How does a university find opportunities to grow in a manner that is not detrimental to the environment? Sustainable development is a primary consideration at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).

UMB’s Office of Design and Construction incorporates sustainable practices in its Urban Design Guidelines, which act as guiding principles for developing the University’s campus. Cross-collaboration between the offices of Design and Construction and Real Estate, Planning, and Space Management allow for opportunities and solutions for reuse of buildings and creative visioning for space utilization. 

“In the broadest sense, the University seeks to create a campus environment that actively improves the quality of life and the environment for its users. University operations will address sustainability as a continuous process affecting environmental, social, and fiscal concerns. Sustainable practices occur at all scales — from the city and campus, to buildings and landscapes, to products used within those buildings.” 

Creating healthy spaces on campus is integral to the mission of UMB. Green design not only mitigates the campus’ environmental impacts when it comes to continued development, but it also provides our students, faculty, and staff with a better quality of life.