Sustainability

Tuesday Tip

Sustainability tips from Prince George's County Department of Environment

Bowie State University recognizes the need to reduce the worst impacts of climate change. The University is deeply concerned with the scale and speed of climate change and its potential for large-scale, adverse health, social, economic and ecological effects. Over the course of several years, the institution has updated campus master plans, conducted an environmental audit, and made material investments in infrastructure.

Sustainability History at BSU

In 2007, the university established the Climate Commitment Coordinating Committee (C4) to initiate the development of a comprehensive plan to achieve climate neutrality on campus. BSU has already reduced its carbon footprint by 15% since 2007 and the goal is to obtain carbon neutrality by 2021. In 2015, the university also signed the new Climate Commitment and White House Act on Climate Pledge part of which is the cornerstone to the Paris Climate Agreement.

Bowie State’s initial Climate Action Plan was created in October 2009. In December 2017, the C4 Chair coordinated the Climate Action Plan Addendum (pdf). During the late summer of 2020, BSU approved our new BSU Climate Action Plan 2020.

Energy Usage

Part of BSU's goal is to be conscious of how energy resources are utilized in our buildings. Our Lucid Energy dashboard touchscreen displays are located in the Student Center between the Bowie Card Office and the BSU Ticket Office and in the Center for Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Nursing (CNSMN) on the entrance facing the torch as you walk in to the left.

Solar Energy

Currently, our campus generates between 15-20% of our energy needs from solar energy utilizing seven different sites. Learn more about our solar projects.

Energy Performance Contract

BSU has an agreement with an energy consultant that provides a comprehensive set of energy efficiency, renewable energy and distributed generation measures meant to reduce energy and cost savings over time. Learn more about BSU's Energy Performance Contract.

Stormwater

Stormwater is generated when precipitation falls onto roads, walkways, buildings and parking lots where it cannot soak into the ground thereby causing negative environmental problems. The runoff picks up pollutants such as oil, grease, toxic metals, fuel remnants etc, which leads into our major waterways (i.e. Chesapeake Bay). It can also cause floods or water shortages. As a part of Sustainability, Bowie State is committed to protecting our natural environment and reducing water pollution and flooding. There are over 60 bioretention facilities around the campus. Bioretention facilities are various structures that treat stormwater.

Reporting Concerns

If you observe any potential water pollution or issues with any storm drains or bioretention facilities on campus, please call the Facilities Management Office during normal business hours at 301-860-4190.