Wisconsin Groups Sign Deal with DNR

Signing of the Green Tier Clear Waters Initiative Charter is a partnership effort between the regulatory community – Dane County, the Cities of Madison and Sun Prairie, the state Department of Natural Resources -- and Veridian Homes, Wisconsin’s largest home builder. Attending were David Simon of Veridian Homes, DNR Secretary Scott Hassett, Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, Sun Prairie Mayor Joe Chase and Elizabeth Kluesner, representing Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.

 “Veridian Homes was founded around the idea of environmental stewardship. Green building practices, energy-efficiency and top-quality, high-performing homes are our passion. The Clear Water Initiative is a natural fit for Veridian,” said David Simon, president of Operations for Veridian Homes.

“As a direct result of implementing this Charter, Dane County’s lakes and streams will see a reduction in soil erosion and storm water runoff beyond that required by current state and local statutes. This reduction will have a direct environmental benefit and since Veridian Homes builds about 25 percent of all homes in Dane County, this benefit stands to be substantial,” Hassett said.

Green Tier is a new program for environmentally responsible businesses in Wisconsin, and the first program of its type in the nation. Qualified businesses and associations make legal commitments to superior environmental performance through agreements or, in this case a charter, with the DNR.

Through its Charter, Veridian Homes LLC will take substantial steps to reduce sediment and nutrient loading of Dane County’s lakes and streams.