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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2024Contact Information: Aynsley Toews, Strategic Initiatives & Communication Officer, Facilities Management of the University of Maryland / atoews@umd.edu College Park, Md. — The University of Maryland (UMD) is partnering with Maryland Energy Impact Partners (MEIP), which includes Plenary Americas, Kiewit Development Company, Kiewit Power Constructors Co., and Honeywell on the NextGen Energy Program – the university’s project to renew and modernize its energy system.

The University of Maryland will seek the state’s approval to replace the campus’ aging power, boiler and chiller plants and key portions of the thermal distribution system as part of a long-term plan to pursue sustainable, fossil fuel-free energy alternatives. A $390 million investment in campus infrastructure, the NextGen Energy Program stands to significantly improve energy service on campus and result in immediate environmental impact, including cutting carbon emissions by 23% and reducing water consumption by 50% a year. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 6, 2022 Contact Information: Aynsley Toews, Strategic Initiatives & Projects Officer, Facilities Management of the University of Maryland / atoews@umd.edu UMD Announces NextGen Energy Program Private Sector Partner Finalists The two finalists will be asked to submit final proposals that include measures to make the decarbonization of campus heating and cooling by 2035 realizable.  

With President Darryll J. Pines accelerating plans to make the University of Maryland campus carbon-neutral by 2025, a long-term program to replace the community’s aging energy infrastructure is taking on even greater importance. A virtual campus briefing on the initiative, called the NextGen Energy Program, will take place at 12:15 p.m., May 6, 2021, hosted by Carlo Colella, vice president and chief administrative officer; Charles Reuning, associate vice president and chief facilities officer; and Scott Lupin, director of the Office of Sustainability.

The University of Maryland is redoubling its efforts to fight climate change, committing to carbon neutrality by 2025 through a mix of infrastructure improvement, electric vehicle purchases and targeted investments in sustainability. UMD President Darryll J. Pines announced the new goal, which lops a quarter century off a previous plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, during his inauguration speech last week.

In 1995, the University of Maryland (UMD) faced a difficult situation: it needed to find more than $50 million to correct an aging steam generation and electric distribution system. The university’s only option for financing was issuance of debt by the University System, Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), or another state entity. The capital funds request was denied by the Maryland Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the university was encouraged to explore alternative options, such as a Public-Private Partnership (P3).