The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure awarded nine of Alliant Energy’s solar projects with its highest award level – Envision Platinum – for the sustainable development, construction and operation of the facilities.
Among those projects was installation of a 99 megawatt solar generating facility in Waushara County. The team sought feedback from the Central Wisconsin Trout Unlimited chapter to ensure Alliant could fully avoid any negative impacts to water quality from the project. The group conducted water monitoring in the area and found no changes in the quality.
The nine Wisconsin solar projects total 664 megawatts and represent the successful execution of Alliant Energy’s Clean Energy Blueprint, a roadmap to diversify its energy resources. All nine projects were placed into service by the end of 2023.
“As we transition to a more diverse energy mix, the sustainable development, construction, and operation of these solar projects will benefit local communities,” said David de Leon, president of Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin energy company. “To have some of the first solar projects in the state recognized under this framework showcases us as a leading energy company as we work to fulfill our commitment to generating cleaner energy and building stronger communities.”
Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor Burns & McDonnell led the construction of these projects beginning in the summer of 2021.
“We are incredibly proud to have achieved ISI’s prestigious Envision Platinum award for all nine of the Alliant Energy solar projects for which Envision verification was pursued. This recognition reflects the hard work and collaboration between Alliant Energy and our integrated EPC team,” said Chad Cotter, vice president for Burns & McDonnell.
The Envision™ framework was designed by ISI to promote more sustainable, resilient, and equitable infrastructure projects. It is comprised of 64 sustainability and resiliency indicators (called credits) which are organized within five categories: Quality of life, leadership, resource allocation, natural world, and climate and resilience.
Projects need to receive at least 50% of the total applicable points across the credits to receive a Platinum verification award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure.
