An Earth Day Reminder of What’s Possible
- Apr 22
- 1 min read
Each year, Earth Day reminds us how closely our communities are connected to the natural environments around them.
Projects like the Urban Ecology Center – Washington Park Branch Expansion remind us that thoughtful construction can reduce environmental impact while strengthening the communities we serve.
Guided by ambitious sustainability goals, the project resulted in Milwaukee County’s first all-electric, non-residential building, eliminating the use of natural gas entirely.
Sustainable Strategies That Support People and the Environment
From early planning through construction, sustainability shaped decisions across every phase of the project. Our team collaborated closely with project partners to incorporate strategies that reduce environmental impact while creating a healthy, resilient space for the community.
Key sustainable features include:
High-performance insulation, windows, and building envelope systems that maximize energy efficiency
Energy-efficient mechanical systems, including air-sourced heat pumps that provide heating and cooling without fossil fuels
Solar-ready infrastructure, enabling future on-site renewable energy generation
Reuse of salvaged materials from the Urban Ecology Center warehouse and existing building, including lighting fixtures
Repurposed ash trees from Washington Park, transformed into custom millwork that connects the building to its landscape
Low- and zero-VOC interior materials and products with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to support hea
lthier indoor air quality
Bird-safe glazing and dark sky-compliant exterior lighting, protecting local wildlife and minimizing light pollution
Together, these strategies reduce the building’s carbon footprint while creating a space that reflects the Urban Ecology Center’s mission to connect communities with nature.
