---
title: Big Strides Toward a Small Footprint
date: 2019-04-22T06:00:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/big-strides-toward-small-footprint-362b79d0-f89e-41c4-a7c9-e05e260a7777"
section: Articles
---
# Big Strides Toward a Small Footprint

*April 22, 2019* — by [Office of Sustainability Staff](/author/office-of-sustainability-staff)


> How UMD Reduces Carbon Emissions to Create an Earth-Friendly Campus

*Sustainable UMD Hero — Measures designed to move UMD toward eventual carbon neutrality in 2050 are taking effect all over campus.*

On Earth Day 2019, the University Maryland is showing how to create a big impact on the world—through its scholarship, research and climate leadership—while continually reducing its output of greenhouse gases.

The university has already achieved a 49% decrease in net carbon emissions, and the campus Climate Action Plan charts our path to carbon neutrality by 2050. It has reduced its solid waste stream as well, diverting millions of water bottles and single-use food service items from landfills, thanks to bottle-filling stations and the recent Anytime Dining program.

Take a look below at what Terps are doing to meet UMD's climate goals.




**Topics:** [Campus & Community](https://today.umd.edu/tags/campus-community)