Sustainability at West Bend

West Bend cares about our environment and our planet. We’re committed to reducing our footprint on the environment now and in the future. We continually challenge our associates to do the same.    

Our message is simple: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

West Bend has adopted these sustainable practices to REDUCE our impact on the environment:

Chemicals

West Bend uses environmentally-friendly products; all products meet or exceed federal guidelines and are VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) compliant.

Several products have the green seal which means they received third-party certification.

Cleaning Tools

West Bend uses the microfiber mopping system which reduces water consumption and disposal by 92% and chemical usage by 91%.

Use of microfiber towels reduces our disposable towel usage by 40% and chemical usage by 20%.

High efficiency filtration traps 99.6% at 0.3 microns for improved indoor air quality.

Water Conservation

Rain sensors on the irrigation system reduce water consumption.

Drip irrigation reduces water consumption by 70% in our landscaping beds.

Washing machines are HE (high efficiency) which reduces water consumption by 40%.

Low-flow plumbing fixtures are installed throughout the campus.

Hands-free faucets are used in all bathrooms throughout the campus. This promotes a healthy environment and reduces water use.

Energy Conservation

HVAC
West Bend uses a building automation system that controls HVAC equipment, building temperature set points, and HVAC equipment and lighting on/off scheduling.

West Bend manages an extensive preventative maintenance program. Periodic inspections and cleaning and equipment testing are essential elements of a successful preventative maintenance program and also save on energy costs.

Lighting
All interior and exterior office lighting is controlled through building automation.

Interior office lighting uses energy-efficient fluorescent lighting, electronic ballasts, and many LED bulbs. Many interior and exterior bulbs have been replaced with more energy-conserving LED bulbs. Each replacement has resulted in a reduction of bulb wattage by almost 75% while maintaining interior office light levels.  

Motion-occupancy-sensored lights are used throughout the building.

Personal Environment Modules (PEMs) are used at most work stations. Motion sensors control the PEM, turning it on and off.

Shades are on a timer that helps reduce solar gain, or the increase in internal temperature caused by the sun shining through the windows.

Food Service
West Bend uses Sanimax, an organic waste collection service. Organic food waste is collected and transported to the UW-Oshkosh Biodigester, a large indoor composting and energy production facility. This reduces the amount of waste going to landfills.

The Terrace Café promotes the use of china.

West Bend associates are encouraged to use their own personal coffee mugs and water mugs/bottles to conserve use of paper cups.

Alternative Transportation

Bike racks are available for all associates to use.

West Bend promotes Bike-to-Work days.

Air Quality

West Bend employs a no-smoking policy anywhere in the building or on the grounds.

West Bend has adopted these sustainable practices to REUSE:

Furniture and Miscellaneous Items

• We reuse office furniture, workstation walls, work surfaces, cabinets, and shelving.
• Used books are shared by associates in our Book Lending Library.
• Our Human Resources Department website is host to a classified section where associates can list items for sale, trade, or buy.

Food Service

• Linen napkins are used whenever possible.
• West Bend associates are encouraged to use their personal coffee mugs and water bottles.
• Coffee grounds are collected and used as compost for associate garden plots.

West Bend has adopted these sustainable practices to RECYCLE:

Recycling Program

• All office paper
• Cardboard
• Aluminum
• Glass
• Light bulbs
• Ballast
• Ink cartridges
• Batteries
• Cell phones
• Eyeglasses
• Shoes

Recycled Supplies

• Some products West Bend uses meet the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) guidelines for post-consumer recycled content.
• Toilet paper and paper towels are made of 80% or higher recycled materials.
• Paper napkins are made from 30% post-consumable paper product.