CAMBRIDGE, MD (April 18, 2018)—The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science invites members of the media to tour the new 10-acre solar field on the Horn Point Laboratory campus on Monday, April 23 at 10:30 a.m.
As part of ongoing initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Horn Point Laboratory partnered with Standard Solar to install 11,000 solar panels on the campus along the Choptank River. The field is expected to generate the equivalent of 50% of the campus’ annual energy consumption as part of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Also new is 46-space, crushed stone parking lot with a solar canopy and four level-II electrical vehicle charging stations, made possible from grant from the Maryland Energy Administration.
“The solar field is another example of how we are using innovative ways to manage Horn Point Laboratory in a way that reduces our environmental footprint and engages with the community,” said Mike Roman, director of the Horn Point Laboratory.
Tour the solar field and solar canopy with charging stations and speak with:
- Peter Goodwin, President, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
- Mike Roman, Director of the Horn Point Laboratory
- Mary Beth Tung, Director of Maryland Energy Administration
- Standard Solar
The Horn Point Laboratory is located at 2020 Horns Point Road, Cambridge MD. We will meet at the solar canopy on the main driveway. Please contact Amy Pelsinsky, Director of Communications, apelsinsky@umces.edu or 410-330-1389, if you plan to attend.
“As a research institution committed to understanding and the protecting the environment, we must be a leader in efforts to manage our campuses in ways that reduce energy consumption and increase sustainability,” said Peter Goodwin, president of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. He also serves Vice Chancellor for Sustainability for the 12-institution University System of Maryland.
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is a signatory to the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (Second Nature) and has launched a number programs aimed at reducing our environmental footprint, including setting goals for reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emissions at each of our laboratories, upgrading aging infrastructure to newer, more energy-efficient alternatives, and building all new campus buildings to at least the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver standard or equivalent. UMCES was recently awarded a Mark of Distinction for meeting its 25% Carbon Reduction goal.
From the banks of the Choptank River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, scientists at the Horn Point Laboratory engage in world-renowned research in oceanography, water quality, restoration of sea grasses, marshes and shellfish, and expertise in ecosystem modeling.
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science leads the way toward better management of Maryland’s natural resources and the protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. From a network of laboratories located across the state, UMCES scientists provide sound advice to help state and national leaders manage the environment, and prepare future scientists to meet the global challenges of the 21st century. www.umces.edu
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