UMB is partnering with WeSolar to offer community solar benefits to UMB staff and faculty who receive electricity from BGE. This benefit is a guaranteed 10% discount on the base rate for the electricity portion of your BGE bill. You will receive credits on your electricity bill from a local community solar farm without having to put solar panels on your roof.
We will be hosting 4 virtual information sessions for you to learn more over the next month.
The Office of Sustainability, in partnership with Environmental Services (EVS), is rolling out a new system for waste collection across campus. Buildings will operate under a self-service waste removal model. Faculty and staff will be responsible for disposing of waste in the larger, conveniently located common receptacles. Research shows centralized bins decreases recycling contamination. This project will also include new standardized waste signage.
The Office of Sustainability is pleased to welcome Kimia Abtahi as a Sustainability Fellow for the next semester! Kimia is a rising fourth year student at the School of Medicine. Kimia is on the executive board for UMSOM's chapter of Medical Students for a Sustainable Future and was instrumental in developing the Planetary Health Report Card for the School of Medicine. Welcome aboard, Kimia!
Upcoming Event: UMB's Greenhouse Gas Inventory Update
UMB has submitted data on its greenhouse gas emissions as part of its Second Nature Climate Commitment. Tracking the emissions helps us measure our environmental impact. Learn about the greenhouse gas inventory on Wednesday, August 17th from 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm via Zoom. Register here.
Monthly Green Tip
Looking for a fresh start? Many individuals set resolutions in August to establish a new and improved routine after the summer months.
Check out our August Green Tip about making one (or more!) new school year's sustainability resolution(s). Download the graphic by visiting our website.
Plastic Free July
Last month, we asked you to partake in #PlasticFreeJuly by pledging to reduce using single-use plastics. Our office shared some of our favorite products and tips to stay plastic-free. Take a look at the recap in the Elm!
Even though July is over, we encourage you to continue finding ways to reduce waste by saying no to single-use products, repairing, repurposing, and purchasing with the environment in mind!
ECOmmuters Series
With gas prices high and rising, the UMB Office of Sustainabilityis featuring UMB staff, faculty, and students who commute to and from campus using sustainable methods in place of driving in a single-occupancy, gas-powered vehicle. If you’ve never thought of taking the MTA or carpooling with a colleague to get to campus, now is a great time to consider these and other sustainable commuting methods.
Lorrie Voytek of the School of Nursing says that taking the Metro SubwayLink from Owings Mills to UMB's campus is a lifestyle. Read more about her commute by reading her Q&A in The Elm.
Laura Cathcart in the Office of Emergency Management rides her bike to work but also has plenty of backup plans (like any good professional in the field of emergency management!) Read about her commute in The Elm.
Curious how you can properly dispose of various specialty materials on UMB's campus? Visit the Specialty Recycling Collections page to get the lowdown on how to recycle batteries, electronics, ink cartridges, and more.
