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UMD Campus from above

Welcome to ESSR

Our Vision is a campus where safety and sustainability are core values at every level of the institution.

Who We Are

Mary Dorman

Mary Dorman Appointed Acting Executive Director of ESSR

I am honored to serve as the Acting Executive Director of ESSR, building on my extensive experience in research and safety leadership since joining UMD in 2010. I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated ESSR team and campus community to advance our strategic priorities and foster a culture of safety, sustainability, and excellence.

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Cold Stress

Cold Safety in the Work Place

UMD ESSR created a winter weather safety resource using guidance from OSHA, NOAA, NWS, and CDC/NIOSH. The page aims to educate and help the UMD community prepare for and respond to winter weather hazards, such as slippery surfaces, strong winds, and cold stress, to prevent illnesses, injuries, and fatalities.

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Lab Safety Week

Lab Safety Awareness Week (February 10-14)

The University of Maryland is joining campuses across the country in celebrating Lab Safety Awareness Week (February 10th-14th). We hope that all researchers will take this opportunity to engage with both their safety successes and challenges over the course of this week. 

Lab Safety Awareness Week at ESSR
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Climate Action Plan 3.0

UMD's Current Plan for reaching Net Zero Carbon

Since 2007, UMD has pursued carbon neutrality. The latest technical plan, regularly updated with input from operational leaders, marks the third major version approved by the University Sustainability Council and President Pines. The University Senate reviewed it in December 2024.

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Report to ESSR

Report emergencies, spills, injuries, mold concerns, incidents, near misses and hazards by pressing the REPORT button. 

To report a mold or air quality concern, press
Report a Mold or Air Quality Concern.

For general inquiries, visit AskESSR.
 

Report

ESSR 2024: Our Impact by the Numbers

1,000+
Hot Work Permits Issued
228 tons
Regulated Waste Managed
2,148
Student Group Events Reviewed for Risk Assessment
1,335
Faculty, Staff, and Students Attended Safety Training Sessions
2,000+
New Laboratory Hazard Warning Signs Across Campus Have Been Replaced With an Upgraded, Improved Version
143
Staff and Faculty Earned a Sustainability Badge for Adopting 8+ Actions

News

  • Maureen Kotlas appointed Executive Director

    I am so pleased to be returning to the University of Maryland as the Executive Director of Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk (ESSR.) This is a wonderfully exciting time for the University with record research funding, the addition of new campus facilities, a continuing increase in student enrollment, and membership in the Big Ten (Go Terps!), among many other initiatives and accomplishments.

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