Climate Action Plan 3.0
Net Zero Carbon in 2025 and Beyond
Introduction
In 2007, the University of Maryland committed to finding pathways to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from its day to day operations. That year, UMD became a charter signatory of The Presidents' Climate Leadership Carbon Commitment. In Fall 2009, after two years of internal planning and collaboration, the university announced target years for greenhouse gas reductions as well as a long-term target date for carbon neutrality.
"Carbon neutrality is defined as reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and offsetting remaining emissions so that net emissions to the atmosphere are zero." - University of Maryland Climate Action Plan 1.0, August 2009
Between 2009 and 2021, the university met or surpassed all short term targets set for net greenhouse gas reductions. President Pines announced that UMD would accelerate its target date for carbon neutrality from 2050 to 2025 when he gave his inaugural speech on Earth Day in April 2021. He took this even further by announcing a fossil-fuel free target year of 2035 for the campus heat and power plant when he welcomed the community back for the 2022 Fall Semester.
The Climate Action Plan is a living document that summarizes evolving pathways that UMD is using to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions and offset remaining residual emissions.
Every community owes its existence and strength to the generations before them, around the world, who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy into making the history that led to this moment.
Truth and acknowledgement are critical in building mutual respect and connections across all barriers of heritage and difference.
So, we acknowledge the truth that is often buried: We are on the ancestral lands of the Piscataway People, who are the ancestral stewards of this sacred land. It is their historical responsibility to advocate for the four-legged, the winged, those that crawl and those that swim. They remind us that clean air and pristine waterways are essential to all life.
This Land Acknowledgement is a vocal reminder for each of us as two-leggeds to ensure our physical environment is in better condition than what we inherited, for the health and prosperity of future generations.
Anthropogenic climate change is one of the grand challenges of the 21st century. According to the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC), “human activities, principally through emissions of greenhouse gasses, have unequivocally caused global warming. Global greenhouse gas emissions have continued to increase, with unequal historical and ongoing contributions arising from unsustainable energy use, land use and land-use change, lifestyles, and patterns of consumption and production.” The impacts of climate change are seen across local to global regions with disproportionate impact on disadvantaged communities. “Human and ecosystem vulnerability are interdependent,” and climate change has caused substantial damages — increasingly irreversible — in terrestrial, freshwater, cryospheric, and coastal and ocean ecosystems (AR6 Synthesis Report, 2023).
The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is committed to reducing its climate impact while expanding opportunities in research, academics, and service. For nearly two decades, the University has progressed environmental protection, sustainability and climate action on campus and in the surrounding communities. Recently, the University Strategic Plan Fearlessly Forward elevated this commitment as a guiding principle and key value of the University’s mission.
On April 22, 2021, University President Darryll Pines announced that the university will achieve net carbon neutral emissions by 2025. To meet this aggressive, near-term commitment, the university will maintain and implement several climate action strategies. Defined by President Pines, faculty, staff, and students across campus, these climate action strategies address institutional and individual behaviors that contribute to the University’s greenhouse gas emissions. Through successful implementation of these strategies, UMD aims to mitigate and neutralize our climate impact with the support of all members of the campus community.
The Climate Action Plan 3.0 continues a legacy of sustainability and climate action at UMD. 
In 2007, the university became a charter signatory of the Second Nature Carbon Commitment (previously the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment). The University’s initial carbon neutrality target was 2050 as previously recommended by the IPCC to prevent global warming past a 2-degree critical threshold. UMD published its first Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2009 as a “living document” with the intent to reevaluate strategy impacts over time. The second Climate Action Plan – CAP 2.0 – was updated between 2015 and 2017. With the same initial targets, CAP 2.0 revisited existing strategies and identified new actions to reach carbon neutrality. An update in 2021 – CAP 2.1 – captured the accelerated 2025 carbon neutrality commitment and provided status updates for existing strategies. The success of previous CAP iterations is due to the support of faculty, staff and students who have contributed to and implemented the strategies. The community’s commitment and diligence has kept the university on track to meet its climate action targets.
CAP 3.0 focuses on developing new programs and maintaining existing strategies to meet the University’s accelerated carbon neutrality commitment. Both existing and new strategies in CAP 3.0 reflect changing markets, technologies, funding, and goals. The University is committed to achieving carbon neutrality for all scope 1, all scope 2, and a portion of scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. It aims to continue providing opportunities for all to learn about sustainability and to participate in climate action at the university and beyond. As in previous iterations, the CAP 3.0 will receive periodic updates to reflect progress in strategy implementation, new technologies, and updated policies or best practices.
UMD is a collaborative community and the Climate Action Plan is a product on this essential aspect of the university's identity. The original Climate Action Plan (1.0) published in 2009 was created by a work group of 53 university representatives using input from many more campus stakeholders. This third iteration (3.0) involved direct input and contributions from 55 university representatives. To see a full list of the representatives who were involved, please view the Climate Action Plan 3.0 Acknowledgements page here.
Targets
The university strives to meet the following ambitious targets for all scopes of emissions
- Carbon neutrality (net-zero carbon emissions) by 2025
- Zero-Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) fleet by 2035
- Fossil-fuel free central energy plant by 2035
Progress
With nearly two decades of action to advance sustainability on campus, the university has met or exceeded climate action goals and progress thresholds
Notable climate accomplishments
- Reducing net greenhouse gas emissions 55% from 2005 to 2022 despite a 22% campus building space increase during the same period (2005-2022)
- Procuring 100% renewable-sourced grid electricity as of 2020, eliminating all university scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions (2020-2022)
- Implementing several performance contracts, reducing energy consumption 20% or more in select buildings (2014-2022)
- Reducing campus landfilled solid waste more than 50% and decreasing overall waste generation 44% (2005-2022)
- Constructing or renovating 23 buildings to LEED-silver equivalent or higher; approximately 13% of total building gross square feet (2010-2022)
- Increasing stormwater management best practices, including the restoration of 5,300 linear feet of the Campus Creek (2019)
- Reducing per-plate emissions 14.4% on average as part of the Coolfood Pledge (2019-2022)
- Completing more than 1 million rides over five years through the campus bike and scooter rideshare (2017-2022)
- Educating more than 20,000 students in their first semester at UMD about sustainability challenges and opportunities (2011-2022)
- Awarding over $3.72 million in Sustainability Fund Grants to students, staff, and faculty to develop sustainable academic, research, and operations programs (2011-2022)
- Since 2018, the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute has awarded over $2.6 million in funding for research and commercialization of clean energy technologies to meet society’s needs for a sustainable future.
This graph displays the university’s progress towards carbon neutrality, as calculated in the annual greenhouse gas emissions inventory. As a voluntary member of the Carbon Commitment, UMD is required to report Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions in an annual inventory. For scope 3 emissions, the university reports on air travel, commuting, and solid waste. UMD defines the greenhouse gas inventory organizational boundary using financial-control. This means that all utilities, fertilizer, fuel, animals and other emissions sources paid for by the university are included in the inventory. The university uses the Sustainability Indicator Management & Analysis Platform (SIMAP) to manage the voluntary greenhouse gas emissions inventory. A regulated inventory is completed by the Office of Environmental Affairs to meet reporting requirements for the Clean Air Act Title V operating permit.
Overview of Strategies
Through implementation of the following strategies, the University of Maryland, College Park is estimated to prevent between 1.78 - 1.98 million MTCO2e from entering the atmosphere between 2023 and 2040. There are factors outside the university’s influence that will impact the speed and success of these strategies. Factors could include industry-wide adoption of sustainable policies and technologies, investment in the global, national, and local transition to sustainable infrastructure, and a continued focus on sustainable development. The university will adjust to industry changes and explore new opportunities as they arise.
In the sections to follow, the Climate Action Plan 3.0 attempts to define potential influential factors where possible. Strategies are categorized by greenhouse gas emissions sources:
The strategies to follow highlight institutional programs and commitments to meet these climate action targets. Between the creation of these strategies and the publication of this report, UMD significantly progressed implementation for some of these actions. The State of Maryland has also approved new sustainability and climate regulations, requiring the future adjustment of targets and timelines to meet regulatory requirements. Some examples that influence the University’s Climate Action Plan include Maryland’s composting law, Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS), and the Climate Solutions Now Act.
For each strategy, the university aims to provide more clarity around the quantification of emissions impacts for the adopted strategies. The university measures greenhouse gas emissions on an annual basis. For strategies with quantifiable targets, the plan provides estimated emissions reduction targets and cumulative emissions impact compared to a 2022 baseline. The estimated emissions reduction is the sum of the predicted emissions avoided due to climate action strategies implemented during each discrete year. The cumulative emissions impact is the sum of the predicted emissions avoided annually against a 2022 baseline year or an alternative baseline year stated in the strategy. The emission reduction estimates are influenced by the availability and accuracy of data and the current methodologies for quantifying and predicting greenhouse gas emissions by sector. As in previous iterations, the CAP 3.0 will receive periodic updates to reflect progress in strategy implementation, new technologies, and updated policies or best practices.
Power
Occupying over 1,450 acres of land across the State of Maryland, the University of Maryland, College Park is the equivalent of a small city. The university powers more than 250 campus buildings through a district energy system consisting of generated and purchased power. The central energy plant supplies the full thermal demand and approximately 30-70% of the electrical demand of the main campus depending on the season and operational availability of the generating equipment. The remaining electricity for the main campus and power used at 135 buildings on UMD satellite campuses is purchased from the grid. As of 2020, all grid-purchased electricity is renewably-sourced as part of the university’s climate action strategies to mitigate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with powering the campus. Currently, the university’s scope 1 power-related emissions represents approximately 68% of the university’s gross greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to a 2005 baseline, UMD has reduced power-related emissions 39% and eliminated all scope 2 emissions.
The university’s progress in power emissions reductions is tied to federal and state funding, the national grid, innovation in sustainable energy technology, and investment and operation of campus infrastructure. Estimated emissions reductions are tied to state regulation and the availability of mid- to low-cost, scalable sustainable energy technology. The following energy climate action strategies are predicted to reduce or offset greenhouse gas emissions between 1,152,000 - 1,169,000 MTCO2e during 2025-2040.
Individual versus Institutional Action: PowerThese strategies capture UMD's institutional commitments to reduce power-related greenhouse gas emissions; they represent things that can be controlled centrally by administrative departments. However, President Pines has called on all of us to be climate ambassadors, so: How can individuals on campus contribute to reducing power-related emissions? | |
Students, staff, and faculty drive energy consumption through use of campus facilities, equipment, and other energy-consuming behaviors. There are many opportunities for every person on campus to contribute toward reaching these goals! The UMD campus community can collectively save over 10,000 MTCO2e by 2025 through everyday behaviors like turning off computers, lights, and other equipment when not in use. Research at centers like the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute and Center for Global Sustainability can support the clean energy transition locally, nationally, and internationally. Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to learn more about sustainable energy through programs, courses, and other resources. | 
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Pathways
TARGET: 20% decrease in energy consumption from existing facilities between 2018 and 2031; 1.5% annual improvement through 2030
ACTIONS: Improve building energy efficiency through operations maintenance and engagement with building operations data. Identify other opportunities to increase energy efficiency, reduce overall costs of power and renewable energy credits, pilot innovative new technologies or processes that can be scaled across campus, and pursue additional outside funding.
LEADER: Facilities Management- Engineering & Energy
2,500-9,000 MTCO2e | 14,000-45,000 MTCO2e |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION |
annual emissions avoided through operations, maintenance, and energy conservation programs | estimated cumulative impact of strategy against FY18 baseline emissions (set by Executive Order) |
TARGET: 100% of purchased electricity comes from renewable energy sources; maintain commitment annually
ACTIONS: Manage renewable energy credits from UMD’s existing Power-Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and purchase additional RECs as needed.
LEADER: Facilities Management - Engineering & Energy
0 MTCO2e | 643,888 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
continuation of existing climate action strategy so reduction has already been achieved | continuation of existing climate action strategy and this is the estimated reduction from CAP 2.0 for 2016-2040 |
TARGET: Identify opportunities to develop additional renewable energy projects (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biofuels, etc.)
ACTIONS: Evaluate additional Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and similar opportunities to meet Renewable Portfolio Standard compliance and maintain UMD goal into the future; new PPAs could include solar and non-solar renewable energy sources. Note: This action may change due to an offshore wind bill passed in the 2023 Maryland legislative session.
LEADER: Facilities Management - Engineering & Energy
0 MTCO2e | 643,888 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
opportunity will contribute to success of other strategies, and may result in new specific strategies to be added in future plan updates | opportunity will contribute to success of other strategies |
TARGET: Negate all emissions associated with the non-electric thermal load of new facilities; maintain commitment annually through 2024. Starting in 2024 all emissions will be offset as part of campus-wide commitment to carbon neutrality (so the cumulative CO2e reduction for this strategy is only over two years).
ACTIONS: Carbon Neutral New Development is met by the 100% renewable purchased power commitment and the purchasing of additional verified carbon offsets applied towards non-electric thermal load of new buildings
LEADER: Facilities Management; Office of Sustainability
9,500-10,000 MTCO2e | 19,000-20,000 MTCO2e |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION |
estimated emissions offset through the carbon neutral new development program | cumulative impact of offsets over two years |
TARGET: Starting in 2024, offset 100% of UMD's central energy plant (CEP) plant emissions and emissions from other fossil-fuel powered energy equipment (in Calendar Year 2025 and beyond) for UMD's buildings to fulfill the President's inaugural commitment to carbon neutrality by Earth Day 2025.
ACTIONS: Offset unavoidable carbon emissions from UMD's central energy plant and other stationary energy equipment; collaborate with Office of Sustainability in the selection of offsets meeting the criteria developed by the Carbon Offset Working Group and updated by the Office of Sustainability as more stringent criteria become feasible. Expand access to a wider range of brokers and/or developers as well as explore longer term contracts with project developers/owners directly.
LEADER: Facilities Management - Engineering & Energy; Office of Sustainability
1,140,000-1,150,000 MTCO2e | 1,140,000-1,150,000 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
estimated emissions offset through the carbon neutrality commitment for the campus energy system | cumulative impact of campus energy system offset program |
TARGET: Research one or more opportunities to implement low-emission energy production, increase energy efficiency, or generally decrease energy-related emissions at IBBR
ACTIONS: Continue exploring ways to further reduce consumption or move toward renewable energy
LEADER: Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research
0 MTCO2e | 0 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
study will contribute to success of future strategies | study will contribute to success of future strategies |
TARGET: Research one or more opportunities to eliminate redundant Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), consolidate servers, and/or achieve better economies of cooling in small campus data rooms
ACTIONS: Complete an analysis of opportunities in existing data rooms by the end of 2025
LEADER: Division of Information Technology
0 MTCO2e | 0 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
study will contribute to success of future strategies | study will contribute to success of future strategies |
Power: Heating & Cooling
The NextGen Energy Program plays a critical role in ensuring UMD will have a dependable and sustainable energy system to replace the existing facility that is beyond its useful life. The program will serve as one of the key platforms that will allow the university to meet and surpass its sustainability goals, including the decarbonization of UMD’s central energy plant by 2035. Additional information about the NextGen Energy program will be available at the conclusion of the procurement and permitting processes.
Currently, the campus generates energy using a central energy plant that burns natural gas and ultra low sulfur diesel during periods of gas interruption. The university also uses fuel oil in other stationary sources, such as emergency generators. The fuel burned in the central energy plant currently accounts for approximately 70% of gross greenhouse gas emissions. To transition to a more sustainable, resilient, and decarbonized energy system, the university may need to increase electrical capacity on campus, convert high-pressure and high-temperature steam to more efficient hot water systems, and investigate opportunities to transition equipment and buildings to more sustainable and resilient energy sources. Estimated emissions are based on predicted changes to the campus energy system at this part of the procurement process. The NextGen Energy Program strategies are predicted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at minimum between 120,000 - 122,500 MTCO2e during 2025-2040.
Pathways
TARGET: By 2028, reduce Central Energy Plant (CEP) capacity from 26 MW to 16.5 MW (approximately)
ACTIONS: Optimizing UMD's CEP to better align with campus energy loads; Replace steam-driven chillers in District Thermal Plant 4 with electric chillers to decrease campus fossil-fuel usage
LEADER: Facilities Management - NextGen Energy Program
120,000-122,000 MTCO2e | 550,000-560,000 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
estimated emissions avoided at minimum through power plant capacity adjustments | estimated cumulative impact of strategy against CY16 baseline emissions |
TARGET: Replace targeted underground steam and condensate pipes to reduce underground energy and water loss based on availability of funding.
ACTIONS: Reduce energy and water loss from underground steam distribution system on main campus to reduce fossil fuel consumption at CEP
LEADER: Facilities Management - NextGen Energy Program
Unknown MTCO2e | Unknown MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
the scope and impact of this strategy not yet identified | the scope and impact of this strategy not yet identified |
TARGET: Develop Energy System Decarbonization Study by 2026 for UMD's main campus to determine the best available technologies to maximize decarbonization of UMD's Energy System by 2035
ACTIONS: Pilot technologies to minimize steam and chilled water generated using resources from CEP, thus supporting the transition to decarbonized campus utility system
LEADER: Facilities Management - NextGen Energy Program
0 MTCO2e | 0 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
study will contribute to the success of future strategies | study will contribute to the success of future strategies |
Refrigerants & Chemicals
A component of greenhouse gas emissions inventories are ozone depleting substances (ODS), or ozone destroying chemicals (ODCs). These ODCs — most commonly HVAC refrigerants or chemicals with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) — are known to destroy the ozone layer, an important part of the stratosphere that protects the earth from UV-B radiation and prevents global warming. With global warming potentials thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide and a hundred times more potent than methane, it is a global interest to mitigate ODCs wherever possible.
The university tracks and reports emissions of ODCs through regulatory and voluntary environmental reports. As of 2022, refrigerant and chemical emissions account for approximately 1% of the university’s greenhouse gas emissions. To mitigate climate impacts, the university is exploring more sustainable alternatives and improving equipment to reduce refrigerant and chemical emissions. Estimated emissions impacts are limited by availability of sustainable alternatives and success of the pilot program. The following refrigerant and chemical strategy is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 5 - 100 MTCO2e during 2025-2040 and provide a starting point to better understand how to mitigate refrigerant and chemical emissions on campus.
Individual versus Institutional Action: Refrigerants & ChemicalsThis strategy captures the university's institutional commitment to understand, identify and invest in opportunities to mitigate refrigerant & chemical greenhouse gas emissions, including potentially low-impact strategies. Operational units at UMD control their choice of how to manage refrigerant procurement, replacement and retirement for HVAC and other equipment. It is important for all of us to think about how we can participate too: How can individuals on campus contribute to reducing refrigerant and chemical related emissions? | |
Most reported emissions are currently from operations of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems around campus. Students, faculty and staff can make a service request when HVAC systems are not functioning as normal, or a leak is noticed. In research labs, personnel can ensure they are following green chemical procurement suggestions where feasible. Appropriate disposal of chemicals is also important to reducing fugitive emissions.
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Pathways
TARGET: Replace 100% of R-22 with Non-CFC environmentally-preferred HVAC alternative RS-44B (R-453A) by 2025
ACTIONS: Pilot RS-44B (R-453A) in IBBR HVAC equipment and observe implications for large scale application across UMD campuses; Identify other HVAC chemicals to pilot environmentally-preferable alternatives
LEADER: Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research
5-100 MTCO2e | 8-100 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
estimated emissions avoided through replacement of HCFC-22 on IBBR campus | estimated emissions avoided through replacement of HCFC-22 on IBBR campus |
Campus Fleet
To facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services around campus, the university employs a fleet of transportation technologies. These transportation services include vehicles, buses, and other equipment that consume a variety of fuels: gasoline, diesel, flex fuel, propane, natural gas, biodiesel (B20 and B5), and electricity. The consumption of these fuels directly contributes to the university’s scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions. The university is committed to transitioning the campus vehicle fleet, including the bus fleet, by 2035 to zero emission vehicles to reduce associated direct transportation emissions. Additional strategies to right-size the campus fleet and provide appropriate infrastructure to support a zero emissions vehicle fleet will contribute to the university’s fleet emissions goals.
The university’s progress in campus fleet emissions reductions is tied to availability of market replacements for zero emissions heavy-duty vehicles, light-duty vehicles, vans, sedans, and other transportation equipment. Estimated emissions reductions are tied to the availability and rate of replacement. The following fleet strategies are predicted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 22,000 - 37,000 MTCO2e during 2025-2040.
Individual versus Institutional Action: Campus FleetThese strategies capture UMD's institutional commitments to reduce fleet transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions; they represent things that can be controlled centrally by administrative departments. However, President Pines has called on all of us to be climate ambassadors, so: How can individuals on campus also contribute to reducing fleet-related emissions? | |
Staff, students, and faculty can explore opportunities to reduce reliance on single-occupancy or internal combustion engine vehicles to commute around campus on the Department of Transportation Services website. Units with fleet equipment can work with the Office of Sustainability and Facilities Management to right-size their fleet, explore low- or no-emissions equipment options and plan strategic transitions. In addition to direct action, student and faculty research and academics can support the fleet transition. For example, student interns worked with Campus GIS to map the mobility of the university’s fleet for the right-sizing study. The UMD-based Build America Center supported the Department of Transportation on a $39.9 million dollar grant to fund the first 35 all-electric ShuttleUM buses. |  |
Pathways
TARGET: Transition campus vehicle fleet to 100% zero emission vehicles by 2035; replacement of ICE vehicles with EVs on regular replacement schedule; increase ZEV acquisitions of light-duty vehicles to 50% of annual fleet purchases by 2025
ACTIONS: As the suppliers allow, order zero emissions replacement vehicles within the identified timeframe and meet or exceed State vehicle procurement goals
LEADER: Facilities Management - Business Operations
6,000-12,000 MTCO2e | 18,000-30,000 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
estimated emissions avoided through strategic replacement and fleet right-sizing of light-duty vehicles and sedans | estimated cumulative impact of strategy against CY22 baseline emissions |
TARGET: By 2024, UMD will have purchased 35 electric buses to replace diesel-powered buses; Replace 100% of ShuttleUM buses with electric buses by 2035
ACTIONS: Work to implement FTA funding dollars to procure 35 all-electric buses, charging stations, plan and install supporting infrastructure. As supply and campus electrical infrastructure allows, order additional all-electric buses and seek funding to support capital investment cost
LEADER: Department of Transportation Services
16,000-25,000 MTCO2e | 20,000-28,000 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
estimated emissions avoided through strategic replacement and fleet right-sizing of ShuttleUM buses | estimated cumulative impact of strategy against CY22 baseline emissions |
TARGET: Develop an electric vehicle infrastructure plan to support charging for campus fleet and commuter vehicles where there is overlap with the campus fleet in 2024
ACTIONS: Write scope of work for RFP to hire consultant to develop EV infrastructure plan based on information from Fleet Utilization Study, timeline of ICE replacements and EV availability; complete plan by 2024
LEADER: Facilities Management - Business Operations
0 MTCO2e | 0 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
study contributes to the success of other strategies | study contributes to the success of other strategies |
TARGET: By 2023, implement GPS devices across the campus vehicle fleet to measure utilization, vehicle location information on parking and routes
ACTIONS: Collect accurate operations information to support ZEV Infrastructure Study and Fleet Right-sizing
LEADER: Facilities Management - Business Operations
0 MTCO2e | 0 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
study contributes to the success of other strategies | study contributes to the success of other strategies |
TARGET: By 2025, develop plan to optimize vehicle inventory to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease personal vehicle usage for university business, and improve safety, reliability, and compliance of vehicles
ACTIONS: Optimize quantity of light-duty vehicles in the campus vehicle fleet to meet operational needs. Retire unnecessary vehicles
LEADER: Facilities Management - Business Operations
0 MTCO2e | 0 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
impacts captured in President's ZEV Initiative & ShuttleUM Electrification strategies | impacts captured in President's ZEV Initiative & ShuttleUM Electrification strategies |
TARGET: By 2024, install 25 or more EV charging stations at the Severn Building for use with FM shop vehicles
ACTIONS: Evaluate different types of charging stations and test use of fully electric vehicles for a small portion of the FM fleet; Assess operating costs, charging patterns and frequency to inform next steps for broader university ZEV fleet implementation
LEADER: Facilities Management - Business Operations
0 MTCO2e | 0 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
impacts captured in President's ZEV Initiative & ShuttleUM Electrification strategies | impacts captured in President's ZEV Initiative & ShuttleUM Electrification strategies |
Land Use Management
As Maryland's land grant institution, UMD owns and operates a significant amount of land throughout the State of Maryland, from main campus in College Park to extension farms as far as Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore. The use of land has greenhouse gas emissions implications. The main campus is a registered arboretum, and significant maintenance is performed to maintain the green spaces, pollinator and food gardens, and wooded areas. These activities generate emissions through fertilizer application (nitrogen) and fuel consumption.
On the agriculture extension farms, UMD raises dairy, angus cattle, and crops and performs research. These activities generate emissions through animal digestion (methane), fertilizer application (nitrogen), and fuel consumption in operations.
Ecologically, land may be a carbon sink that stores carbon in soil, trees, cover crops, and other greenery. In 2020, the university began a research project to measure the campus forest carbon flux. (Stored carbon—in soil, forests, water systems—is in flux, impacted by temperature, weather events, and human intervention.) However, this research continues and university forest carbon is not currently included in greenhouse gas emissions inventory.
Looking forward, the university will continue investigating opportunities to incorporate campus land sinks into the greenhouse gas inventory; invest in low- or no-emission equipment for landscaping; and where possible, reduce emissions associated with agriculture and fertilizer use.
Individual versus Institutional Action: Land Use ManagementThese strategies capture institutional actions to reduce land-use management related greenhouse gas emissions on campus. How can individuals help meet these climate action strategies? | |
Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to enjoy the natural resources provided by campus. Being kind to the natural spaces around campus can help keep the ecosystems healthy and reduce maintenance for those areas. Individuals and groups can take direct action to support campus green spaces by volunteering with the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. At the Agricultural Research and Education Centers, researchers are exploring different mechanisms to reduce climate impacts of agriculture. Some examples of research on campus include efforts to capture biodiversity of green spaces and the impact of connecting people to natural spaces. |  |
Pathways
TARGET: Starting in 2025, incorporate annual monitoring of campus forest sinks into the university's annual greenhouse gas inventory
ACTIONS: Partner with Department of Geographical Sciences to measure carbon stored aboveground in university owned forests using LIDAR data in alignment with State of Maryland's climate programs. Measurements will be made available to support campus planning decisions
LEADER: Office of Sustainability; Department of Geographical Sciences
0 MTCO2e | 0 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
sinks and emissions associated with stored campus forest carbon are not included in the voluntary greenhouse gas emissions inventory at this time | cumulative impact of campus forest carbon sequestration |
TARGET: Reduce grounds and landscaping emissions incrementally and achieve carbon neutrality for landscape maintenance by 2050
ACTIONS: Facilities Management's Arboretum and Landscape Services will replace old equipment with lower-emissions models when possible and seek opportunities to implement landscape practices that are less carbon intensive than current practices. Other units, including other Facilities Management units, RecWell, Extension and other groups that manage grounds and landscape equipment, will explore opportunities to implement sustainable landscape practices.
LEADER: Facilities Management's Arboretum and Landscape Services; Office of Sustainability
0 MTCO2e | 0 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
impact captured in other strategies; further reductions to be determined | impact captured in other strategies; further reductions to be determined |
Solid Waste
Compared to a 2005 baseline, solid waste related greenhouse gas emissions have decreased more than 90%. The university accomplished this by greatly expanding waste minimization efforts, recycling, and composting — driving a reduction of landfill solid waste by more than 50% and decreasing overall waste generation by more than 44%. Currently, solid waste represents approximately 1% of the university’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The university has also prioritized working with sustainable waste management systems. For example, since 2008 UMD has sent remaining solid waste to landfills that generate electricity using captured methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
This significant progress highlights the university’s commitment to sustainable waste management. Through partnerships with local waste management companies and constant outreach to the campus community, the Recycling and Solid Waste, Dining Services, Office of Environmental Affairs, and several other major units have successfully implemented waste reduction, minimization and landfill diversion strategies. These include: single-stream recycling, twinned bins, mini-bins, composting, battery recycling, e-Waste recycling, and other initiatives. In addition, other campus units support reuse and waste minimization through programs such as the Campus Pantry, Food Recovery Network, Terrapin Trader, and Terp to Terp ReUse Campus Store.
Looking ahead, the campus can directly impact carbon neutrality efforts in solid waste management by generating less waste and by directing more recyclable and compostable materials in the correct receptacles. Estimated emissions impacts will be affected by the successes of these actions and by new state legislation, including the 2021 Food Residual Diversion law. The following solid waste strategies are predicted to reduce solid waste related scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions between 720 - 1,330 MTCO2e during 2025-2040.
Individual versus Institutional Action: Solid WasteThese strategies capture both individual and institutional actions to reduce solid waste related greenhouse gas emissions on campus.
How can individuals help meet these climate action strategies? | |
The university is committed to sending waste to sustainable waste management facilities and reducing waste generation during construction, demolition, and day-to-day operations. Through programs like Ocean Friendly Campus, zero-waste event guides and other programs, the SustainableUMD Network aims to create space for low- and no-waste programs on campus. Individual action plays a part before the university’s commitments step in: Before buying new, consider checking Terrapin Trader or Terp to Terp for gently-used items. Before disposing in a bin, consider if the material is reusable or donatable. When at the bins, follow sorting recommendations to ensure UMD can properly divert waste from landfills as often as possible. |  |
Pathways
TARGET: Individual combined compost and recycling rates of 50% or above every year
ACTIONS: Increase in campus-wide recycling participation to increase the percentage of personal solid waste that individuals on campus divert from landfills. Expand compost collection and increase individual participation in compost collection efforts. Conduct periodic waste audits to monitor and minimize contamination.
LEADER: Facilities Management— Recycling and Solid Waste Management Unit
0 MTCO2e | 0 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
impacts captured in other waste reduction strategies | impacts captured in other waste reduction strategies |
TARGET: Reduce total solid waste (recycling, compost, and landfill waste excluding construction and demolition waste by 1% per person per year)
ACTIONS: Foster a university-wide culture of reuse. Increase efforts to reduce usage of disposable materials and packaging on campus
LEADER: Facilities Management— Recycling and Solid Waste Management Unit; Office of Sustainability; Department of Residential Life
170-330 MTCO2e | 1,500-3,000 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
estimated emissions avoided through annual per person reduction in waste generation | estimated cumulative impact of strategy against CY22 baseline emissions |
TARGET: Maintain an institutional diversion rate of 75% or above every year
ACTIONS: Maintain high levels of landfill diversion for all construction and demolition projects. Individual recycling and compost actions will also contribute to this goal
LEADER: Facilities Management— Recycling and Solid Waste Management Unit
0 MTCO2e | 0 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
impacts captured in other waste reduction strategies | impacts captured in other waste reduction strategies |
Air Travel
The University of Maryland, College Park is committed to being a national center for research, education, and service, aiming to advance knowledge in areas of importance to the state, nation, and world. Air travel is an important part of the university’s global presence, however it contributes approximately 10% of the university’s average annual total greenhouse gas emissions.
UMD encourages sustainable decisions around air and other travel related to the essential functions of the university — faculty travel for research, student study abroad, athletic competitions, and business operations — to help reduce climate and other environmental impacts. UMD has addressed the climate impact of necessarily air travel since 2017 through the Carbon Neutral Air Travel initiative. This initiative established a requirement to offset 100% of the carbon emissions associated with air travel through the procurement of real, measurable, additional, and verified carbon offsets.
In the years ahead, UMD will continue to reduce the scope 3 emissions associated with air travel by prioritizing sustainable travel choices and monitoring industry-wide improvements in aircraft and associated fuels and governmental commitments like the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge. Estimated emissions reductions are tied to the success of industry sustainability transitions. Between 2025-2040, the Carbon Neutral Air Travel initiative is predicted to offset 460,000 - 500,000 MTCO2e of UMD’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Individual versus Institutional Action: Air TravelWhile the university has direct control over emissions sources like on-campus energy infrastructure, it has minimal control over emissions associated with the aviation industry.
How can the UMD community reduce air travel related emissions? | |
Students, staff, and faculty can mitigate air travel emissions through virtual meetings and by using low-carbon options like trains and buses, especially when traveling locally and within certain distances. As the aviation industry increases sustainable travel options through low-carbon fuel or low-carbon flights, the university can encourage booking more sustainable flights. Researchers at Maryland can contribute to the global sustainable transition of the aviation industry. For example, a researcher in the School of Engineering is researching hybrid-electric power sources for narrow-body aircrafts; and researchers in the School of Public Policy are investigating aviation decarbonization pathways in the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM). |  |
Pathways
TARGET: Continue to offset 100% of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the university sponsored air travel
ACTIONS: The university will procure real, additional, and verified carbon offsets or new investments in on-campus emission reduction activities to negate emissions associated with university sponsored air travel. A stakeholder group will ensure that the university’s offsets are appropriate each year.
LEADER: Office of Sustainability
460,000-500,000 MTCO2e | 460,000-500,000 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
estimated emissions offset through neutral air travel initiative | cumulative impact of offset program |
Commuting
As an urban-fringe campus, there are many options to commute to the university from the surrounding area. Increasingly, students, faculty, and staff are choosing sustainable alternatives to single-occupancy commuting. Those that drive alone are also switching to fuel-efficient or zero-emissions vehicles. Between incentives to purchase zero- or low-emissions vehicles and increasing availability of low-carbon micro-mobility options, it is becoming easier to commute sustainably to campus. Further, sustainable development of the campus and surrounding communities continues to bring housing options closer to campus, reducing commuting distances traveled when commuting.
Commuting is a significant portion of the greenhouse gas emissions, contributing an estimated 14% of the university’s gross greenhouse gas footprint. In 2018, undergraduate students committed to offsetting 100% of their commuting greenhouse gas emissions. Remaining commuting emissions are associated with graduate student, staff, and faculty commuting. Through programs like Shuttle-UM, the Purple Line, SmartCommute, micromobility, and EV charging among other initiatives, the campus aims to sustain and further mitigate commuting emissions. Between 2025-2040, the Undergraduate Commuting Carbon Neutrality program and other commuting strategies are predicted to offset or mitigate 178,500 - 205,000 MTCO2e of UMD’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Individual versus Institutional Action: CommutingThese strategies capture both individual and institutional actions to reduce commuting related greenhouse gas emissions on campus.
How can individuals help meet these climate action strategies? | |
The university continues to provide alternative transportation support to commuters through Shuttle-UM, Purple Line, VeoRides, SmartCommute and other partnerships. The Department of Transportation Services at UMD provides resources to help individuals bike, walk, carpool, and public transit to work. To effectively mitigate emissions, individuals on campus must choose to use these resources rather than relying on fossil-fuel powered options. Living closer to the campus when possible can also help reduce commuting emissions. The College Park City-University Partnership is one example of the university working with the local governments around campus to sustainably develop the area. For example, the Homeownership Program has helped more than 170 employees with down payments for homes within the city limits. |  |
Pathways
TARGET: Continue to offset 100% of estimated greenhouse gas emissions from daytime undergraduate student commuters with verified carbon credits.
ACTIONS: Assist SGA with offsetting 100% of emissions from undergraduate student commuting using funds from the University Sustainability Fund; maintain commitment annually.
LEADER: Office of Sustainability
171,000-192,000 MTCO2e | 171,000-192,000 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
estimated emissions offset through carbon neutral commuting program | cumulative impact of offset strategy |
TARGET: Implement additional electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support commuters; 64 EV parking spaces with Level 2 chargers by 2026; 125 EV parking spaces with Level 2 chargers by 2030
ACTIONS: Track charging utilization data by privately-owned vehicles (POVs), leverage the Electrification Infrastructure Study to adopt projections, and update targets for EV charging station expansion based on POV charging demand and campus electrical power. Identify funding sources, actively apply for funding, and work with Facilities Management to install stations
LEADER: Department of Transportation Services and Facilities Management— Engineering and Energy
1,000 MTCO2e | 3,000-46,000 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
estimated emissions avoided through additional EV charging infrastructure | estimated cumulative impact of strategy against CY22 baseline emissions; cumulative impact depends on the adoption rate of EVs among the staff and faculty population. |
TARGET: By 2024, complete the feasibility and 30% studies for the integration of dedicated bike paths to improve on-campus travel for micromobility riders. By 2025, source funding and initiate final design and construction phases. Continue to work with neighboring jurisdictions and campus partners to improve safe access to campus for bicyclists.
ACTIONS: Complete bikeways feasibility study and 30% design plans; Conduct study once funding has been secured; Identify implementation recommendations, costs and timeline for bikeway installation. Continue seeking opportunities to plan and improve connectivity of the campus bike/mobility network.
LEADER: Department of Transportation Services and Facilities Planning
0 MTCO2e | 643,888 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
impacts captured in reduced single-occupancy vehicles strategy | impacts captured in reduced single-occupancy vehicles strategy |
TARGET: Foster a safe and healthy micromobility campus culture. Provide support to further integrate micromobility riders into the campus with designated facilities. Maintain utilization rate of micro-mobility services at 150,000 rides or more annually.
ACTIONS: Track the adoption of privately owned micromobility vehicles. Conduct robust safety and education communications and activities. Evaluate opportunities to pilot and introduce charging, parking, and storage facilities for micromobility devices. Work with the Office of the Fire Marshal, Facilities Planning, and Facilities Management to plan for additional needs across campus. Continue to provide accessible first last mile options and shared micro mobility services for campus.
LEADER: Department of Transportation Services
0 MTCO2e | 0 MTCO2e |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION |
impacts captured in reduced single-occupancy vehicles strategy | impacts captured in reduced single-occupancy vehicles strategy |
TARGET: Implement new and/or further support existing programs to increase the overall percentage of sustainable commute modes by 10% by 2025 from 2022, reducing single occupancy vehicle commutes equivalently
ACTIONS: Investigate transportation demand management best practices; Continue support for Smart Commute program initiatives; and Integrate new TDM strategies on campus by 2035
LEADER: Department of Transportation Services
2,500 MTCO2e | 5,500 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
estimated emissions avoided through reduced single-occupancy vehicle commuting | estimated cumulative impact of strategy against CY22 basline emissions |
TARGET: Based on actuals and projections of private off-campus student-focused housing development, add 1,500 student-purposed beds in near-to-campus housing by 2023 (from a 2020 baseline) and approximately 2,000 additional student-purposed beds in near-to-campus housing by 2027
ACTIONS: Non-affiliated developers intend to construct several new student housing facilities near campus between 2022 and 2027. More adjacent private, off-campus, student-purpose housing means less commuting and commuting-related emissions. For on-campus housing, the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) is nearing completion of a DSA Facilities Strategic Plan, which includes a Housing Market Demand Analysis to inform renovation and new construction plans related to on-campus housing. Early analysis indicates that there will not be any expected on-campus housing growth between now and 2027.
LEADER: Off-Campus Development Projections; Terrapin Development Company and Department of Residential Facilities
3,500-5,500 MTCO2e | 14,000-16,000 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
estimated emissions avoided through additional near-to-campus housing options that reduce student commuting emissions | estimated cumulative impact of strategy against CY22 baseline emissions |
Purchasing
The university does not currently include procurement-related emissions in the voluntary greenhouse gas emissions inventory. Despite this, UMD prioritizes the opportunity to reduce the environmental impacts associated with procurement, including the manufacturing, transportation, and use of food, electronics, equipment, furniture, and other goods and services. The university tracks progress in sustainable procurement through regulatory and voluntary reports, including the Coolfood Pledge, the STARS Report, and Maryland Green Purchasing reports. The State of Maryland established the environmentally preferable purchasing program and Maryland Green Purchasing Committee in 2010 with the Green Maryland Act.
Sustainability in procurement includes purchasing sustainable goods and also working with service providers that aim to independently meet sustainability commitments. For example, the university’s new enterprise system Workday has significant commitments to corporate sustainability and Shell Shop, UMD’s online store, holds the potential to drive purchasing to more sustainable alternatives. Dining Services has prioritized partnering with local food providers, including a recent partnership with Albright Farms in Monkton, MD. UMD has also set internal requirements to purchase sustainable products and work with sustainable contractors where possible. For example, UMD purchases computers that meet EPEAT and Energy Star ratings and the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens recently switched to fully electric leaf blowers and requires outside contractors to use electric blowers when working on campus.
By reducing consumption of goods, selecting goods that meet sustainability criteria, and working with contractors who provide sustainable products and services, the university’s greenhouse gas reductions can be significant. The Department of Procurement and Business Services, Division of Information Technology, Facilities Management, Department of Dining Services, and other major units are driving efforts to increase sustainability in the core of the university’s purchasing decisions.
Individual versus Institutional Action: PurchasingPurchasing sustainable products and services reduces climate impacts. With sustainable purchasing commitments and guidance from the institution, individuals should choose the more sustainable option in the near and long-term.
How can individuals help meet these climate action strategies? | |
Students, staff and faculty are encouraged to make sustainable purchasing and travel decisions at UMD. For example, when planning events consider the sustainability-minded events guide. Or when purchasing office supplies, review the Environmentally Preferable Procurement guidelines and Maryland Green Purchasing committee materials. While the university develops guidelines and resources for sustainably-minded procurement, it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure these commitments are met.
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Pathways
TARGET: Starting in 2024, achieve a net zero carbon neutral campus. This includes incremental purchase of credible carbon offsets and renewable energy credits (RECs) to achieve carbon-neutrality, as an interim measure.
ACTIONS: While continuing efforts to mitigate emissions at the source, offset unavoidable carbon emissions from UMD operations through the procurement of Renewable Energy Credits and verified carbon offsets meeting the criteria developed by the Carbon Offset Working Group. Expand access to a wider
LEADER: Facilities Management— Engineering & Energy; Office of Sustainability; and Department of Procurement and Business Services
275,000-290,000 MTCO2e | 275,000-290,000 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
estimated emissions offset through the carbon neutrality commitment | estimated emissions offset through the carbon neutrality commitment |
TARGET: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with food purchased 25% by 2030 relative to a 2015 baseline
ACTIONS: Report Coolfood Pledge metrics annually to WRI and strive for continued improvement of sustainable food purchases according to the WRI Coolfood Pledge technical requirements
LEADER: Dining services
0 MTCO2e | 0 MTCO2e | |
ESTIMATED REDUCTION | CUMULATIVE REDUCTION | |
emissions for food procurement are not included in the voluntary greenhouse gas emissions inventory at this time | emissions for food procurement are not included in the voluntary greenhouse gas emissions inventory at this time |
Education & Research
In 2015, the United Nations established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs “recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth - all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests” (sdgs.un.org/goals). This 17-goal-agenda provides an international framework for addressing social issues like climate change, social injustice, global health, and education disparities. At federal, state, and local levels, there are additional regulations and frameworks to guide sustainable development. Some of these policies directly impact the university’s Climate Action Plan as captured by the above strategies.
As a leading research institution, the University of Maryland, College Park recognizes the role of research and academics in addressing climate change and other sustainable development issues. The University Strategic Plan, Fearlessly Forward, emphasizes UMD’s commitment to addressing grand challenges and fostering a community that is collaborative, innovative, diverse and inclusive. UMD is actively investing in a community for sustainable research and academic excellence. In 2022, UMD awarded $30 million dollars in institutional funding with one-to-one matching grants to sustainability-related research. Academic disciplines throughout the university offer sustainability majors, minors, and living-learning programs. Year by year, students are increasingly likely to receive an introductory lesson on sustainability during their first semester through the Sustainability Advisors program, engage in sustainability concepts in various courses, and get involved with sustainability-focused action-learning, research, or extracurricular activities. Many of the schools and colleges are actively expanding sustainability research and learning as recently evidenced by the School of Public Health establishing the new Department of Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health. The new department, opening in Fall 2024, will focus on climate change, global health impacts, pandemic preparedness and environmental justice.
The university also supports the creation and the implementation of sustainable strategies and technologies state-wide. For example, the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute and the Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) have played key roles in climate change in Maryland. CGS has supported the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in the development of strategies and data models to support Maryland’s ambitious climate goals. Moreover, over the past six years, the state has provided $9 Million to the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute (MEI2) from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF). The purpose of the SEIF is to decrease energy demand and increase energy supply to promote affordable, reliable, and clean energy. MEI2 uses the funding to support the research, development and commercialization of clean energy technologies throughout Maryland.
There are many opportunities to continue improving sustainability education and research at UMD. The strategies below further capture the university’s commitment to addressing the grand challenge of climate change and creating a well-educated community.
Creating a Community of Sustainability Research & AcademicsOpportunities are endless to incorporate sustainability into research and learning. From degree programs to research projects to living-learning programs, students and faculty learn, enhance, and find support for addressing sustainability issues. How can individuals get involved with sustainability research and academics? | |
The Grand Challenges Grants from 2022 were the most recent and significant investment in sustainability research at UMD. The university established a legacy in supporting sustainability academics and research well before issuing these grants. As a signatory of the Carbon Commitment in 2007, UMD set an ambitious goal to educate all students about sustainability. In external sustainability reporting, UMD ranks among the top universities for sustainability related research. In an inventory of 2020 research projects, more than 64% of faculty conducted research relating to sustainability. In a similar inventory of courses, more than 26% of courses included some aspect of sustainability. Each year, the sustainability studies minor enrolls more than 300 students from multiple academic disciplines at UMD.
Moving forward, students, staff, and faculty can encourage sustainability literacy by participating in programs like Green Workspaces, the Sustainability Advisors, or by partnering with other units on sustainability-related programs. All members of the community are eligible to apply for funding from the Sustainability Fund.
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Creating an Energy Innovation EcosystemThe University of Maryland is home to many energy-related centers dedicated to working across disciplinary boundaries and transforming science research. How are students, staff, and faculty creating a culture of energy innovation? | |
Behind the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions is the global energy sector, and especially the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation. (The International Energy Agency estimates that energy accounts for more than three-quarters of total greenhouse gas emissions globally.) The impacts of climate change—extreme weather and natural disasters among them—cycle back to the energy sector, where they can threaten local and global energy supplies, systems, and infrastructure. Engineering humanity away from the challenges of climate change demands a reset in how society thinks about, produces, and uses energy. At the University of Maryland researchers, faculty, and students are already rising to the grand challenge of researching, developing, and commercializing the clean energy technologies that meet society’s urgent needs for a sustainable future. Going beyond the technologies themselves, the university is also partnering with the State to deepen a culture of energy innovation. The MEI Energy Seed Grant Program helps faculty and students bridge the gap between academic transformative laboratory research results and prototype demonstrations to obtain investor interest. All members of the university community are eligible to apply for funding from the Energy Innovation Seed Grant program. | 
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Pathways
TARGET: By 2023, solicit interdisciplinary Grand Challenges Grant proposals to identify innovative new institutional structures, impactful research, scholarship, and creative activities designed to address sustainability-related challenges and catalyze cross-disciplinary collaboration and impact.
ACTIONS: Foster faculty leadership in the study of climate change, with faculty experts working across disciplines to understand the intersections of ecosystems, energy, human health and sustainable development and their collective environmental impact.
LEADER: Division of Research
TARGET: By 2025, provide $1.5M more in funding to identify innovative new clean energy technologies that are designed to address sustainability-related challenges and catalyze cross-disciplinary collaboration and impact.
ACTIONS: Foster faculty development of clean energy technologies and assist in the commercialization of such technologies to reduce the effects of climate change. Faculty experts working across all disciplines will be encouraged to develop clean technologies that minimize energy waste, address global climate change concerns and promote energy independence.
LEADER: Maryland Energy Innovation Institute
TARGET: Provide Sustainability Fund support to research grant proposals that focus on reducing campus climate impacts.
ACTIONS: Seek opportunities to fund research projects that: a) create substantial opportunities for student involvement; and b) have practical implications for improving the environmental performance of campus operations in ways that align with UMD's sustainability goals.
LEADER: Office of Sustainability; University Sustainability Council
TARGET: By 2025, assess the sustainability literacy of undergraduate and graduate students
ACTIONS: The Office of Sustainability will work with appropriate partners to conduct a Sustainability Literacy Assessment of undergraduate and graduate students
LEADER: Office of Sustainability
TARGET: Increase the percentage of General Education courses that have a focus on sustainability
ACTIONS: The Office of sustainability will support a Faculty Director of the Sustainability Curriculum project for two years to implement new ways of enhancing sustainability courses within general education
LEADER: Office of Sustainability
TARGET: By 2025, pilot strategies to engage undergraduate students in coordination, leadership and facilitation of sustainability outreach activities for other students at UMD.
ACTIONS: The Office of Sustainability will pilot expansion and reorganization of its student sustainability engagement programs to assess new ways of engaging undergraduate students to continually improve campus sustainability.
LEADER: Office of Sustainability