Office of Sustainability

Mission

Part of the Facilities Management Division, the Milwaukee County Office of Sustainability supports and leads initiatives to improve Milwaukee County government's operational efficiency and effectiveness, protect and restore natural resources, and enhance the quality of life for all its residents.

We work to integrate environmental stewardship and climate resiliency into County government operations, infrastructure, and services, and are responsible for coordinating the Countywide sustainability program.

Our Team

Have a question or suggestion for how Milwaukee County government can operate more sustainably, or support sustainability efforts in our community? We want to hear from you!

Gordie Bennett, Sustainability Director: sustainability@milwaukeecountywi.gov or (414) 278-4837

[Currently Vacant], Energy Program Manager: energy@milwaukeecountywi.gov or (414) 278-4877

Economic Development

In 2018, Milwaukee County joined PACE Wisconsin, a statewide program that helps commercial property owners to obtain low-cost, long-term, private loans for energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation improvements. Administered through the Wisconsin PACE Commission, the voluntary program helps boost the efficiency and sustainability of commercial buildings at no cost to taxpayers. As of March 2020, the program has provided $3,641,886 in private financing to two hotel development projects in Milwaukee County. In addition to saving money and boosting property values, these projects will provide an environmental benefit equivalent to removing 80 passenger vehicles from the road for a year.

Resource Management

The Office of Sustainability strives to reduce, reuse or recycle solid waste generated from Milwaukee County operations. Observing these "3Rs" helps the County reduce its landfill disposal costs and earn revenues from the sale of recycled materials. Moreover, waste diversion conserves natural resources and supports approximately 97,000 jobs in Wisconsin (source: Recycle More Wisconsin). Construction and demolition (C&D) debris, such as wood, shingles and brick or concrete, comprises more than 25 percent of landfill waste in Wisconsin (source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources). To reduce C&D waste from Milwaukee County operations, Architecture, Engineering, and Environmental Services (AE&ES) has established a 50 percent waste-diversion goal for the county’s new construction and major renovation projects. Our office works with AE&ES staff and contractors to ensure compliance with this goal and to identify opportunities for additional waste diversion. During 2019, we coordinated development of a waste minimization plan for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

Alternative Transportation

The Office of Sustainability supports and promotes efficient and safe alternatives to automobile travel, including carpooling, taking public transit, bicycling and walking. Since 2014, we have hosted an annual Bike to Work Day for Milwaukee County employees. During 2015 to 2017, we hosted a workplace bicycling challenge with UWM, MMSD, Marquette University, Alverno College, MATC and Froedtert Health that grew to over 250 participants. In 2017, from May to September, bike challenge participants pedaled a total of 164,670 miles and accrued the third-most points of any National Bike Challenge league. During 2019, we helped Milwaukee Transport Services study facility improvements and/or modifications that will be necessary to support a fleet of battery-electric buses.

Strategic Planning

The Office of Sustainability collaborates with Milwaukee County departments to incorporate economic, social and environmental sustainability into their planning. In 2016, we helped the Milwaukee County Zoo develop a Clean Energy Plan. The plan sets goals and provides actions the Zoo can take to reduce its energy and water use while increasing its use of renewable energy. We serve as a resource to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport as it implements a Sustainability Management Plan for airport operations. The plan supports the "quadruple-bottom line" of the airport: economic viability, operational efficiency, natural resource conservation and social responsibility.