UW-Milwaukee Downtown: Best for the Environment
As UW-Milwaukee studies location alternatives for the expansion of their campus, the discussion has been focused on finding enough room for UWM and enough money to support an expansion. As a result, many other critical topics have been overlooked. In particular, the impact that an expansion of UWM would have on the environment is an important factor to consider when comparing locations. Downtown Milwaukee would enable UWM to build an environmentally conscious campus, as well as position the school to be a leader in the green economy.
First, building an urban campus is inherently “green”. In general, it discourages urban sprawl, resulting in fewer stormwater runoff issues and reduced energy and transportation demands. At a time when a gallon of gas is over $4.00 and only likely to increase over the long-term, choosing a location primarily accessible only by personal vehicles is irresponsible to both the environment and the faculty/students who have to go there on a daily basis. Downtown Milwaukee is served by over a dozen bus lines (including two that go from UWM’s east side campus to downtown) and is also accessible by bike, walking and other alternative modes of transportation.
Second, in addition, a macro view of the environmental problems facing the world indicates that new inventions will need to be put into commercial production to solve global environmental issues. The M7 initiative has identified Milwaukee as a leader in green technology and energy efficiency. UWM could carve out its own niche in the regional and global economy by focusing its research in those fields. Partnering with local corporations such as Johnson Controls, Rockwell Automation, WE Energies and Eaton, as well as Marquette University and the Milwaukee School of Engineering, would create a cluster of research that would make Milwaukee a global leader in green engineering and energy research.
A central location to all of these institutions is downtown Milwaukee. This cluster would enable Milwaukee to attract researchers from around the world, as well as make Milwaukee a great place to start a company related to any of those fields. Manufacturing the commercial applications of this research could take place in nearby areas such as the Menomonee Valley, 30th Street Industrial Corridor and Riverworks, providing jobs to areas of the Milwaukee region that need them most.
Talk to your friends, family and colleagues about what type of university you envision UWM should become and hopefully you agree that downtown Milwaukee is the most environmentally-friendly and best location for UWM to grow and prosper.
Tags: downtown, environmental, Green, milwaukee, Research, uwm
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