This Earth Day, we join communities around the world in recognizing a day dedicated to environmental protection, sustainability and collective action. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to care for the planet and to make thoughtful choices that preserve natural resources for future generations.

At the Wisconsin Center District, sustainability is more than a one-day focus; it’s an ongoing commitment embedded in how we operate and serve our community. From energy-efficient building systems and waste reduction efforts to responsible sourcing and environmental partnerships, our work is designed to minimize our footprint while maximizing positive impact. These efforts not only support environmental stewardship but also strengthen the long-term vitality of our venues and the broader community we serve.

We are proud to support and stand alongside initiatives across Milwaukee that are working to create a cleaner, greener future. Whether through community cleanups, conservation programs or innovative sustainability practices, these efforts make a meaningful difference. As we recognize Earth Day, we encourage everyone to take part—large or small—in actions that contribute to a more sustainable environment and a stronger, more resilient Milwaukee. 

How the Wisconsin Center District Goes Green

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98,130

​​​​​​​kilo-watt hours

SOLAR ROOF

320,000 gallons

STORM WATER DETENTION SYSTEM

1
bird-friendly glass

438
tons

ORCA FOOD DIGESTER

90% recycled

STEEL USED IN CONSTRUCION

100% reclaimed

URBAN WOOD
Avoids the consumption of 98,130 kilo-watt hours.
 
The 320,000-gallon system helps prevent flooding. 
Reduces bird collisions and support biodiversity.

Can divert 438 tons of food waste per year from landfills.
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. ​​​​​​​
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FACTS TO KNOW

Total Food Donated:   
  • 4,650 pounds of produce
  • 4,930 ready to eat meals  


Food Composted On-Site Using Orca Digester:
Baird Center utilizes an on-site composter known as the ORCA Digester. This allows us to compost food and significantly reduce the carbon emissions produced by our events.


Total food composted in 2025: 45,860 pounds in ORCA  
  • Equivalent to CO2 gas emissions from 1,395 gallons of gasoline 
  • Equivalent to gas emissions from a car traveling 31,773 miles  

Additional 32,932 pounds composted via Compost Crusaders, a small, woman-owned business in Milwaukee.  

Water Bottles Saved: 86,199 

Total Solar Power Production for 2025: 103.22 MWh   
  • Equivalent to powering 10 homes’ electricity for an entire year 
​​​​​​​HR PHONE:
 HR EMAIL:
hr@wcd.org 

EMPLOYEE WI-FI: WCD-Ops
PASSWORD: DjV6XrFT

400 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53203 | 414.908.6000
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