R.A. Smith National earns Green Professional status

BROOKFIELD, WIS. — R.A. Smith achieved the distinction of Green Professional from the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council. As a Green Professional, R.A. Smith National has performed actions in each of nine “sustainability areas,” and has earned more than 100 points.

“R.A. Smith National is extremely pleased to be recognized by the Green Masters Program for our successful sustainability efforts,” said Steve Roncke, facilities manager. “We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with other organizations who are participating in the Green Masters Program.”

“R.A. Smith National has shown dedication to sustainability and a commitment to invest in Wisconsin communities,” says Tom Eggert, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council. “Businesses like R.A. Smith National provide important expertise to the state. We’re excited to welcome the company to the Green Masters Program.”

A recent example of R.A. Smith National’s green efforts is the installation of an 84-panel solar array and a 16-foot, 1,500-watt Swift wind turbine on the rooftop of their corporate headquarters in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Upgrading their mechanical systems is another example of several projects the firm has undertaken to improve energy efficiencies.

R.A. Smith National’s Rick Smith, president and owner, said, “At R.A. Smith National we have learned that our commitment to sustainability affects every part of our business in a positive way. In addition to what we have already accomplished, we believe it is important to evaluate all areas of our operations on an ongoing basis to determine how we may further reduce energy and water consumption and improve waste reduction. We are also committed to practicing sustainability through the services we provide to our clients.”

The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council works with businesses in the state interested in becoming leaders in sustainability. It serves businesses at all stages of development by educating, facilitating information exchange between members, and providing support. The council, which also hosts an annual business conference and issues an annual State of the State Sustainability Report, seeks to promote Wisconsin as a gathering place for innovative and sustainable business.

The Green Professional designation is the second highest tier in the Green Masters Program established by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council. Candidates are judged on a comprehensive range of sustainability issues from energy and natural resource use to education outreach and purchasing. Over 125 Wisconsin businesses have participated in the program where the top 20 percent achieve the highest “Green Master” designation. For more information, or a complete list of Green Masters Program participants, go to www.greenmastersprogram.com.