Sustainability at USM

Visit the newly replanted heirloom apple trees on the site of an historic orchard on the hill behind Robie Andrew Hall on the Gorham USM Campus »

Apple Orchard on the Gorham Campus, 1916

Bicycle lanes allow cyclist to safely travel with motorized vehicles. USM's Portland campus has bike lanes established on its public roads. »

15% of USM's Electricity usage is offset by clean renewable energy generated in Lisbon Falls, Maine at the Worumbo low-impact hydropower project

15% of USM's Electricity usage is offset by Maine low-impact hydropower

In a partnership with EcoMaine, USM collects single stream recycling where all recyclable materials go into one blue bin, eliminating the need to sort by material »

Wind Farms such as this one built by First Wind in Mars Hill, Maine are excellent sources of clean green energy

Sustainability at the University of Southern Maine means environmental responsibility and sensitivity as well as a focus on health, safety, and comfort. Across three campuses we strive to implement sustainable solutions that serve not only our planet locally and globally but also our diverse university community. From careful and innovative waste management practices to energy and water conservation, from engaging students, staff, and the outside community with creative programming to integrating sustainability into the curriculum, and from responsible procurement to careful planning and execution of projects and initiatives, USM is striving to lighten our carbon footprint while simultaneously enriching the learning environment.

USM Receives Recycling Bin Grant to further recycling efforts during special events on campus

Posted December 6, 2012

USM received 40 portable waste bins for use at special events around the Portland and Gorham campuses. Used at the Opening Breakfast in 2012, the bins reduced set-up time and, along with clear signage, increased the rate of waste that was recycled dramatically.

Coffee grounds collected and used in USM's gardens

Posted May 16, 2012

USM has a new recycling program that diverts used coffee grounds generated on campus from the trash to the landscape. An estimated nine tons of grounds will be saved from the trash each year!

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