Sustainability at Kohler Co.
This Year’s Host of the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Conference: Kohler.
On December 13th, 2017, over 400 individuals from across the state will gather at the American Club in Kohler, WI to participate in the 10th Annual Wisconsin Sustainable Business Conference. The Kohler Company will follow in the steps of such great Wisconsin companies as Harley Davidson, Lands’ End and American Family and serve as the host of the conference this year. Not only will this be the 10th anniversary of the conference, but the 10th carbon-neutral conference as well.
Kohler is a proven leader in sustainability, making them an ideal host. At the event, attendees will have a chance to hear from Kohler’s CEO and see first-hand Kohler’s manufacturing facilities. This year, the Conference will highlight water as a sustainability issue, in recognition of Kohler’s focus on water. According to Kohler’s website, “It is our responsibility to work in harmony with nature and, in everything we do, stay mindful of our responsibility to future generations.”
“It is our responsibility to work in harmony with nature and, in everything we do, stay mindful of our responsibility to future generations.”
Kohler recently announced their Net Zero 2035 program with goals of:
Zero waste to landfill
Reduced total water consumption
Offsets for all greenhouse gas emissions
In order to achieve this, Kohler has laid out a three-plank system involving: footprint reduction, education and action and product innovation as detailed below.
One step toward zero waste involves the repurposing of seconds or rejects from the porcelain production line. Previously, since this waste could not be reworked, it would end up in landfills. Now, new customers like Wausau Tile can use the “cull” as a ceramic aggregate for concrete products, such as benches, tables and tile flooring.
Kohler’s mission can best be summarized by the following statement, “WE BELIEVE that the path to a better place is a constant endeavor. Every day nearly 30,000 Kohler associates worldwide are moving forward with a focus on sustainability and stewardship. Some strides are larger than others. But what’s most important is that steps are being taken in a positive direction. And that’s a really big deal.”
“Every day nearly 30,000 Kohler associates worldwide are moving forward with a focus on sustainability and stewardship.”
Kohler believes it is incredibly important for consumers to know what Kohler is doing to be better stewards of the earth. Check out a video summarizing their 2016 Sustainability & Stewardship Report below.
In harmony with ten years of tradition and the corporate culture of conference host, Kohler, the 10th Annual WI Sustainable Business Conference will be carbon neutral. The WI Sustainable Business Conference has partnered with the Compass Group for the past 3 years to produce a sustainability report for the conference.
“From reducing food waste and using reusable dishware, to providing transportation from both Milwaukee and Madison, to a vegetarian menu, the event serves as a model for sustainability, just as Wisconsin’s businesses serve as models on sustainability for the nation.”
Held to high standards by the Compass Group, the conference planning team, the WI Sustainable Business Council and Kohler are working together closely this year to produce yet another carbon neutral event. From reducing food waste and using reusable dishware, to providing transportation from both Milwaukee and Madison, to a vegetarian menu, the event serves as a model for sustainability, just as Wisconsin’s businesses serve as models on sustainability for the nation. Please consider joining us on December 13th.
