SU Earns 'Marks of Distinction' for Reducing Carbon Footprint

SALISBURY, MD---When Salisbury University joined leaders from more than 400 institutions in signing the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment in 2007, the institution pledged to take steps to reach a goal of zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

More than a decade later, the University has made significant progress, according to Second Nature, the network that oversees the agreement. SU recently earned the organization’s “Marks of Distinction” for being on track to reduce its carbon footprint by 50 percent and continuing to source at least 50 percent of its electricity from renewable energy. This would place SU 17th among the 400, or in the top 5 percent.

Recent initiatives at SU include a solar parking canopy, opened in fall 2017, which generates enough electricity annually to power three SU residence halls. The University is also home to 11 U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) buildings and is home to the Eastern Shore’s first LEED-certified new construction project (Conway Hall, in 2008).

Its student-supported Green Fund also allows students, faculty and staff to be part of the process, submitting ideas for sustainability projects twice each year for consideration.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU website.