University of Maryland seeks funding to build 'green' farm for research

The University of Maryland is serious about sustainability. It launched a funding campaign this year to build a “green” Central Maryland Research Farm to serve as a model for sustainable and energy-neutral practices. The university plans to begin construction in three to five years.

The university is looking to everyone, from businesses to individuals, for funding.

The multipurpose facility will house the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station headquarters, the Howard County Extension and the commercial horticulture and IPM program. It also will house the university’s Bay-Wise Landscaping program, Home & Garden Information Center, Maryland Master Gardener program and the 4-H equine program.

The green building will provide a place for organic gardening classes and sustainability workshops. It also will act as a demonstration for green building technologies.

The facility will be the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified green building on a land grant university property. LEED is a national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings administered by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Some green highlights:

* A silo wind turbine will generate energy for building use.

* Light tubes will channel natural light into offices, reducing electricity.

* Rain collection systems will channel water, which will be recycled.

* Green roofs and water-pervious surfaces in tandem with water-collection systems will reduce water consumption.

The cost: An estimated $12 million to $15 million.

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For more: Ria Malloy, University of Maryland, (410) 531-5556; mmalloy@umd.edu; www.greenbuilding.umd.edu.

March 2008