USM Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Initiative

Practices

How are climate-related projects being undertaken?  Funded?

The actual implementation of carbon mitigation measures comes from two different directions:

  • Climate-related enhancements to new buildings, renovation, and FR work to provide funding for "green" components (e.g., higher energy efficient systems and building components, better insulation and controls, Energy Star equipment, use of recycled materials, etc.); and
  • Replacement and rehabilitation work done specifically to address components of the GHG reduction plan (e.g., replacing equipment and components for environmental reasons, providing facilities for use and generation of alternative energy, etc.).

USM Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Initiative
Many "green" upgrades and improvements are being undertaken as part of facilities renewal or renovation work planned for existing buildings.  Similarly, planned sustainability work incorporates related maintenance and repair.  These two critical initiatives-Facilities Renewal and Climate Change- work together to achieve the same goals of an improved and efficient, sustainable campus. 

SAMPLE PROJECT TYPES

 New buildings are to be built to LEED "Silver" standard as a minimum.  Major building renovation is also to be done to LEED standards.  Smaller projects of various types are also being completed, including:  

  • Building envelope repairs, including critical "first priority" project like roof replacement, window and door replacement, structural repairs, etc. Envelope and structural repair projects are also a great opportunity to replace and enhance thermal barriers (e.g., insulation, moisture and wind blocks), provide more energy saving doors, windows, attic vents, etc., to achieve multiple benefits of energy savings and reduced carbon footprint.
  • Lighting upgrades and replacement, providing both renewal and better energy efficiency, daylighting, more efficient bulb technology, and lighting controls.
  • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) upgrades to improve both control capability and energy costs. This is a critical component of any "green" initiative and, in terms of buildings, will likely have one of the biggest impacts on both energy cost savings and carbon footprint reduction.
  • Specialized Energy Projects can be undertaken to achieve energy savings (e.g., photovoltaics, wind power, solar thermal panels, thermal storage, and cogeneration.
  • Replacement of movable electrical-powered equipment (in labs, kitchens, etc.) with equipment that can maximize energy and operational cost savings.

Please send your ideas and comments regarding campus sustainability to green@usmd.edu