Energy is a critical component of Milwaukee County's sustainability efforts. Historically, the County has spent $18-20 million per year on the electricity, natural gas, steam, and chilled water used in its facilities. To save energy and reduce costs, the County has adopted a multi-pronged approach, emphasizing conservation, efficiency, and building footprint reduction. Since 2007, Milwaukee County has received over $1 million in Focus on Energy incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
Milwaukee County oversees 877 buildings encompassing 12.9 million square feet and has enrolled two of its largest buildings in the Better Buildings Challenge:
Energy efficiency is smart business because it not only saves money; but it also creates jobs, reduces air pollution, and makes buildings more healthy and comfortable. By participating with the Better Buildings Challenge, local building owners and property managers can improve their operations while fostering positive change in our community. Chris Abele, Milwaukee County Executive
The ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager® account for Milwaukee County is run by its Office of Sustainability. At Vel R. Phillips Youth and Family Justice Center (YFJC) and the Coggs Center, energy use has increased relative to the County's baseline year of 2014. The increase may be due to changes in building occupancy and operating hours at YFJC, as well as a chiller failing at the Coggs Center in 2016. While the chiller was being replaced, a less efficient cooling system was temporarily used.
Since 2009, Milwaukee County has implemented over $1 million in energy upgrades at YFJC and the Coggs Center through minor renovations, capital improvements, and performance-based contracting. The upgrades, which included building envelope, lighting, and HVAC improvements as well as the addition of a solar-powered domestic water heating system, are saving the County an estimated $200,000 in energy costs per year.
The types of projects implemented by Milwaukee County are listed below. More information can be found on the building profile where the project was completed.
Plug Loads & Controls
Building Envelope
Appliances & Equipment
On-Site Generation
Vel R. Phillips Youth and Family Justice Center
Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center
Vel R. Phillips Juvenile Justice Center
As part of its commitment to the Better Buildings Challenge, Milwaukee County plans to pursue additional energy upgrades at the Coggs Center and Vel R. Phillips Youth and Family Justice Center.
# Buildings Enrolled 2
Size 442,021 sq ft
Building Type Office Courthouse/Detention Facility
Website county.milwaukee.gov
Joined Pledge 2016
Goals: 20% reduction in Energy Use Intensity by 2026
Baseline 2014
Program Participation
Project Types
Building Contact
Gordie Bennett
Sustainability Director
Milwaukee County
Facilities Management Division
[email protected]
414-278-4837