On April 19, the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) announced via a press release it is engaging in a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to design, install and maintain solar energy parking lot canopies at three of its corporate locations.
The project includes two corporate office buildings in Linthicum and is expected to generate 27,000,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy and generate more than $12 million in savings in electricity and parking lot maintenance fees over 10 years.
Maryland has legislation that requires companies to have a 20% reduction in direct greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. With this project UMMS will move to using 48% renewable energy.
The release says that “By harnessing power generated by solar energy, UMMS will generate carbon-free electricity, reduce its carbon footprint and help mitigate the effects of climate change. The solar canopy project also contributes to energy resiliency, promotes renewable energy adoption and creates a more sustainable future. UMMS also expects to achieve employee retention benefits by providing a eco-friendly workplace environment.”
Further, “Groundbreaking on the solar canopy project is expected in fall 2024 and energy production is expected to begin in mid-2026. The two office buildings are located at 900 and 920 Elkridge Landing Road in Linthicum, and the third canopy will be built at the System’s data center. UMMS is partnering with CI Renewables on the PPA for this project, which includes design, land development, financing, construction, commissioning and operation of the solar canopy system. The project is expected to generate more than 100 direct and indirect construction jobs and will have a minority business participation of 25%.”
Richie Stever, vice president of Real Estate and Construction for UMMS was quoted in the release saying that, “As we approach Earth Day next week [April 22,2024], it’s important to recognize that UMMS is dedicated to a number of sustainability initiatives across our facilities which contribute to energy savings and promotes a more sustainable energy portfolio.”
UMMS has also adopted other waste management strategies, like implementing cardboard take-back programs for suppliers, and has improved its energy efficiency by diversifying its energy sources through investments in renewable energy products such as installing variable frequency drives to optimize energy consumption.
