The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) is a leading nonprofit college. Through its nationally recognized Bachelor of Fine Arts program, MIAD serves as a catalyst between passion and purpose, launching professional lives of thousands of artists, designers, visionaries, and entrepreneurs of all backgrounds since 1974.

MIAD developed a Sustainability Plan in July 2023 that aligns to their strategic plan. MIAD’s previous sustainability initiatives included academic programs and community engagement. As sustainability becomes a larger part of academic programs, MIAD seeks to increase the sustainability of the college’s campus as well. An energy analysis performed by Dillett Mechanical demonstrated inefficiencies in MIAD’s HVAC system. FCI Implementation funding will support upgrading the river level mechanicals. By upgrading the mechanical controls, cooling tower, and air handlers of the HVAC system, MIAD will save 169,147 kWh each year in total electricity units and $34,424 each year in total energy savings. Dillett Mechanical estimates it will take 4.7 years to pay back the costs of the upgrades without the grant; with a $100,000 grant, the payback period is approximately 1.8 years. By saving on energy costs, MIAD will have more funding for student scholarships, implementation of new and innovative curricular programs, the ability to provide more community programs and exhibitions, and even pursue additional sustainability initiatives.