Sustainability

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Committee

The Sustainability Energy, and Environment Committee (SEEC) acts as an advisory body to the Common Council in the development of policies, programs, and decisions that affect the relationship between the City and the environment.

The City of Wausau is committed to leading the way to a more sustainable future. In 2023, the City Council passed a Greenhouse Gas Resolution, a commitment to move City operations to clean energy by 2050. This caps a long history of action and initiatives that City has taken to help educate it’s residents and combat the effects of Climate Change.

These efforts are done with the goals of:

reducing greenhouse gas emissions from City operations
reducing the burden of City operations on the tax levy
provide resources to residents and businesses

Solar Energy Resources

In October of 2025, Wausau earned a SolSmart Silver designation by implementing best practices to make it easier for residents and businesses to install and access solar energy. SolSmart is a national program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy that has helped hundreds of local governments become "open for solar business". Learn more about the program here.

The Benefits of Going Solar

Solar energy uses a renewable energy source (the sun!) and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, supports local solar companies in Wisconsin, creates local jobs, saves money on energy costs, and improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.

Solar Maps and Potential

Investigate your property's solar potential by clicking here. You can also estimate the performance of potential PV projects using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's PVWatts Calculator.

Solar Permitting

Learn more about solar permitting by clicking here.

Slow Your Mow

Sustainability Awards

The Wausau Sustainability Award recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations that are committed to creating a more sustainable and energy-smart Wausau. These awards are also meant to share examples of sustainability initiatives and projects with residents, businesses, community groups, and nonprofits and encourage similar projects. To apply or nominate a recipient for this award, please fill out the application here.

Past Award Winners:

Good News Project Application Award
Aspirus Inc Application Award

Get Involved

If you are interested in serving on the Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Committee, please fill out the Citizen Participation Form. SEEC meets on the first Thursday of the month at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall and meetings are open to the public.

Questions can be directed to staff assigned to the committee:

Carrie Edmondson, AICP, Assistant City Planner
Email