Goucher College
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy

Goucher, through its affiliation with the Maryland Independent Colleges and Universities Association (MICUA) supported Maryland Senate Bill 387 in the 2012 Legislative Session. If passed, this legislation would have required capital projects that are partially financed with State funds to meet or exceed a standard equivalent to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating. MICUA provided written and oral testimony in support of the bill. In written remarks, MICUA testified that most recent buildings constructed on MICUA campuses (of which Goucher is one) meet or exceed the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Silver standard. Goucher's Athenaeum, completed, in 2009, is certified at the Gold level. Goucher's recently renovated Julia Rogers Building, 2013, is still under review for its LEED rating. However, early indicators suggest that we will receive, at minimum, a Silver rating and a Gold rating is likely. Although this legislation did not pass the General Assembly, MICUA revised its guidelines for reviewing and endorsing State grants for capital construction projects. Based on these guidelines, institutions seeking a State capital grant must describe the sustainability features of the project. For example, the institution may indicate whether or not the college will seek a LEED rating, or at least meet the criteria for LEED certification. In addition, MICUA asks institutions to specify energy-efficient and/or environmentally friendly aspects of the project. The MICUA Capital Projects committee is responsible for reviewing capital projects and making recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly concerning State capital grants. Sustainability is one of the criteria the Committee uses to evaluate projects for inclusion in the MICUA capital grant request.