On behalf of 51ÁÔÆæ’s overall recycling program, the Office of Sustainability received the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 2025 Recycling Excellence Awards. The “Overall Program” category recognizes waste diversion programs that demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and advancing diversion:
In 2025, Ben Konitzer received recognition at the Employee Excellence Awards for his innovative approach to waste diversion, leading to new efficiencies, cost savings, and a new plastic film recycling program: /news/uwm-recognizes-some-of-its-finest-at-annual-employee-excellence-awards/.
In 2023, Adrian Robar received 51ÁÔÆæ’s University Staff Outstand Service Award for his dedication to sustainability and for his customer service approach to delivering recycling services to campus: /news/fall-awards-recognize-long-years-of-service-to-uwm/.
UW-Milwaukee is a member of the (AASHE), and participates in the Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS).  In 2016 51ÁÔÆæ moved up to a STARS Gold Rating from Silver, and retained Gold in 2019. .
Sierra Club named 51ÁÔÆæ to its 2017 list. Out of more than 225 participating colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada, 51ÁÔÆæ is No. 45. Since launching the comprehensive Cool Schools listing in 2006, the Sierra Club has recognized colleges with best practices in the areas of campus energy use, transportation and other environmental priorities.
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee was among the schools recognized in 2016 by the U.S. Department of Education for . The award is based on 51ÁÔÆæ’s high achievement in three key areas: reducing environmental impact and costs; improving the health and wellness of students and staff; and providing effective environmental and sustainability education, incorporating STEM, civic skills and green career pathways.
51ÁÔÆæ’s accomplishments include reducing greenhouse gas emissions at all sites by 10 percent, reducing energy consumption by 27 percent from 2008-2014, averting 16.5 million gallons of storm water each year with cisterns, green roofs and rain gardens, and making a large investment in a bicycle-sharing system, with the 2015 placement of six Bublr Bikes stations around campus.
In 2016, UW-Milwaukee made the leap from a . Engagement from students, staff, and faculty alike led to many bicycling amenity updates and new programs. The student-led investment to bring the Bublr Bikeshare system to 51ÁÔÆæ in 2015 was a large part of this gain in ratings.
The Bicycle Friendly University (BFUâ„ ) program recognizes institutions of higher education for promoting and providing a more bikeable campus for students, staff and visitors. The Bicycle Friendly University program evaluates applicants’ efforts to promote bicycling in five primary areas: engineering, encouragement, education, enforcement and evaluation/planning, known as the Five E’s.
2010 – 2023: This has recognized UW-Milwaukee, year after year, for its noteworthy accomplishments. The guide showcases “the most exceptional commitments to sustainability based on their academic offerings and career preparation for students, campus policies, initiatives, and activities”. It has been an honor for 51ÁÔÆæ to be one of these highly regarded peer institutions.
UW-Milwaukee has been recognized by the Wisconsin Partners for Clean Air multiple times over the years. Our voluntary efforts in building performance and transportation were awarded as such:
- Clean Air Recognition Award: 1997, 1999, and 2011
- Commuter Champ Award: 2014
Cambridge Commons residence hall was awarded a for “New Construction-Special Citation for Energy Efficiency” from the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance. The award honors leadership in energy efficient and sustainable design, construction and operation of Wisconsin non-residential buildings and related systems.
The Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health has received a number of awards including:
2015 State Farm Building Blocks MANDI Award which recognizes a real estate project that advances the community.
- 2013:
- 2012: