Sustainability Overview
What is Sustainability?
A sustainable system can be defined as a system in which the inputs supporting it are renewable at a useful rate and the waste outputs generated by it can be absorbed by the local environment. Sustainable development has been defined as meeting the needs of the present in a responsible manner without compromising the ability of current and future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainability in Baltimore County
Sustainability is responsible for a number of resource management programs including forest sustainability (forest assessments and management plans for County forestlands, reforestation and urban tree planting programs including Tree-Mendous Maryland and Big Trees), environmental education including Green Schools, County energy grant coordination, a Sustainability Network and intergovernmental coordination for reservoir, coastal zone, and Master Plan policy.
- Environmental Education Programs/Green Schools
- The Maryland Green School Award recognizes schools and nature centers in Baltimore County and throughout the State that use nature as a context for learning.
- Tree-mendous Maryland Program
- This state program is designed to provide citizen groups with an inexpensive way to obtain trees and shrubs for planting on public lands and within community open spaces.
- Intergovernmental programs coordination:
- Reservoir Watershed Agreement
- Coastal Zone Management
- Forest Sustainability
- This program is all about working for healthy forests for today and tomorrow.
- Master Plan/CZMP coordination
- The Master Plan outlines comprehensive objectives, policies, and actions, guiding the county’s future development.
- Sustainable and Green Tips for Residents
- Learn about ways to reduce your energy use, save money on energy bills, and other ways to go green at home, on the go, or at work.
- Internal Sustainability Efforts
- The County is involved in multiple internal efforts to green our operations. Read about the Green At Work Energy Challenge for employees, our energy efficient lighting improvements, single stream recycling and other efforts to save energy in the workplace. Additionally, the County was able to secure a consultant to complete a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for County emissions.
- Department of Energy Grant (EECBG)
- In December 2009, Baltimore County received a $7.4 million grant from the Department of Energy to increase energy efficiency in County operations. Multiple energy saving projects are underway for government operations and the community.
- Sustainability Network (SN)
- The SN is an advisory committee of citizens, private sector, and County representatives, specifically tasked to help develop recommendations for a sustainability strategy for Baltimore County.
- Green Building Tax Credit
- Baltimore County enacted Maryland's first property tax credit to encourage development of high performance buildings. The tax credit is available to the owner of a Baltimore County commercial or residential building with completed certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Revised January 3, 2012
