| MICUA Schools Work toward a Sustainable Maryland |
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MICUA Matters Fall 2009
Despite budget challenges and widely fluctuating energy costs, many schools became greener during the past year. Goucher College is one of 80 institutions across the nation recognized as a Campus Sustainability Leader, earning top grades on the College Sustainability Report Card 2010. Released annually by the Sustainable Endowments Institute, the Report Card provides school profiles and grades in an analysis of environmental practices in higher education.
In another sustainability initiative, four MICUA institutions—Goucher College, McDaniel College, Mount St. Mary’s University, and Washington College—have signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, thereby committing to exercise leadership in their communities and throughout society by modeling ways to eliminate global warming emissions, and by providing the knowledge and the educated graduates to achieve climate neutrality.
On the State level, almost all MICUA colleges and universities are actively participating in Governor Martin O’Malley’s Smart, Green & Growing initiative. Common campus greening efforts include recycling, composting, using eco-friendly consumer products, replacing light bulbs, reducing paper consumption, and installing energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems. More innovative approaches include car-sharing programs, landscaping with natural plants, and buying local foods. Several MICUA institutions have created student alliances to promote stewardship on and off campuses. To read more about what the higher education community in Maryland is doing to go green, visit the Smart, Green & Growing website at www.green.maryland.gov and click on “Colleges and Universities” and “MD Green Registry.” |