Waukesha Plant Earns Environmental Leadership Award

PAVING THE WAY TO ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY BY PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST

BY KATIE NAVARRA

As the only company in Wisconsin to have asphalt plants earn 2025 ENERGY STAR certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Payne + Dolan, a Walbec Group Company, is a leader in environmental stewardship.

Its three asphalt plants – Control 6: Vienna, Control 10: Lagrange, and Control 20: Waukesha – are the only Wisconsin facilities to receive the designation, performing among the top 25% of asphalt plants nationwide for energy efficiency.

But what makes the company’s sustainability efforts so effective is its investment in people. Walbec has created a sustainability team dedicated to reducing energy consumption and has woven this commitment into daily operations, with ongoing efforts to lower the company’s carbon footprint and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

“One of the most significant investments our company has made in sustainability is the creation of a dedicated sustainability team – an investment that has fundamentally elevated our environmental initiatives across the organization,” said Kenton Lindquist, asphalt plant manager who also leads the ENERGY STAR team focused on a company-wide effort to reduce energy consumption.

So, when the company received the NAPA Environmental Leadership Award for the Control 20 Waukesha Asphalt Plant, it reflected the work of frontline team members as much as corporate culture.

“We pursued NAPA’s recognition programs to celebrate the dedication and hard work of our team members in leading the industry and serving the community,” he added. “Sharing this recognition with our team demonstrates the value and importance of their efforts while reinforcing our culture of environmental stewardship.”

A SUSTAINABILITY CULTURE THAT STARTS WITH PEOPLE

The company’s energy reduction strategies, equipment upgrades, and continuous improvement across all production facilities are embedded directly into daily operations. Achieving those goals is a team effort at every level that occurs daily.

“Environmental sustainability is not just a policy, it’s something we actively practice,” said Jake Ferry, Payne + Dolan Waukesha plant foreman. “It influences how we plan, operate, and maintain our facilities.”

The company’s environmental leadership initiatives contribute to building a workplace people want to be part of.

“There’s a wave of excitement, especially among younger talent, around our environmental commitment and sustainability efforts, which strengthens our recruitment” said Katherine Hofbauer, Walbec Group’s sustainability manager. “Lowering the carbon footprint is closely tied to improving health and safety. Cleaner, more efficient operations mean better air quality and more comfortable environments for team members.”

Alongside a focus on environmental impact, the company has prioritized employee growth and development through initiatives designed to attract new talent and retain experienced team members. They foster a culture of continuous learning with structured development paths, hands-on training, and mentorship opportunities.

“At Walbec, sustainability is more than just a commitment to our environment,” said Hofbauer. “It’s a promise to nurture our people and communities. By prioritizing employee growth and supporting ERGs, we foster a workplace where inclusion and stewardship thrive together.”

A DAILY COMMITMENT

The goal behind every change is simple: reduce energy use and emissions without slowing production. The operations team continuously monitors energy consumption and production data at each of its facilities and is constantly looking for opportunities to optimize plant production activities.

The company recognizes its responsibility to protect the environment by operating safely, sustainably, and ethically. This commitment extends beyond regulatory compliance by striving to be an industry leader in sustainability through the development and implementation of innovative improvements and processes. This dedication is reflected in Walbec’s ongoing investments and initiatives that support long-term environmental goals, positioning the company at the forefront of sustainable business practices.

“Walbec invests in technology and processes that make a real difference, and these efforts show that the company cares about both the environment and the community we serve,” Ferry said.

Equipment upgrades and best practices are only part of the equation. Discussions about environmental performance are integrated into operations through regular conversations about energy efficiency. Frequent dialogue reinforces shared responsibility and keeps everyone aligned and engaged in our ongoing sustainability commitments.

“The company fosters a culture of awareness and accountability, encouraging everyone to seek opportunities to optimize processes, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact,” Lindquist said. “These team-driven, continuous improvements drive our environmental performance and keep our team members engaged and accountable for results.”

By reducing emissions, noise, and other impacts associated with asphalt production, the community sees the Waukesha Asphalt Plant as a partner and good neighbor.

“Our environmental and sustainability initiatives directly impact the community we serve and the long-term success of our operations,” said Ferry. “At the Waukesha plant, we’re part of a growing community where people care about reducing our carbon footprint.”

A FORWARD-THINKING APPROACH TO ASPHALT PRODUCTION

As the construction industry evolves and regulations change, Walbec is preparing for a future where environmental impact of construction materials are measured more consistently and transparently through Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

“As EPDs have emerged and gained traction in the industry, we’ve made the commitment to identify and capitalize on opportunities to reduce our environmental impacts and improve sustainability,” said Lindquist.

The company’s proactive approach illustrates how it is aligning its operations with the expectations of regulators, contractors, and communities that increasingly prioritize lowcarbon materials.

Earning the NAPA Environmental Leadership Award for the Waukesha Asphalt Plant underscores the company’s dedication to sustainable operations. It reflects a company that sees sustainability as a shared responsibility – one where the best ideas often come from the people closest to the work, and where innovation is celebrated at every level.

“This award is one we share with all our team members. Their effort and dedication do not go unnoticed and reinforce our position as leaders in the industry” he added.