Henry Vilas Zoo Nomination Results in Award for MGE
August 25, 2011
Casey Slaughter Becker, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 843-8858
County Executive
‘Paw of Approval’ Goes to Local Business for Efforts to Reduce Carbon Footprints
Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced that Madison Gas and Electric Co. (MGE) has received the Paw of Approval Award from Polar Bears International, an organization dedicated to conservation of the world’s vanishing polar bear population.
Polar Bears International encourages zoos to nominate local businesses that are taking steps to help reduce carbon footprints. Henry Vilas Zoo nominated MG&E for their ongoing work to protect our natural spaces and reduce energy consumption. The zoo, an Artic Ambassador with PBI, has a popular polar bear exhibit that attracts thousands of visitors in the Dane County region, and highlights the negative effect that greenhouse gases can have on polar bear habitat.
“The zoo’s ongoing efforts in animal education and conservation are a fitting match with Madison Gas and Electric’s commitment to programs that enable all of us to reduce our carbon footprint, and protect our environment,” said Parisi. “Congratulations to MG&E for this award.”
MGE is a community energy company that generates and distributes electricity to 139,000 customers in Dane County and purchases and distributes natural gas to 143,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties.
“This award belongs to our customers,” said Gary Wolter, chairman, president and CEO of MGE. “Because of their strong environmental ethic, many of our customers have made the extra effort to offset carbon dioxide through energy efficiencies and by participating in our green energy program Green Power Tomorrow.”
“MGE is an outstanding conservation partner and a leader in reducing carbon emissions. The Paw of Approval award is well deserved recognition for all of MGE’s excellent conservation initiatives,” Hubing said.
Polar Bears International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the worldwide conservation of the polar bear and its habitat through research, stewardship, and education. The organization provides scientific resources and information on polar bears and their Arctic habitat, as well as the affect of human-caused and natural-occurring events on their survival.
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