energy

Crandon, Wisconsin, has made strides in improving energy efficiency, capitalizing on both state-level incentives and local initiatives. The city has embraced renewable energy sources, with several households and businesses installing solar panels, taking advantage of Wisconsin's Renewable Energy Competitive Incentive Program (RECIP). This program supports residents with funding for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which has led to increased adoption rates within the community. Additionally, the city has been participating in energy-saving programs such as Focus on Energy, which helps residents and businesses reduce their energy consumption and save on utility bills. Local authorities have also been working on retrofitting public buildings with energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, further reducing the municipal energy footprint. Residential energy audits have become more popular, spurred by both awareness campaigns and financial assistance for implementing suggested improvements. New construction in Crandon follows the latest energy codes, ensuring that buildings are better insulated and more energy-efficient. The city has also seen a push towards utility-scale renewable energy projects, such as wind and bioenergy, although these developments are still in their nascent stages.

water

Water efficiency in Crandon is a priority, with conservation programs aimed at sustaining the city's water resources. The municipality has invested in upgrading its water infrastructure to reduce leaks and prevent the loss of treated water. This includes the replacement of aging pipes and the implementation of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), which helps in detecting leaks and providing real-time water use data to consumers. Crandon's water utility promotes water-saving practices, offering rebates to residents who install low-flow fixtures and water-efficient appliances. Public education campaigns have been successful in promoting water conservation among residents, highlighting techniques such as rainwater harvesting and xeriscaping in lawns and gardens to reduce water usage. The city enforces seasonal watering restrictions to manage demand during peak periods. Additionally, the wastewater treatment facility has seen upgrades to enhance its efficiency and reduce its ecological impact. Wetlands restoration projects have been undertaken to improve natural water filtration and increase local biodiversity. Crandon's efforts in water conservation also extend to protecting local water bodies, such as nearby lakes and rivers, from pollution and overuse.

transportation

Transportation efficiency in Crandon reflects a commitment to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable modes of transit. The city has made advancements in non-motorized transportation infrastructure, developing bike lanes and pedestrian paths that encourage walking and cycling. A local bike-share program provides residents and tourists with an eco-friendly transportation option. Public transportation is limited but has been optimized with fuel-efficient buses to serve key routes more effectively. To encourage the use of electric vehicles (EVs), Crandon has installed several EV charging stations in strategic locations, making use of incentives under the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (EVIP) to expand this network. The city also participates in the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's (WisDOT) efforts to promote rideshare programs, reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road. Crandon's local government has pushed for a fleet transition, where possible, to hybrid and electric vehicles to reduce municipal transportation emissions. Through these initiatives, Crandon aims to provide residents with a variety of sustainable transportation options, contributing to regional goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.

waste

Crandon's approach to waste management emphasizes reduction, reuse, and recycling. The city has implemented a robust curbside recycling program that accepts a wide array of materials, diverting substantial waste from landfills. This program aligns with the statewide initiative to recycle at least 25% of waste. There has been an evident increase in community participation, with educational programs in schools and public campaigns raising awareness about the benefits of recycling. The city has also established drop-off centers for hazardous materials and electronics, ensuring safe disposal and reducing environmental contamination. A local composting program encourages residents to compost organic waste, and this has been bolstered by workshops on composting techniques. Crandon has enforced ordinances to limit single-use plastics, encouraging businesses to adopt biodegradable alternatives. Additionally, the city has partnered with waste-to-energy plants to convert non-recyclable waste into energy, offsetting some of its fossil fuel consumption. These efforts, along with an annual 'Clean-Up Day' event that promotes community-wide participation in waste reduction, have positioned Crandon as a proactive city in sustainable waste management.