Our History

UMB’s History with Sustainability

University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) leaders understand the importance of reducing our impact on the environment in a holistic way. Sustainability at UMB has come a long way — from the creation of the first Sustainability Committee on campus in 2008 established by former President David Ramsay, to the creation of UMB’s Office of Sustainability established by President Bruce Jarrell in 2021.

The Sustainability Working Groups and the Office of Sustainability work together by bringing stakeholders together to collaborate on initiatives such as energy reduction, waste minimization, resilience planning, community building, and education and outreach.

UMB Sustainability Milestones

2008

President Ramsay signs Second Nature's Carbon Commitment, pledging carbon neutrality by 2050.

2009

First Climate Action Plan created.

2011

Climate Action Plan revised.

2012

First 10 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations installed on campus.

2014

Animal bedding compost program begins.

2015

President Perman signs on to Second Nature's Climate Commitment, which includes a climate commitment and resilience commitment.

2017

President Perman commits to Paris Agreement Climate Goals by signing “We Are Still In” commitment. 

2019

Back-of-house composting of food scraps begins at SMC Campus Center.

2020

Energy Reduction Team formed, saving over $3 million in utility costs since the start of COVID-19 pandemic.

2021

UMB Office of Sustainability created; President Jarrell re-signs Second Nature's Climate Commitment.