Madison Reporter

The City of Madison has received recognition as a 2025 Dane County Climate Champion in two categories: Catalyst and Fleet Operations. The awards highlight the city’s Building Energy Savings Program (BESP) and the Fleet Service Division’s use of renewable diesel.

The BESP was acknowledged in the Catalyst category. In 2023, Madison became the first city in Wisconsin to pass an ordinance targeting improved energy efficiency for existing buildings. The program partners with large commercial building owners to enhance energy performance through benchmarking and tune-ups. To date, over 397 buildings have participated, with nearly 400 more expected to join in 2026. According to city estimates, once fully implemented, BESP could reduce emissions by up to 91,000 tons of CO₂ annually—comparable to removing nearly 18,000 cars from the road.

“Building are currently the source of 65% of our community's greenhouse gas emissions,” says Jessica Price, Sustainability and Resilience Manager at the City of Madison. “Energy benchmarking and tune-ups are proven tools for both saving energy and money. We’re grateful to Madison’s building owners and managers for helping to make our city a leader in sustainable buildings.”

The Fleet Service Division earned recognition for its adoption of renewable diesel fuel. This alternative can be used in current diesel engines without significant equipment upgrades. In 2025, the division expanded its test program by purchasing approximately 95,000 gallons of renewable diesel, reporting positive results. The fuel is being used across nine departments and powers more than 385 out of about 500 diesel vehicles, as well as around two dozen smaller pieces of equipment.

“If we’re serious about reducing carbon emissions, we must look at all strategies available,” says Rachel Darken, Assistant Fleet Superintendent at the City of Madison. “Incorporating renewable diesel in our fuel program has been a success, allowing us to benefit from reduced greenhouse gas emissions without having to invest in new equipment upgrades.”

The Fleet Service Division oversees roughly 1,300 motorized assets; among them are 130 full electric vehicles and 173 hybrids.

Dane County launched the Climate Champions program as part of its Climate Action Plan to recognize local governments, businesses, and non-profits that lead efforts on issues like building energy use and fleet operations.

This year’s dual recognition adds to previous honors Madison has received for its energy-efficient facilities, electric vehicle fleet transition efforts, and all-electric bus rapid transit system.