WEI works to improve the environment, economy, and qualify of life in Wisconsin through educational initiatives, multi-stakeholder dialogues, and the advancement of best practices in the areas of business strategy, environmental policy, green building, tourism, and agriculture & land use.

Wisconsin Environmental Initiative's (WEI) approach to solving environmental problems arose from the recognition that traditional means of addressing environmental issues are becoming less effective. While legislation, lobbying and other efforts have furthered the environmental movement, often times the results have been contention, polarization and animosity. Too often, opposing constituencies disseminate conflicting biased information which ultimately leads to inadequate public policy. This perpetuates the adversarial relationship between regulators and the regulated community and proves detrimental to the state's environment and economy. As concerns grew about the environment it became increasingly apparent that new methods were needed to achieve meaningful progress. In response to this need, in 1995, WEI founders Stuart Rosenberg, Dick Lehmann and John Imes assembled a diverse group of board members that represented business, government and the non-profit sector, to lead an innovative organization modeled after the Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI).

WEI is guided by a set of ideas:

Catalyzing cooperation among business, government, and citizen groups
WEI programs reflect the belief that the most effective, enduring solutions are found through inclusive, collaborative processes. Our events provide the opportunity for all sides to present their views, engage in debate and work towards common ground.

Protecting Wisconsin's environment, economy, and quality of life
We all benefit from a strong economy, a clean, healthy environment, and a great quality of life. At WEI, success and effectiveness of our programs is measured through the lens of this three-tiered approach. WEI works to find innovative solutions to complex environmental issues that result in positive economic impacts and an improved quality of life.

"Doing well by doing good"
WEI is Wisconsin's leader in advancing the concept of doing well by doing good; realizing financial benefits through improved environmental performance by implementing practices, technologies, and mindset to reduce waste, maximize resource efficiency, and improve product or service design. By integrating environmental priorities into decision making, households, businesses, and government can benefit in many ways.

Advancing the use of "best practices"
In just about every sector of the economy and in every household and community activity, there is a set of "best practices" which can protect the environment, protect investments, and enhance our standard of living. WEI produces and distributes educational materials on best practices used in building construction, agriculture, maintaining waterfront property, and managing business environmental performance. Our educational materials describe in clear terms the benefits afforded by following best practices and serve as important tools for implementing them.