SustainableUMD News

Research labs at universities consume copious amounts of energy. For instance, a single chemical fume hood in a lab can consume as much energy as three average American homes. Toss in a few lab freezers holding a constant -80 degrees Celsius temperature and energy consumption adds up quickly. While research allows us to live healthier and better lives, simple shifts in behavior can reduce the environmental impacts associated with research.

The University of Maryland Dining Services recently released its 2016 Sustainable Food Report, displaying substantial success with many program initiatives, including Anytime Dining, which contributed to the removal of 6.3 million disposable items from the campus waste stream in its first year.   

"Terps vs. Pros: Sustainable Food Challenge" is back! This College of Agriculture & Natural Resources project was funded by a Sustainability Fund grant that provides students with creative solutions to improving food security in the student community.  Read More

The Terp Transportation Fair will take Tuesday, September 24 at Hornbake Plaza from 10:30am-2:30pm. Event highlights include VeoRide safety demos and the Bicycle Recycle refurbished bike sale. DOTS staff will be available to answer your questions related to parking, Shuttle-UM, Smart Commute and BikeUMD. Read More

There are lots of opportunities this semester to get involved with the Arboretum & Botanical Garden! Sign-up to go on a Walk with an Arborist, lend a hand at the Community Learning Garden or volunteer for a service event!  Read More

In January, I had the honor and pleasure of joining the UMD Alternative Breaks ten day trip to New Orleans as a staff advisor. This student led service-learning experience was focused on environmental justice, specifically the intersections between race, socioeconomic class, and the environment in the aftermath of natural disasters. We served alongside community partners in New Orleans who have long been supporting the community, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Michael Carmichael became University of Maryland’s first Stormwater Management and Maintenance Inspector five years ago. He is featured in our “Sustainability Seven” because of his dedication to helping make UMD a more sustainable campus through better stormwater management practices. 1) For those who do not know or are not familiar with the term, what is stormwater management and how does it relate to sustainability?

UMD School of Public Health leaders weigh in on United States withdraw from the Paris climate accord. Read More

The summer edition of Momentum from the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources features stories about how the college is helping to ensure a clean and healthy Chesapeake Bay by helping farmers navigate the tides of saltwater intrusion, and a revolution in management of green space and stormwater practices by residents in Baltimore City. Read More

The Workshop on Society and the Environment provides a meeting space for faculty and students in Sociology, BSOS, and around the university with common interests.  Read More