News

The University of Maryland will seek the state’s approval to replace the campus’ aging power, boiler and chiller plants and key portions of the thermal distribution system as part of a long-term plan to pursue sustainable, fossil fuel-free energy alternatives. A $390 million investment in campus infrastructure, the NextGen Energy Program stands to significantly improve energy service on campus and result in immediate environmental impact, including cutting carbon emissions by 23% and reducing water consumption by 50% a year.

Earlier this spring, the University of Maryland Arboretum staff received notification that UMD has been recognized as a Bird Campus by the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership, joining just three other Maryland universities. Bird Campus designation recognizes 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities committed to reducing threats to birds and becoming more healthy for students, faculty, and employees (as well as for birds).

Each year, on the last Saturday in April, tens of thousands of visitors flock to UMD’s College Park Campus to celebrate Maryland Day. This campus-wide celebration of learning, discovery, and fun features hundreds of free exhibitions and events. “I consider Maryland Day a Triple Crown event of campus celebrations (along with Commencement and Family-Homecoming Weekends),” said Gabe Purviance, Assistant Director of Building & Landscape Maintenance.

A quiet transformation has begun on the College Park campus as 51 distinctive vehicles - 25 vans, 23 pickups, and three SUVs - begin circulating the campus grounds. They are the first fully electric vehicles (EVs) in the Facilities Management (FM) fleet, part of a one-year pilot project, and an important step toward President Pines’ goal of a fully electric fleet by 2035.

SHIFT is a new technology-driven approach to connect campus customers with facilities operations to get repair work completed quickly and efficiently.

Approximately 20% of FM team members communicate in a language other than English. This language barrier can hinder access to important work-related information, limit career growth, and reduce confidence and engagement at work. To help address this challenge, FM is offering training opportunities to help staff sharpen their English language and communication skills.