This is a time for a celebration not only of our planet, but also of a future where education and sustainability go hand in hand.
On Earth Day 2025, the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) is proud to celebrate a groundbreaking milestone in sustainability and community engagement.
Construction is underway for the school’s new six-story building at 600 W. Lexington St., which will be the first certified operational net-zero emissions building in the University System of Maryland and downtown Baltimore.
This innovative facility is not only a beacon for environmental stewardship, but also a hub for collaboration, bringing together students, faculty, and local partners in state-of-the-art classrooms, research spaces, and vibrant communal areas
What sets this building apart are its pioneering green technologies. It is the first building in Maryland to place geo-exchange wells below an occupied structure — previously, such wells were only installed beneath parking garages — making it a trailblazer in sustainable design statewide. It also is the first in downtown Baltimore to use geo-exchange and is projected to be certified as certified operational net-zero, setting a standard for urban sustainability.
With features like on-site solar panels, a green roof, bike lockers, and accessible gathering spaces, UMSSW’s new home exemplifies a commitment to equity, accessibility, and environmental responsibility. As the University of Maryland, Baltimore leads the way in sustainable construction, this Earth Day marks a celebration not only of our planet, but also of a future where education and sustainability go hand-in-hand.