Nine Alliant Energy Solar Projects Earn Highest Award Level for Sustainability

The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) has 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. The nine Wisconsin solar projects total 664 megawatts (MW) 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 the energy company delivers on its purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities in a safe, cost-effective and reliable manner. 

“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. “From day one, being one unified team allowed us to demonstrate continual improvement of the planning-design-construction process, ensuring that we remained aligned in our commitment to safety, sustainability and resiliency. This award is a testament to what can be accomplished when everyone is working toward the goal of meeting the needs of the present as well as the needs of the future." 

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.  

“ISI congratulates Alliant Energy on achieving the highest Envision Award level, Platinum, with each of these projects. By adopting Envision to guide its portfolio of clean energy projects, the company has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and to the communities of Wisconsin,” said Anthony Kane, President & CEO of ISI. “Alliant Energy is proving projects like these can produce sustainably sourced energy and also provide economic, environmental and social benefits.” 

Projects need to receive at least 50% of the total applicable points across the credits to receive a Platinum verification award. Below are unique characteristics from each project that led to their recognitions: 

Albany (50 MW, Green County): Alliant Energy undertook measures to understand community sensitivities associated with groundwater protection, spill and leak prevention response plans, and responsive surface water and groundwater monitoring and reporting systems. 

Bear Creek (50 MW, Richland County): At least 97.4% of all construction and demolition material was either sent to recycling facilities or diverted for beneficial reuse. 

Beaver Dam (50 MW, Dodge County): The project utilizes fiber optic cables, which are non-conducive and safer for technicians to handle, reducing the risk of electrical hazards to workers and the public. A glare study of the site predicted no risk to public health or safety for drivers or nearby residences. 

Cassville (50 MW, Grant County): Key stakeholders at the municipal and county levels expressed approval of the project and its execution based on Alliant Energy’s proactive communication approach and its economic, environmental and public health benefits for the community. 

North Rock (50 MW, Rock County): The project ensures the transmission of data used for remote monitoring, programming and scheduling of project operations through the addition of fiber optic cables in the region. 

Paddock (65 MW, Rock County): Alliant Energy conducted early studies and incorporated public input to inform the development of policies related to construction work schedule limitations, designated traffic routes, and a proactive roadway maintenance program. 

Springfield (100 MW, Dodge County): Alliant Energy conducted multiple studies to find areas of high ecological value relative to the project site and fully avoided those areas during project development. 

Wautoma (99 MW, Waushara County): The team sought feedback from the Central Wisconsin Trout Unlimited chapter to ensure they 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. 

Wood County (150 MW, Wood County): Alliant Energy partnered with local lumber contractors and mills to implement a sustainable tree harvesting program, and nonsalable wood, such as small trees, limbs, and stumps, were chipped into usable mulch and donated to local citizens. 

Alliant Energy | alliantenergy.com 

Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure | https://sustainableinfrastructure.org/