Milwaukee’s premier convention center sets new standard for sustainable design
The Baird Center expansion has officially earned LEED® Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a prestigious recognition that reflects the Wisconsin Center District’s commitment to sustainability and a greener future for the Milwaukee community.
The $456 million expansion and modernization of Baird Center opened in May 2024 and increased the convention center’s footprint to 1.3 million square feet. Through the use of recycled materials in its construction and equipped with state-of-the-art green building features, Baird Center has raised the bar for sustainable practices within the convention, meeting and events industry.
“We are thrilled to receive LEED Gold certification for Baird Center,” said Marty Brooks, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Center District. “This achievement reflects our commitment to sustainability and innovation, ensuring that Baird Center serves as a model for sustainable construction while providing a world-class space for the community and visitors alike.”
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world’s most widely used green building rating system and provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. Gold certification is only given to projects that have gone above and beyond to ensure the building is constructed and operated to the highest level of sustainability.
Baird Center earned its Gold certification by meeting rigorous standards in energy efficiency, water conservation, material sustainability, and indoor environmental quality.
- Key Sustainability Features of Baird Center Include:
- Solar roof: avoids the consumption of 98,130 kilo-watt hours.
- Stormwater detention system: the 320,000-gallon system helps prevent flooding.
- Bird-friendly glass: reduces bird collisions and support biodiversity.
- ORCA food digester: can divert 438 tons of food waste per year from landfills.
- Recycled steel: 90% of the total 6,000 tons of steel used in construction was recycled.
- Reclaimed urban wood: repurposes wood that would have gone to landfills.
“Marty Brooks and the Wisconsin Center District were committed to sustainability from the project’s inception,” said Dave Hubka the sustainability practice lead at EUA. “By assembling the right team and exceeding WCD’s initial goal of LEED Silver to achieve LEED Gold, we’ve contributed to a healthier Milwaukee and created a national model for sustainable event venues. It’s been a privilege to collaborate with WCD, TVS, Henderson and Gilbane/Smith to deliver the iconic Baird Center.”
Work on the Baird Center expansion was completed by the architecture and design firms of TVS Design and EUA, Henderson Engineers and Gilbane/Smith Construction and the project was managed by CAA ICON.
The Baird Center expansion sets a new standard for convention centers and other large-scale facilities with its unrivaled incorporation of state-of-the-art green technology. The building’s LEED Gold certification demonstrates that it is both a high-performance space for business and a vital contributor to the city’s ongoing sustainability efforts.