“The health of our waters is increasingly dependent on our handling of stormwater. This is true both locally and globally, making stormwater research a significant component of the search for a sustainable future. This is particularly true for Milwaukee, where access to fresh water of Lake Michigan is perhaps the City’s most important long-term economic asset.”
Professor Jim Wasley, The Pavilion Gateway Demonstration Project Principal Investigator
UW-Milwaukee plays an important role in the City of Milwaukee as well as with our northern neighbor, the Village of Shorewood. The northern border of UWM’s campus is a low-laying area prone to flooding during heavy rain events, and the combined sewer can become over stressed during heavy rains. UWM, with its available landscape and rooftops, helps manage stormwater runoff through a variety of green infrastructure solutions and resilient landscapes. Through research and application, UW-Milwaukee diverts approximately 16.5 million of gallons of stormwater every year and strives to lead by example in the region.
The Golda Meir Library green roof features two separate roof sections and a 30-kilowatt system of solar panels sponsored by WE Energies, with the support of Focus on Energy grants. This is the largest green roof at UWM. The green roof project was made possible through a partnership with the Metropolitan Milwaukee Sewerage District (MMSD). Student research projects at the Golda Meir Library green roof have showed the co-benefits of pairing solar panels and green roofs together to improve energy efficiencies of the solar array. Students have also studied the migration patterns of pollinators in the urban environment and the positive benefits greens roofs can provide beyond water quality.
Cambridge Commons
Year Built: 2010 Footprint: 13,000 Square Feet
Cambridge Commons, UWM’s newest residence hall addition, features two green roofs which help to reduce heating and cooling costs and absorb pollutants from stormwater runoff. These green roofs share their space with a grey water system which collects rainwater and is used to water both the green roofs and the green space surrounding Cambridge Commons. For more information on how much rainwater is collected visit the UWM Dashboard.
Sandburg Commons
Year Built: 2008 Footprint: 33,000 Square Feet
Sandburg Commons, surrounded by four University Housing towers, features two highly visible green roof tiers. The upper level maintains taller prairie plants, while the lower level is primarily sedum, that can weather the extreme winds and heat of the rooftop. The green roof was designed by UWM Professor of Architecture, James Wasley. Historically, the roof has been used to also grow food used in the Sandburg Cafe.
Student Union – West Entrance
Year Built: 2007 Footprint: 100 Square Feet
The student organization, EcoTone, spearheaded this initiative, installed, and planted the green roof found on the west side of UWM’s Student Union in the spring of 2007. The project was made possible by the assistance of Physical Plant Services and several volunteers. This green roof is planted with several Wisconsin native and endangered species and served as a visible early example of green roofs on the UWM campus.
