Photo Credit: Visit Milwaukee |
|
City of Milwaukee
Sustainability Newsletter
June 2021
|
|
Message from the Director
2021 is shaping up to be a big year for ECO and the City of Milwaukee as we continue on our journey to be a world class eco-city on America's Fresh Coast. In particular, taking action on climate change is becoming increasingly important. We are working for climate action and environmental sustainability at the neighborhood level, city level, and even state and federal levels.
At the neighborhood level, we are working with neighborhood residents to help Sherman Park become our next eco-neighborhood by empowering residents with tools and informational webinars, like on our Solar Group Buy.
At the City level, we are coordinating efforts of the City-County Task Force on Climate and Economic Equity and dozens of committed stakeholders and concerned residents to develop a Climate and Equity Plan for the City. Through that effort, we are getting close to our ten big ideas for action that will yield meaningful reductions to community greenhouse gas emissions while creating hundreds of jobs, particularly for communities of color.
But cities with ambitious climate change goals need support from our utilities, state government, and the federal government. Fortunately, we see some promising signs. In March, we completed the largest solar energy project in the City's history, which is providing clean power and a steady stream of funding to support future climate action. This was done through a partnership with We Energies, the Redevelopment Authority of Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource, and the Air National Guard.
At the federal level, we're working with our partners at the US Department of Energy and our friends at RMI and the National Renewable Energy Lab, on a green jobs accelerator and a new plan to build affordable net-zero energy new homes in the City. We are excited that America once again has a President who is prioritizing climate action and providing needed funds through the American Rescue Plan and potentially the American Jobs Plan to help cities rebuild. To keep this momentum going, we need all of you to continue taking environmental action in your own lives while supporting public and private investment in a healthy, environmentally sustainable, and equitable future for Milwaukee and the world.
|
|
Milwaukee's Climate and Equity Action Plan
The City-County Task Force on Climate and Economic Equity was established to develop a Climate and Equity Plan to address the twin goals of climate action and improving racial equity. Climate change is caused by the excessive burning of fossil fuels, which is dangerously changing the earth's climate. In particular, the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County have established a goal to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner. And while we all must step up to combat climate change, we know this crisis is expected to disproportionately harm vulnerable populations. As we make this transition, we must be intentional about crafting strategies that are racially equitable and create family supporting green jobs, particularly for people of color.
There are many ways to participate, including attending working group meetings.
For those who are pressed for time, you can participate in a video interview to share your experiences and thoughts for the Climate and Equity Plan!
It only takes about 10 minutes and your input will help shape and build support for climate action. We encourage you to do the interview yourself and share it with other concerned residents and stakeholders.
Although the plan will take several more months to complete, the Task Force understands that the American Rescue Plan presents a huge opportunity to kick start climate action in Milwaukee. In particular, the Task Force is recommending funding for 1) energy efficiency improvements in residential properties 2) affordable new net-zero energy homes built in a prospective factory in the 30th St. Corridor 3) trees, de-paving of excess asphalt, and green infrastructure; 4) support for bike trail enhancements along the 30th Street Industrial rail corridor, and 5) invest in transportation infrastructure that reduces green house emissions while improving mobility and health for low and moderate income populations that been disproportionately affected by COVID. As the City, County, and Milwaukee Public Schools debate how to use American Rescue Plan funds in the coming months, you will have opportunities to voice your support for these kinds of climate action.
Finally, SAVE THE DATE for a public meeting on the climate plan at 6:00pm on June 24th. Registration information will follow.
|
|
Learn More About EcoCity MKE!
|
|
One Giant Leap for Milwaukee Solar
The largest solar project in Milwaukee's history is now live, producing 2.25 megawatts of energy on a former landfill near Mitchell International Airport! This 7,000 panel installation will power roughly 500 homes and is expected to generate around $2 million in revenue for the City over the next 20 years!
|
|
Introducing the Watershed Restoration Partnership
The City of Milwaukee is proud to be a part of the Waterway Restoration Partnership-- a robust group of long-standing, trusted partners in Milwaukee who have been working together for years to improve water quality in our community. With a once in a generation opportunity to accelerate the cleanup efforts,
Our goal is to create awareness of water quality problems in and around the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern and empower the public to get involved in the Partnership's efforts to clean-up waterways, restore ecosystems, and improve outdoor recreation opportunities.
In order to restore these aquatic ecosystems, we have to address all the contaminated sediment that has settled to the bottom of our waterways after decades of industrial pollution. The Partnership is working to remove this sediment and store it in a Dredged Material Management Facility (DMMF), an area specifically designed for the safe containment of these dredged materials.
|
|
|
|
MKE's Next ECO-Neighborhood: Sherman Park! |
Sherman Park is one of Milwaukee's oldest and most diverse neighborhoods... and soon it will be one of its greenest! ECO is partnering with the Sherman Park Community Association to transform the area into an ECO-Neighborhood and encourage everyone to practice ecologically-friendly behaviors! Way to go, Sherman Park! We've already taken action by working with the City's Forestry Division to plant new trees at 55th and Center.
If you want a preview of the exciting future Sherman Park has in store, check out the walking tour of Milwaukee's first ECO-Neighborhood, Lindsay Heights!
|
|
Join the Solar Group Buy!
The Solar Group Buy is back! By coming together as a community, you can use your collective buying power to lower the price of going solar. Arch Electric has been selected as this year's installer and our friends at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association are here to help you finance and take advantage of local incentives!
The 2021 Group Buy is better and bigger than ever! Our Milwaukee Shines program is partnering with other Greater Milwaukee municipalities including Shorewood, Glendale, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Bayside, and the Bayview and Sherman Park Neighborhood Associations here in Milwaukee!
We are pleased to announce that this year's group buy will also include a partnership with Walnut Way Conservation Corp in Lindsay Heights for solar job training and a solar + storage installation on their new Wellness Commons!
Check out the recording of MKE Shine's Solar Power Hour with the Milwaukee Public Library to learn the basics of solar, how to find a qualified installer, available incentives, and solar careers!
For more information on the Solar Group Buy and sign up for a site assessment/free bid, checkout the program's website: Grow Solar Milwaukee!
|
|
PACE Financing Update
PACE FINANCING UPDATE
Milwaukee's Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program for commercial properties as supported over $27.5 million in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects since 2013. To enhance service through the program, daily administration of the program will soon be handled by Slipstream, the same firm that manages the PACE Wisconsin program in other communities. Within the next several weeks, we will be updating our program manual and website. Look for updates and opportunities to use PACE at your commercial properties!
|
|
BETTER BUILDINGS CHALLENGE
The Better Buildings Challenge was launched in 2015 through partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, asking commercial buildings owners in the Milwaukee area to commit to reducing their building energy use by 20%-- certainly no easy task! It takes a dedicated effort from building and business owners, employees, and especially building managers, to reach this goal.
We'd like to recognize Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Company (MGIC) for achieving this 20% reduction goal at their home office location in downtown Milwaukee in 2020! Through the investment in energy savings technologies by the MGIC leadership and the efforts of the building operations staff, MGIC achieved a 36% electricity reduction from their 2010 baseline. This resulted in saving nearly $10,000 per month in average utility expenses! (See graph below!)
This achievement not only benefits the building owners, but also our entire community as we reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help combat global climate change. MGIC has set a great example for other building owners in the community who would like to reduce their energy use, save on utility costs, and help build a healthier, happier Milwaukee.
|
|
City of Milwaukee
Environmental Collaboration Office
200 E. Wells St. Room 603
Milwaukee, WI 53202
|
|
sustainability@milwauke.gov
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
