UMass Boston Campus Sustainability Tour: Coastal Innovation Unveiled

Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location: 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA

Price: Free

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of UMass Boston's innovative sustainability initiatives. This private tour offers a unique glimpse into how an urban, coastal campus is tackling environmental challenges and leading the way in sustainable practices.

Located on a peninsula in the Boston Harbor, UMass Boston's beautiful oceanfront campus has been building a clean energy-fueled, and climate-resilient campus. We are working to reach carbon neutrality and meet the state's Leading By Example Executive Order to burn no fossil fuels onsite.

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Max Capacity: 20 people
• Exclusivity: One private tour is available

Uncover the innovative solutions UMass Boston has implemented:

1. Resilient Coastal Infrastructure: See firsthand how the campus is adapting to rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity.
2. Green Building Innovations: Explore LEED-certified structures designed for energy efficiency and sustainability.
3. Urban Ecology Initiatives: Learn about the campus's efforts to support biodiversity in an urban, coastal environment.
4. Renewable Energy Systems: Witness the solar installations and other clean energy solutions powering the campus.
5. Stormwater Management: Discover innovative systems designed to protect Boston Harbor from urban runoff.
6. Sustainable Transportation: Explore eco-friendly commuting options tailored for an urban campus setting.

• Saltwater Pump House: This unique zero-emission system uses harbor water to cool the campus through thermal exchange. UMass Boston's 2023 Energy & Carbon Master plan expands cooling capacity and adds heating capacity, eventually shutting off four large natural gas-fired boilers. Plans call for also utilizing air-source heat pumps and geothermal energy.
• Solar Electricity: The 1 MW onsite solar PV system might be the most scenic and accessible solar array! A solar canopy and inverters on the 8th floor of the parking garage has 360-degree views of downtown Boston and the harbor.
• Energy Storage: A 500 kW Tesla Battery stores power and supports clean energy on the highest-demand cooling days.
• Electrified Transportation: 11 EV charging stations were part of the solar project and will be expanded over time.
• Green Infrastructure & Climate Resilience Quad: In the center of campus, a heat-reducing new five-acre greenspace keeps stormwater clean with native species-filled bioswales on top of the recycled material infilled from a pre-existing Science Center.

• Gain exclusive access to areas of the campus usually closed to visitors
• Learn from experts about the unique challenges and solutions of coastal urban sustainability
• Understand how UMass Boston is preparing the next generation of environmental leaders
• Be inspired by practical solutions that can be applied in other coastal urban settings

• Sustainability professionals and enthusiasts
• Urban planners and developers
• Coastal resilience experts
• Clean energy advocates
• Environmental educators and researchers
• Anyone interested in urban and coastal sustainability practices

Don't miss this rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of Boston's leading coastal, urban sustainable campus. With only 20 spots available, register now for this free, insightful tour!

This tour is part of Mass Clean Energy Week 2024, showcasing Massachusetts' leadership in sustainable innovation across diverse settings.

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• The tour will proceed rain or shine, so please dress for the weather.
• Some portions of the tour may be outdoors along the waterfront. Be prepared for coastal breezes.

Reserve your spot now and discover how UMass Boston is pioneering urban coastal sustainability in higher education!

Host or Publisher State Renewable Energy