University is one of six schools awarded sustainability guidance from Second Nature, which will provide technical and advisory support that focuses on shifting to renewable energy.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) has been awarded pro bono consulting services to aid its work in shifting to renewable energy through Second Nature, a non-governmental organization focused on accelerating climate action in and through higher education.
The Second Nature pro bono consulting opportunity was announced in fall 2020 and sponsored by Brailsford & Dunlavey and CustomerFirst Renewables (two partners of Second Nature). Ten colleges and universities were awarded funds in the inaugural round. Because of the success of that round and the continued support of Brailsford & Dunlavey and CustomerFirst Renewables, Second Nature offered a second round of pro bono consulting. For this round, it received applications from more than 20 higher education institutions and gave awards to six schools including UMB.
Through this initiative, technical and advisory support worth up to $10,000 is allotted to institutions in two areas: climate action planning and shifting to renewable power. As a signatory of Second Nature’s Climate Commitment, UMB was eligible to apply for this support and won pro bono consulting services in the shifting to renewable power area. The services will assess the University’s energy situation, identify renewable energy solutions in today’s market, and provide recommendations for implementing one or more of the advised energy solutions. These services are provided by CustomerFirst Renewables.
As an urban institution in downtown Baltimore, UMB recognizes its limited options for on-site solar and the unique challenges associated with optimizing its utility infrastructure. The industry expertise of CustomerFirst Renewables will help identify projects to increase UMB’s renewable energy procurement and bring the University closer toward its 2050 goal of carbon neutrality.
“At UMB, our institution’s core values include Well-Being and Sustainability,” said President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS. “This award from Second Nature will help us live out those values as we seek to take significant action toward carbon neutrality and expand our renewable energy portfolio. UMB’s mission is to improve the human condition and serve the public good, and we can do that by taking action to advance sustainability.”