Taking one other step towards rising its renewable power portfolio and being a ‘greener’ firm, the College of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) introduced it’s participating in a Energy Buy Settlement (PPA) to design, set up and preserve photo voltaic power parking zone canopies at three of its company areas. The mission, which incorporates two company workplace buildings in Linthicum, is anticipated to generate 27,000,000 kWh of power and generate greater than $12 million in financial savings in electrical energy and parking zone upkeep prices over a interval of 10 years.
The state of Maryland has established laws requiring firms to have a 20% discount in direct greenhouse gasoline emissions by 2030. With the implementation of this photo voltaic cover mission and the system’s earlier adoption of no- and low-carbon renewable power sources, UMMS will transfer to utilizing 48% renewable power.
“We’ve got been very intentional in our ‘inexperienced’ efforts throughout the system, and this marks a big milestone in our dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” mentioned Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, President and CEO of UMMS. “On the core of our mission as an anchor establishment lies a profound dedication to foster a more healthy atmosphere for Maryland and past. Wanting forward, we plan to proceed investing well in sustainable power tasks and exploring revolutionary methods to additional cut back our carbon footprint.”
Groundbreaking on the photo voltaic cover mission is anticipated in fall 2024 and power manufacturing is anticipated to start in mid-2026. The 2 workplace buildings are situated at 900 and 920 Elkridge Touchdown Highway in Linthicum, and the third cover shall be constructed on the system’s information middle. UMMS is partnering with CI Renewables on the PPA for this mission, which incorporates design, land improvement, financing, development, commissioning and operation of the photo voltaic cover system. The mission is anticipated to generate greater than 100 direct and oblique development jobs and could have a minority enterprise participation of 25%.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with the College of Maryland Medical System. The advantages from their dedication to a extra sustainable future will materialize in these photo voltaic tasks and spill into the communities the place UMMS operates,” mentioned Luke Smith, VP of CI Renewables.
Throughout the state, UMMS has embraced renewable power options, together with photo voltaic tasks. Roughly 35% of power utilized by the system is being produced by no- or low-carbon applied sciences: UMMS operates a photo voltaic farm in Somerset County on the Japanese Shore which has been producing 2% of UMMS energy for 10 years; maintains a hydroelectric association that produces 25% of energy wanted, and runs on-site cogeneration vegetation on the system’s hospitals in Bel Air, Glen Burnie, Largo and Towson, which in complete generate 8%. In June 2024, one other photo voltaic farm will come on-line in Somerset County and a fifth cogeneration plant is anticipated to change into operational in 2025, rising the full to just about 50%.
“As we strategy Earth Day subsequent week, it’s vital to acknowledge that UMMS is devoted to various sustainability initiatives throughout our amenities which contribute to power financial savings and promotes a extra sustainable power portfolio,” mentioned Richie Stever, VP of actual property and development for UMMS.
The system has adopted numerous waste administration methods geared toward decreasing its environmental influence equivalent to changing paper towels with hand dryers and using washable linens and reusable gadgets, implementing cardboard take-back packages for suppliers, prioritizing ‘inexperienced’ buying practices to cut back its environmental footprint by sourcing merchandise with minimal packaging, rising recycled content material, and avoiding chemical compounds of concern. Moreover, UMMS has made important strides in power effectivity by diversifying its power sources by way of investments in renewable power tasks equivalent to energy-efficient tools upgrades, power treasure hunts, putting in variable frequency drives to optimize power consumption, implementing warmth restoration methods, LED lighting upgrades and putting in occupancy sensors for lights in all newly constructed amenities. Water conservation is one other key focus space for UMMS, which has applied rainwater harvesting methods and water bottle-filling stations to preserve water and cut back landfill use throughout its amenities.
Sufferers and guests at UMMS hospitals will discover sustainability initiatives by way of seen modifications in infrastructure and operations, equivalent to energy-efficient lighting, recycling packages and water conservation measures. The system has built-in sustainability into affected person care through the use of eco-friendly supplies and merchandise, avoiding utilizing Styrofoam, and guaranteeing no fragrances are utilized in affected person care areas.
Information merchandise from the College of Maryland Medical System
