Mount St. Mary’s University – Emmitsburg, Maryland
http://www.msmary.edu/

Contact
Jeffrey Simmons, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, Science Department, Mount St. Mary's University, 16300 Old Emmitsburg Rd., Emmitsburg, MD 21727; simmons@msmary.edu ; 301-447-5820 ext.4863; 301-447-5021 (fax)

Mount St. Mary’s University President Thomas H. Powell signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment in spring 2007. The commitment requires Mount St. Mary’s to develop a plan to achieve climate neutrality by the year 2050.

Energy use efficiency has been an emphasis in two recent new-construction projects at Mount St. Mary’s. Geothermal heating and cooling was incorporated in the design of both buildings and the inclusion of other energy efficiency initiatives such as insulation, thermal windows, and fluorescent lighting nearly brought Mount St. Mary’s a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating.

Content of construction material was also considered in Mount St. Mary’s two new projects. Certified sustainable lumber and regionally-sourced material was used when available.

Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) emission paints and carpeting were used in the new projects and "smart" thermostats were installed to maintain temperatures and air flow in zones throughout the building as ways to enhance indoor environmental quality.

The campus recycling program; overseen by a Recycling Committee of staff, faculty and students; includes plastic, office paper, cans, and cardboard. Mount St. Mary’s has a policy of purchasing paper with post-consumer recycled content for photocopiers and office printers.

The Mount St. Mary’s Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Committee advises and makes recommendations to the administration regarding all aspects of sustainability. It is comprised of faculty, staff and students.