University of Massachusetts Medical School
“University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) embraces energy efficiency and sustainability in its mission to advance the health and well-being of people through education, research and health care delivery with its partner UMass Memorial Healthcare (UMMHC). UMMS and UMMHC have a joint resource management contract, coordinate on sustainability education of staff and host special events. With a hospital and extensive laboratory space at the Worcester campus, the demand for energy is high.
In 2013, UMMS made significant strides to reduce energy consumption with the following achievements, despite a 35% growth in square footage on campus since 2008 (baseline year):
1. UMMS building energy intensity (kBtu per sq. ft.) decreased by 18% in 2013. 2. Oil usage reduced by 94% 3. UMMS greenhouse gas emissions have dropped 2% since 2008
Energy Efficiency UMMS recently increased the capacity of its combined heat & power (CHP) plant with a 7.5-megawatt, gas-fired turbine and electric chiller to support campus expansion.
Energy Projects CHP Expansion Electric Chiller Parking Garage LED lighting Albert Sherman Center TOTAL
Electric Savings (kWh) 58,123,243
3,002,858 1,217,581
4,127,556 66,471,238 kWh
CO2 (Metric tons) 40,079
2,071 849
2,912 45,911 tons
The Albert Sherman Center, a LEED Gold research and education facility that encourages collaboration among researchers opened in 2013. The energy efficient design and advanced technologies have resulted in the Sherman Center operating 25 percent more efficiently than similar buildings.
Recycling UMMS is reducing waste and increasing recycling. In 2013 UMMS and UMMHC launched a new single stream recycling program called “in the bin”, with equipment, signage, and stickers to educate campus, including 65 locations in Massachusetts. The recycling rate is expected to double in the program’s first year. UMMS recycles electronics, equipment, furniture, and batteries (29 tons recycled). Employee E-Recycling events are also held (75,633 pounds recycled). Food waste from the cafeteria is donated to a local farmer for animal feed (10,000 gallons annually).
Growing Green educates and motivates the campus on sustainability efforts through a web site, signage, electronic newsletter (send to 10,000+), and outreach campaigns. Doing my Part encourages staff to take five actions including recycling and energy efficiency. Faculty, staff and students take the pledge on a web site. The Video series features staff discussing how they “do their part”. Growing Green signage references the actions in the Doing my Part pledge.
Green Reps is a committee with representatives who communicate with colleagues about sustainability projects and provide feedback.
Commitment to Local Food Options A farmers market is held from June-October; UMMS is a host site for the Massachusetts Local Foods Cooperative.
Earth Day More than 1,000 people walked through the Earth Day event where 50 local organizations and departments offered products, services and information.
STARS Bronze UMMS has achieved a “Bronze” rating from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). This was an achievement considering the special academic focus of UMMS.