The latest Sustainability Update features news about the Milwaukee County's Climate Action 2050 Plan, including how county residents can help shape the plan. The newsletter highlights findings from a recent climate change vulnerability assessment, and describes efforts to reduce emissions from the new Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Center.
Milwaukee County has been diligently undertaking a collaborative, multi-year effort to develop the Climate Action 2050 Plan. This plan serves as a bold roadmap to Achieving Net Zero Operational Carbon Emissions While Advancing Equity, Justice and Resilience. Additional information, including planning principles and supporting reports are available.
Resources
- Milwaukee County's Climate Action 2050 Plan (Full PDF)
On March 26th County Executive David Crowley unveiled Milwaukee County's proposed Climate Action 2050 Plan. The Climate Action Plan is a bold roadmap to lowering carbon emissions in County operations over the next 25 years. The proposed plan will be considered by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors in April 2025.
- Milwaukee County's 2025 Sustainable Design Standards
The Milwaukee County Sustainable Design Standards aligns with the County’s strategic goals and the forthcoming Climate Action 2050 Plan by embedding sustainability into all aspects of building development. These standards advance the County’s commitment to environmental stewardship, equity, and resilience by promoting strategies such as energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and low-impact development.
- Milwaukee County's Solar Photovoltaic Feasibility Study
In 2024, the Office of Sustainability published a comprehensive county-wide solar feasibility study. The feasibility study included a detailed assessment of 38 county properties including the Mitchell International Airport, law enforcement buildings, museum, community centers and recreational spaces as well as the zoo, totaling more than 13 million sq.ft. The study recommends the implementation of 22 solar systems across 17 county sites. Implementation of the solar feasibility study could result in significant community impacts including over 200,000 tons of carbon offset by solar production as well as 28% project cost savings on average in IRA funding.
- Milwaukee County's Vehicle Electrification Guidebook
In order to achieve carbon neutral operations, Milwaukee County will likely need to transition its fleet to low- to no-emission vehicles by 2050. The County aims to reflect this growth of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, not only from county-owned vehicles but also from the growing number of residential EV users, through apt electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) implementation. The Office of Sustainability has created a comprehensive Vehicle Electrification Guidebook to serve as a roadmap for Milwaukee County and other local organizations, offering insights into various facets of vehicle electrification.
Programs & Services
Green Jobs
The Office of Sustainability is excited about the recent launch of an innovative, $1.9 million ARPA-funded program to improve the efficiency of Milwaukee County buildings while creating career pathways for area youth. Started in January 2024, the Lighting Jobs Program is providing training and on-site job experiences for Milwaukee County high school students who are interested in careers in the skilled trades. Students selected for the program work closely with Milwaukee County staff and contractor Allcon, LLC to assist with interior lighting upgrade in county buildings. The program aims to not only save energy and reduce emissions, but also to dismantle barriers to entering the trades - particularly for low- to moderate-income households, women, and Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
View October 2024 Project Update
Resource Management
Solid waste diversion conserves natural resources, reduces pollution, and supports approximately 97,000 jobs in Wisconsin (source: Recycle More Wisconsin). The Office of Sustainability strives to reduce, reuse, or recycle solid waste generated from Milwaukee County operations. We work with Architecture, Engineering, and Environmental Services to achieve 50 percent or greater waste diversion for the County’s new construction and major renovation projects. During 2019, we coordinated development of a waste minimization plan for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. In 2022, per the County Board's request, we developed a new administrative policy to reduce and eliminate single-use plastic products and polystyrene from Milwaukee County properties. Effective Jan. 1, 2023, all new or renewed county contracts incorporate contract language that requires vendors to adhere to this policy.