ACUPCC Reporting System

Implementation Profile for University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Submitted on September 23, 2008; last updated on September 7, 2011

Institution Information

Basic Carnegie Classification Master's/S: Master's Colleges and Universities (smaller programs)
Control Public
Location Princess Anne, MD
Community Setting Rural
USDOE Climate Zone 3
Current President or Chancellor's Name Mortimer H Neufville
Current President or Chancellor's Title President
Main Web Site http://www.umes.edu/
Sustainability Web Site No information provided

Implementation Structure

Implementation Liaison's Name Maurice C Ngwaba
Implementation Liaison's Title Dr.
Implementation Liaison's Department Facilities
Format of Structure Committee
Number of Individuals in Structure 25
Stakeholder Groups Represented Faculty, Students, Executive, Community Members, Staff
Description The former President of UMES Dr. Thelma B. Thompson appointed a 25 member climate change steering committee on January 28, 2008. The steering committee is co-chaired by Dr. Ronnie Holden - V.P Admin, Mr. Marvin Jones - Director of Residence Life, and Dr. Maurice Ngwaba - AVP Admin.

The steering committee held its initial meeting on August 29, 2008. The Steering commitee at the meeting approved nine (9) sub-committees that will work with the entire campus community in the development of the UMES Climate Action Plan. The committees are: GHG inventory Committee, Stationary, Recycling & Solid Waste Committee, Energy Committee, Community Partnership Committee, Campus Master Plan & Architecture Committee,Student Engagement/Residence Life Committee,Academic Curriculum Committee, Campus Research, Agric research & Institutional Data Committee, and the Transportation Committee. There are between 15 to 20 members representative of the campus community in each committee

The various committees will report to the steering committee and each committee has representatives from the steering committee. The University Liaison and co-chair is responsible for cordinating the overall climate change program with assistance from other co-chairs.

Tangible Actions

1. Establish a policy that all new campus construction will be built to at least the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver standard or equivalent.

Yes: UMES is part of the University System of Maryland. The USM chancellor and the various institutions are committed to a minimum of LEED Silver rating for its major capital projects. To achieve this goal our staff are training to be LEED certified, a certification that will enhance knowledge, awareness and preparedness in complying with USGBC LEED standards .

2. Adopt an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy requiring purchase of ENERGY STAR certified products in all areas for which such ratings exist.

Yes: We have had on going energy efficiency policy at UMES dating back to 1991. Energy star certified appliances and equipment are the minimum standard and are purchased on campus.

3. Establish a policy of offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions generated by air travel paid for by our institution.

Yes: This item will be discussed in detail within the committees and an appropriate policy will be developed.

4. Encourage use of and provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students and visitors at our institution.

Yes: UMES has developed partnerships with our sister campus Salisbury University and with the Maryland's Eastern Shore Transit system in creating one of the public transportation system in the Eastern shore. This system has enabled UMES students, faculty and staff to travel to nearby institutions and towns. Necessary infrastructure such as bus shelters, bicycle sheds and racks are provided across the UMES campus.

5. Within one year of signing this document, begin purchasing or producing at least 15% of our institution's electricity consumption from renewable sources.

Yes: We are committeed to achieve this goal. at this time UMES has an RFP out requesting for the generation of 6 megawatts of solar energy on campus. This will amount to about 6% of our campus electric energy consumption. In addition, we have started purchasing dual fuel vehicles. There are on-going discussions for wood pellet boiler installation. In a few years we will meet or exceed current goals. A dormitory will be renovated in December 2008 that will utilize geothermal system in the heating and cooling of the building.

6. Establish a policy or a committee that supports climate and sustainability shareholder proposals at companies where our institution's endowment is invested.

Yes: We will disccuss this matter in committee meetings.

7. Participate in the Waste Minimization component of the national RecycleMania competition, and adopt 3 or more associated measures to reduce waste.

Yes: We have an effective campus recyling program. The UMES climate change committee will devise a strategy to improve the current program especially in the area of reporting and participate in the National RecycleMania competition.