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Kolbe & Kolbe honored for sustainability; company says its solar array powers about 120 homes
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Summary
Wausau’s Sustainability, Energy and Environment Committee presented the 2026 sustainability award to Kolbe & Kolbe at the March 24 council meeting; company representatives described a 2,000-panel rooftop solar array they say produces energy equal to about 120 homes and other recycling measures.
The City of Wausau’s Sustainability, Energy and Environment Committee presented its 2026 sustainability award to Kolbe & Kolbe on March 24, recognizing the company’s energy and waste-reduction efforts.
Christine Daniels, a resident member of the committee, described the committee’s role advising the council on environmental policy and said the award highlights local examples that promote conservation, innovation and community education. She noted the council’s 2023 greenhouse-gas resolution and the city’s commitment to move municipal operations to clean energy by 2050 as context for the award.
Mike Tomcic, who identified himself as an executive with Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork, thanked the committee and introduced Keith Kaining, who spoke about a solar installation the company brought online the previous July. Kaining said the system—roughly two thousand panels on the manufacturing facility—has exceeded expectations and “is enough to power about 120 homes.” Tomcic and Kaining also described internal recycling and material-reuse efforts that keep manufacturing scrap out of the landfill and reduce the company’s operational energy burden.
The committee framed the award as recognition and momentum to encourage other local businesses and residents to pursue sustainable practices; no council action was required. The presentation included brief remarks from council members and applause for the award recipients.
