Efficient Use of Energy & Resources

Maryland’s decisions about how we use and reuse our resources, where and how to grow and build, and what we keep or lose are our legacy for the future. The One DNR Plan creates a list of goals and actions to guide the department towards making decisions that help the environment and provide cost savings.

In nature, the waste from one process serves as the raw materials for another process, resulting in a cyclic flow of resources that create the conditions that are conducive to life. An efficient economy and society replicates this natural approach.

If you have questions contact Sean McGuire at smcguire@dnr.state.md.us or (410) 260-8727.

Secure Green, Resource Efficient Services

• Implement and track the use of green services

Divert, Purchase Green, Reuse, and Recycle Products

• Develop, implement and track a Green Procurement Plan
  • Department of General Services (DGS) is greening the State’s procurement process. As a point of departure, we have established a list of recyclable products which include commodities such as: office supplies, water, textiles, paper towels, various janitorial supplies, paper products, traffic barrels, barricades and cones, pallets, re-refined lubricating oil and more.
• Reduce paper purchasing by 50% by 2012
  • DNR is using double-sided printing and reducing the amount of materials being printed to help move towards this goal.
• Recycle 50% of consumed paper by 2012
  • Most people may look at a product such as unused latex paint and want to recycle the contents but not know where the material is accepted. The recycling list from the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) will help locate recycling facilities. DNR is striving to educate their employees about the availability and opportunities to recycle.

Maximize Resource Use & Efficiency

• Reduce energy consumption by 20% by 2015
  • The department will utilize new clean energy sources where applicable and perform maintenance to facilities such as caulking and installing insulation to improve the operating efficiency of the facilities.
• Reduce water consumption by 20% by 2015
• 20% of energy will come from renewable sources by 2022

Consolidate Offices & Design Sustainable Existing & New Facilities

• Consolidate DNR facilities to maximize use and resource consumption
• DNR facilities will employ sustainable applications and techniques
  • DNR facilities and parks will have demonstration and exhibit areas to showcase new technologies and practices that citizens can try in their communities and homes.

Join the Sustainability Network

The Sustainability Network is a place where interested citizens, businesses and organizations can share ideas on projects and make connections between others who share their interest.