The implementation of green roofs at UWM is a prime example of addressing sustainable objectives in an urban environment.
Green roofs address the problem that cities have with the Urban Heat Island Effect and increased rapid stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces. Green roofs also provide the benefits of reduced costs on heating and cooling, decreased long-term maintenance and longer life span than a conventional roof, improved air quality, and increased urban habitat for wildlife.
A green roof system is an extension of the existing roof which involves a high quality water proofing and root repellant system, a drainage system, filter cloth, a lightweight growing medium and plants.
Since the early 1990’s, UWM has installed green roofs. From parking garage roofs at ground level, to student demonstration projects, to full scale green roofs, the UWM campus has established many green roofs, and looks to execute more based on future roof repair and accessible locations.
Green Roofs at UWM
Golda Meir Library
Year Built: 2011 Footprint: 50,000 Square Feet
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 in the past and now primarily improves water quality, reduces urban heat island effect, and supports pollinators with a diverse array of plants.
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 (near the Maryland bridge entrance). 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.
Great Lakes Water Institute
2003 – 7,600 Square Feet
UWM’s Water Institute, now known as the School of Freshwater Sciences, teamed up with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) to test a method of water pollution control that also reduces the amount of pavement surrounding the facility with this tray system green roof. This was UWM’s first “official” green roof.
Spaights Plaza
2002 – 15,000 Square Feet
The vegetated areas through Spaights Plaza are constructed as a green roof over the parking structure. In 2002, repairs to the deck were made and a hot rubberized asphalt membrane was applied. PVC drains were specified by UWM Physical Plant, and the weep holes were enlarged to allow for better subgrade drainage. UWM biologist (Thomas Schuck) was involved in choosing plants that are native to Wisconsin.
Lubar Hall
1992 – 6,500 Square Feet
The Business School (Lubar Hall) was constructed in 1992. It was designed by Kahler Slater Architects. The grassy plaza on the east side is actually designed as green roof over part of the parking structure. This area is also known as Pangaea Mall, an area where students like to lounge and study on the green.
The “Urban Heat Island Effect” is the difference in temperature between a city and the surrounding countryside. It is mainly due to the expanse of hard and reflective surfaces, such as roofs, which absorb solar radiation and re-radiate it as heat.