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March 13, 2009
NEWS FROM THE MAYOR
Dear Friends,
The City of Milwaukee is going green. And, I’m not talking about the great St. Patrick’s Day weekend festivities we have before us. We’re growing a Green Milwaukee to reduce our energy costs, grow green-collar jobs and protect our environment.
The future of our region depends on our ‘sense of sustainability’. Milwaukee can be a place that attracts people and businesses based on its innovative approaches to water and energy use. My green vision calls for greater use of energy-saving, job-creating technologies. I’m very bullish on Milwaukee becoming a Freshwater Hub on the Fresh Coast, based on continued investments in the research and development of freshwater technologies. But when it comes to these big economic wins, it all starts with changes in our everyday habits. In city government, we are embracing new technologies and new fuel sources.
Earlier this week, I accepted a check from WE Energies in recognition of our efforts to convert the City’s traffic signals to energy-saving Light Emitting Diodes (LEDS), and the resulting energy savings. As LED lights use significantly less energy, they emit less pollution. In addition to the environmental and financial benefits, LED lights appear brighter so there’s a safety benefit as well. We will continue to use new technology to help reduce energy use.
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On behalf of City Taxpayers, Mayor Barrett accepts a check for $104,327.33 from WE Energies
Also this week, I participated in the Green Roof Symposium organized by the Department of City development, designed to help educate and inspire elected officials, planners, businesses and building and design professionals to harness the technology of green roofs. The City of Milwaukee has taken a leadership role in implementing green roofs. I directed my cabinet members to reduce City facilities’ storm water runoff by 15 % by 2012 and they have responded in part by using green roofs. We’ve had great success including our newest green roof on the 809 building, where the Department of City Development is housed.
My Office of Environmental Sustainability is helping the city lead by example. We have set specific goals to reduce energy use by 15% by 2012 and have already made energy efficiency improvements at a dozen facilities. We’re also making our fleet greener. Since 2006, with the use of biodiesel, almost 50% of our fleet runs on alternative fuels, up from 7% in 2005.
It’s because of efforts like this that Milwaukee has been recognized as a leader in sustainability. A 2008 sustainability survey ranked the 50 largest U.S. Cities based on water quality, recycling and energy efficiency efforts. Milwaukee ranked 12th, up from 16th in 2006.
Milwaukee has also been designated by the U.S. Department of Energy as one of 25 “Solar America Cities” and we installed our first solar panels on a city building last year.
These new technologies will help Milwaukee businesses save on energy costs, creating further demand for the products and services offered by local green technology companies. Federal stimulus dollars would be well invested if used on projects that incorporate green technology, thereby growing more green collar jobs.
I plan to take advantage of this opportunity to put people to work on energy efficiency projects. I’ve been working with the Center of Wisconsin Strategy to launch Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (ME2), a program to reduce energy use in Milwaukee homes and businesses, saving money, increasing property values and improving environmental quality. A $5 Million investment could yield 50-70 construction jobs from attic insulators to electricians and 20 non-construction jobs including energy auditors.
We’re not relying on the luck of the Irish to secure funds for the ‘greening’ of Milwaukee. We’re making the case to focus public resources on projects that put Milwaukeeans to work, and on projects that could grow a ‘green’ sector of our local economy.
Sincerely,
Mayor, City of Milwaukee
Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor
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