March 23, 2022

The University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) Office of Sustainability is up and running, getting its word out, and beginning to make an impact. Over the past eight months, the office has put together a three-person team, formed four advisory working groups, launched a monthly newsletter, and finalized UMB’s 2022-2026 Sustainability Strategic Plan.

The strategic plan, which was developed by UMB students, faculty, and staff with feedback from groups across the University, expanded on a draft produced by the former UMB Sustainability Committee. It outlines overarching sustainability goals and strategies for the next five years and will guide sustainability initiatives at UMB, especially as legislative requirements evolve based on changes in Maryland law.

In October and December 2021, the strategic plan was shared with various UMB stakeholders and groups as well as Baltimore’s Office of Sustainability to gain feedback, then was presented to President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, in February. The plan has four focus areas — Utilities and Emissions; Campus Planning and Design; Waste and Procurement; and Education and Engagement — that include goals, sub-goals, metrics targets, challenges, and more.

Among the goals: minimizing greenhouse gas emissions while aiming to reach campus carbon neutrality by 2050; incorporating climate resilience considerations into campus planning and operations; promoting source reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting across the University; and ensuring that students leave UMB with an understanding of climate change and knowledge about sustainability. (Read the full strategic plan at this link.)

Read More on the Elm

Plan has four focus areas, outlines overarching goals and strategies for the next five years, and will guide sustainability initiatives, awareness, and engagement around the University.