Green Roofs

The implementation of green roofs at UWM is a prime example of addressing sustainable objectives in an urban environment.

Green roofs address the Urban Heat Island Effect* and reduce stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces, which affect many cities. They also provide campus with many benefits:

  • Reduced heating and cooling costs
  • Decreased long-term maintenance
  • A longer life-span than conventional roof systems
  • Improved air quality
  • Stormwater management
  • Habitat for pollinators and wildlife

A green roof system involves a high quality water proofing and root repellant layers, a drainage system, filter cloth, a lightweight growing medium, and plants.

Since the early 1990’s, UWM has installed green roofs. Today, campus is home to 8 different examples! UWM campus creatively captures stormwater while supporting a healthier urban environment.

Green Roofs at UWM

Golda Meir Library

Year Built: 2011
Footprint: 50,000 Square Feet

The Golda Meir Library system features two separate roofing 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. Metropolitan Milwaukee Sewerage District (MMSD) funded the project. Student research projects at the Golda Meir Library have shown 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 these systems 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. They also feature 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. UWM Professor of Architecture, James Wasley, designed this project. Historically, staff and students have grown food here, and the roof 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

While it may not appear to be a roof, Spaights plaza is a partial green roof covering underground parking.   In 2002, campus made repairs to the deck and added PVC drains to support better drainage here.  UWM biologist (Thomas Schuck) chose plants that are native to Wisconsin, which you can find in the gardens throughout the plaza.

Lubar Hall

1992 – 6,500 Square Feet

Designed by Kahler Slater Architects, UWM built the Business School (Lubar Hall) in 1992.  Designers made use of the underground parking structure and designed a grassy area over top part of it. Students use this area, also known as Pangaea Mall, to lounge and study on the green space.

*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.