2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ«

For a planet that means the world to us
Illustration of Earth floating above an open hand

Sustainability at 2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ«

Committing to care for the environment on our campus and beyond

As a Jesuit, Catholic liberal arts university, 2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« is committed to taking care of the Earth while remaining anchored in service to the local Baltimore community.

In fact, environmental sustainability has been determined as one of 2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ«’s top priorities during a recent community-involved Mission Priority Examen and inspired by the vision set forth by Pope Francis in .’

In fall 2021, 2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« joined the first cohort of universities enrolled as a Laudato Si' University by committing to the pope’s 7-Year Journey Toward Integral Ecology, an action-oriented and holistic approach to addressing social challenges in the world.

 

“Following the recent COP26 [26th United Nations Climate Change Conference] agreement to ‘urgently accelerate climate action’ and our commitment to Laudato Si,’ it is important that we continue to push for action towards a more sustainable and equitable planet,” said Tracy Harvey, Ph.D., 2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ«’s program director of sustainability. “Our continued commitment to sustainability, caring for the Earth and its people, is ingrained in who we are here at 2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« and exemplifies our mission to inspire students to learn, lead, and serve in a diverse and changing world.”

2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« strives to foster global ethical leadership and social responsibility and leave the world a better place for future generations through the following ways...

An academic focus on sustainability

2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« offers the first BBA in Sustainability Management in the state of Maryland—and one of a few such programs in the country. This innovative interdisciplinary major enhances students’ abilities to strengthen communities through the creation and growth of sustainable and responsible businesses.

A student conducting environmental research in a woodsy area Faculty and students working in a greenhouse

“Our BBA in Sustainability Management focuses on enhancing students’ critical thinking, structured planning, problem-solving, decision-making, and consulting skills, while considering strategies that organizations pursue to create lasting economic value through social and environmental performance,” said Patricia Kanashiro, Ph.D., visiting scholar in the Sellinger School of Business and Management.

Additionally, 2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« offers an environmental studies minor, which includes a variety of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, communication, economics, engineering, fine arts, history, law and social responsibility, philosophy, theology, and writing.

A campus roadmap to carbon and energy reduction

2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ«’s Climate Action Plan is the University’s roadmap to reduce its carbon footprint and act on climate change, both locally and globally. The Climate Action Plan is complemented by 2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ«’s Energy Management Policy, which outlines campus-wide guidelines to reduce energy use. Sustainability initiatives include sustainable transportation; local, seasonal food offerings and a newly launched Choose to Reuse reusable to-go container program through Dining Services; waste reduction and recycling; and others. Notably, the University recently signed a 25-year renewable energy agreement with Maryland-based Chaberton Energy Holdings to support clean energy development in the State of Maryland.


An award-winning accredited arboretum

2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ«’s 80-acre Evergreen campus arboretum embraces biodiversity while inspiring environmental stewardship. Encompassing more than 2,200 trees that represent at least 114 varieties, the University’s arboretum achieved level II accreditation in 2019 from for its expansion efforts and enhanced preservation.

Tag on a tree in 2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ«'s arboretum that reads 'Willow Oak' Students enjoy sitting under the shade of the quad's many trees

2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« was named a by the Arbor Day Foundation for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. The arboretum also received the , making this the fifth year the University has earned the highest level of Green. 2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ«’s arboretum includes nine Champion Trees, which are among the largest of their species.

A building dedicated to innovation and sustainability

2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ«’s new Miguel B. Fernandez Family Center for Innovation and Collaborative Learning is as dedicated to inspiring innovation as it is to serving as a new model for green buildings on campus. With state-of-the-art efficient lighting, air purification, stormwater management, and water conservation features in place, the Fernandez Center received LEED Gold Certification in Spring 2022, notably becoming the first LEED-certified building on campus.

Exterior of the Fernandez Center with various bushes and trees out front Students seated in front of the living green wall inside the Fernandez Center

A farmers’ market to serve and enhance our local community

For more than a decade, 2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« has been a sponsor of the , which provides the University’s neighbors in the York Road corridor of Baltimore City with produce that is affordable, fresh, and local. The farmers’ market helps alleviate food insecurity and build community while promoting sustainability and supporting farm-to-table agricultural practices and the local food economy.

Stacks of wooden coins siting on decorative tablecloth Various produce for sale at the Govanstowne Farmers’ Market

Opportunities to learn and do more

Everyone in the 2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« community can do their part to care for our common home. The University invites students and faculty, administrators, and staff to get involved in its many green opportunities, including joining a student group like the Environmental Action Club, committing their department or division to sustainability by earning a Green Office Program recognition, participating in community cleanup days, ecoservice, environmental education, and more.


2023°ÄÃŲÊÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« University Maryland is more committed than ever to education surrounding and actionable measures toward sustainability. 

As a Jesuit institution, we are deeply committed to enhance concern for the world. In practical terms, we equip our students to become businesses leaders committed to build a better world by pursuing a triple bottom line: people, planet, and profits.

—Patricia Kanashiro, Ph.D., visiting scholar