Sustainability
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Baltimore County has implemented sustainability initiatives—with input from County employees, residents and advocates for the environment—to help:
- Decrease costs for County operations
- Reduce waste
- Increase energy efficiency
- Promote green lifestyle choice
- Care for the environment
Sustainability Performance Highlights
- Soller’s Point Multipurpose Center is a LEED Gold Certified Building, including solar panels, EV chargers and a variety of environmental enhancements.
- The County is a leader in Land Preservation, including agricultural lands, wetlands and waterfronts. Over 70,000 acres have been preserved for a variety of uses and protections.
- Projects to switch to LED lights, including streetlights, are expected to save the County over $650,000 per year.
- Five renewable energy projects completed on County properties, with more under construction.
County Sustainability Intiatives
View a brief history of sustainability initiatives in Baltimore County.
2023
The County Council passed bill 31-23 formalizing the Office of Sustainability and moving it from the Executive Office to the Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability.
2021
The County publishes its first Climate Action Plan and Hazard Mitigation Plan. Executive Orders, laws and other policies include:
- Bring Your Own Bag Law
- Executive Order on LEED Building Design
- Executive Order on Renewable Energy
- Executive Order on Vehicle Fleet Electrification
2020
The Building Design Standards Update integrated sustainability while carefully addressing feasibility. This predates an Executive Order requiring new construction to meet LEED Silver certification standards and applies to existing building upgrades. Specific requirements include:
- Building envelope
- Data center efficiencies
- HVAC systems
- Lighting and electrical
- Low-emitting materials
- Renewable energy
- Water conservation
2011
The County publishes its first Sustainability Report. This report focused on action in nine categories:
- Buildings, Sites, Water and Energy
- Community Engagement Capacity
- Community Form and Placemaking
- Economic Vitality and Jobs
- Food Production and Agriculture
- Forestry and Natural Resource Systems
- Local Government Operations
- Source Reduction, Recycling and Solid Waste Management
- Transportation and Mobility
2008
The Office of Sustainability is created in the Executive Office.
2006
The County completes first Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory with Towson University.
2003
The Commission on Environmental Quality is formed to encourage protection and preservation of the natural environment in the County and its waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay. This is accomplished by educating the community about how to make environmentally sustainable decisions, and enlightening, advising and initiating dialogue with County officials.
1980
Baltimore County launches the Department of Environmental Protection to manage forest conservation, critical areas, land preservation, and other environmental protection and sustainability programs.