In the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wisconsin Center District (WCD) President and CEO Marty Brooks acknowledged the importance of constructing a building with the future in mind. Brooks committed to making the expanded Baird Center a model of sustainability for event and entertainment venues. By integrating cutting-edge features like an underground stormwater retention system and a state-of-the-art food digester, Brooks ensures the Baird Center will contribute to a greener community. The WCD is proud to announce that on September 11, Brooks was named a Notable Leader in Sustainability by BizTimes Media.
The $456 million Baird Center expansion will open in May 2024, and thanks to Brooks’ leadership, it will include:
- Triple-silver low-emissivity (Low-E) glass on the façade. The specially coated glass improves energy efficiency by letting in natural light, while blocking about 95% of the UV light let in by traditional glass, reducing cooling costs.
- Bird-friendly glass, which increases visibility and prevents bird collisions. This glass is installed on the skywalk between the convention center and the Hyatt Regency Hotel and at other building locations within observed flight patterns.
- A solar array on the roof. The panels will generate 98,130 Kilowatt-hours, preventing the equivalent of the CO2 emissions from 7,488,199 smartphones being charged.
- A 320,000-gallon underground stormwater detention system. The StormTrap® stores runoff water and helps prevent the city’s stormwater sewer system from being overworked during peak usage.
- An Orca Food Digester. This on-site composting system mimics the natural food digestion process, preventing up to 438 tons of food waste from going into landfills every year.
Brooks leadership prepared the District to apply for LEED Silver certification, the globally recognized symbol of sustainability.