as another example of American Family's commitment to sustainable land management practices.
- 5. Reduce negative environmental impact of food service
By increasing offerings of local, organic and healthy choices in food service and vending, we aim to enhance the well-being of our employees and the environment.
Additionally, at our Madison facilities, we have introduced eco-friendly packaging options for "to go"diners.
Further, we use locally grown produce when it's available.
- 6. Enhance our social sustainability practices
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We intend to enhance social sustainability practices by ensuring supplier and employee diversity; delivering a robust employee wellness program; and ensuring that employee training, community relations and marketing activities are carefully aligned with our sustainability objectives.
American Family's Sustainability Squads are a cross-divisional network of employees championing the behaviors, activities and practices that meet sustainability goals. Members of these teams educate and engage fellow employees through department and divisional communications, and help measure the results of workplace sustainability efforts.
There are sustainability squads in multiple Madison locations as well as St. Joseph, Mo., and Engelwood, Colo. Gradually, the teams will expand to other locations.
American Family's green efforts are among those featured in a recent video produced by another Madison-based company, MG&E. Watch Green View: Making the Team (2:06), which showcases how our internal teams are helping promote sustainability.
- 7. Implement sustainable economic practices
Through private equity funds, American Family invests in clean technology companies from a broad range of sectors, including alternative energy, energy conservation, waste management, clean water and pollution reduction.
These companies range from small, local start-ups to large, international public companies. Each provides us with an opportunity to realize competitive returns while being a part of cutting-edge solutions to adverse environmental issues.
Additionally, American Family, its employees and agents were a key contributors to the American Family Children's Hospital in Madison, Wis. The facility combines world-class medical care with a unique, family-friendly setting that health experts say can contribute to the healing of children.
Prairie Stomp at National Headquarters
Volunteers use foot power to plant prairie grass at American Family's National Headquarters in Madison, Wis. Restoring areas to their native prairie plant species is a sustainable landscape-management strategy that benefits plants and animals alike.
Video: Sustainability Squads
American Family's green efforts are among those featured in a recent video produced by another Madison-based company, MG&E. Watch a clip from Green View: Making the Team (2:06), which showcases how our internal teams are helping promote sustainability.