Our built environment (including the structures in which we live, work and play) have profound impacts on our lives. Twenty percent (20%) of carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming are the result of energy use in buildings. Creating a high-performance green building makes economic and community sense. Green buildings have many benefits:
- Reduced operating costs, including reduced energy consumption
- Improved human health for building occupants
- Improved work productivity for building occupants
- Reduced damage to the broader ecological environment, including our air, and water resources.
- Capital costs that are competitive with conventional construction
- Enhanced public image of your organization
Read this article from the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance Web Site for further information on the importance of building green.
Green buildings have two key elements, including: 1) Environmentally sensitive design features, and 2) An inclusive design approach that takes account the interests of all stakeholders early in the design process.
Design Features: A wide variety of design solutions can make your building environmentally friendly, including using recycled construction materials, right-sized HVAC equipment, natural day lighting, and green roofs.
Inclusive Design Approach: The key to making your green building a success is assembling a design team that includes an architect, design engineers, the construction contractor, building owner, a city plan examiner, and end users of the building. By discussing the needs and perspectives of the various stakeholders early in the process, you can avoid costly delays and redesign expenses.
 How the City is Leading
The City of Milwaukee is leading by example to make the built environment more environmentaly sustainable.
The the City developed sustainable design guidelines for redevelopment in the Menomonee Valley. Many of these of these same principals can be applied anywhere in Milwaukee.
In 2004, the City of Milwaukee opened its first green public housing development, Highland Park. This development includes the largest residential green roof in the country, and was honored by the Sierra Club as one of the country's best new developments in 2005.
In 2006, the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works completed its new Field Headquarters. The building has many green features. The most prominent green feature is its re-use of existing industrial property, but the property was also constructed to be energy efficient in a cost effective manner.
Like any building project, the process begins with you selecting a site, developing a budget, and establishing some basic parameters for the buildings use. Selecting an integrated design team that understands the many facets of green building is also critical.
For further information on green buildings and tips on successfully completing a green building visit the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance web site or call 414-224-9422.
For assistance in planning a Green Building in the City of Milwaukee as it pertains to city permits, zoning codes, and other municipal regulations, contact Chris Rute in the Department of City Development at 414-286-3018.
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