Charter Steel has recently been awarded the 2025 Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award for Environmental Stewardship, presented by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC). The award highlights companies that are excelling in the areas of sustainability, innovative technology and environmental stewardship.
Charter Steel received this award for its dedication to environmental stewardship. With a focus on adopting sustainable business practices, Charter Steel invests in clean steelmaking, uses recycled and scrap metals in its steelmaking process and is even Wisconsin’s largest single-site recycler. Charter Steel has been committed to sustainable practices for decades, and it is deeply ingrained in how they do business. These efforts further demonstrate the commitment to leave a better world for future generations.
As part of the ongoing effort to reduce energy costs, Charter Steel installed Wisconsin’s largest behind-the-meter solar system. The 50-acre solar field in Saukville, WI, helps power that location, generates about 30 million kWh of electricity annually and reduces carbon emissions by 13,000 MTCO2e. Numerous studies were conducted to identify the most suitable source of sustainable energy for this location, and solar energy emerged as the optimal choice, offering a reliable, renewable, and cost-effective supply.
Beyond energy savings, the solar field project also emphasized community engagement. New landscaping and berms were added so that the field would naturally blend in with its surroundings. Charter Steel also plans to expand community outreach through educational tours and local school partnership programs.
Other Ways Charter Steel is Driving Sustainable Manufacturing
Charter Steel is at the forefront of innovation in producing the cleanest, high-quality steel possible. Using Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF), which melts scrap steel and other recycled metals, allows for more energy-efficient and flexible outcomes in their steelmaking process.
Another example of Charter Steel exercising its environmental responsibility is working with business partners who are also seeking environmentally safe products. For example, an outdoor recreation business partner was looking for a safer product that also improved their supply chain and delivery time. Charter Steel was able to create a custom, non-leaded, domestic steel that met the goal of the partner
All these elements come together to exhibit Charter Steel’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Read about all the ‘Business Friend of the Environment’ award winners. You might also be interested in learning more about our 2025 Better Project Award for Leadership in Energy Efficiency.