The City of Milwaukee recently announced that it will take major steps to increase the use of clean and renewable energy this spring.

The City’s Environmental Collaboration Office (ECO) plans to install 209 kilowatts (kW) of solar PV on three Milwaukee Public Library buildings. The Library installations will triple the current amount of installed solar on City buildings and save approximately $35,000 per year.

The City’s sustainability plan, ReFresh Milwaukee, set a 25% by 2025 renewable energy goal, and Mayor Barrett has joined over 400 mayors to show that the City of Milwaukee remains committed to the principles of the Paris Climate Agreement.

“Milwaukee is leading by example in the transition to a clean energy future,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “These three projects are the first steps to achieve the City’s aggressive renewable energy goals.”

ECO and the City’s Energy Reduction Team is developing a comprehensive energy plan for City-owned facilities and operations that will look at energy efficiency measures, opportunities for additional renewable energy, battery storage and alternative fuels for the City’s fleet.

Working with Eagle Point Solar, ECO will install systems at the Center Street Library, Central Library, and Tippecanoe Library. The arrays will begin generating power when installed.

Each library will have a display showing the output of the solar panels and environmental benefits of the solar arrays. In addition to the solar installation, the Central Library will be implementing energy efficiency measures – making it the City’s showcase building for the Better Buildings Challenge.

The City of Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office strives to make Milwaukee a world class eco-city on America’s Fresh Coast, and offers award-winning programs to implement the City’s Refresh Milwaukee sustainability plan.