MEA Project

Welcome to the Maryland Energy Administration Higher Education Clean Energy Pilot Grant Program at Morgan State University

Press Release 

Morgan State University’s School of Architecture and Planning, in collaboration with GEMM COMM, is proud to be a recipient of the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) Higher Education Clean Energy Pilot Grant. This initiative advances our commitment to sustainability, renewable energy innovation, and workforce development in the clean energy sector. Through this grant, Morgan State University, alongside GEMM COMM, will enhance campus energy infrastructure, integrate sustainability into academic programs, and provide hands-on training for the next generation of clean energy professionals.

As part of this effort, the project supports business community outreach to assist building owners and operators with BEPS compliance. By providing access to program resources, technical guidance, and financial incentives, the initiative ensures that commercial properties can effectively adopt clean energy solutions while meeting regulatory standards.

About the HECE Project

The Higher Education Clean Energy (HECE) Project at Morgan State University is a transformative initiative focused on advancing renewable energy adoption, strategic energy planning, and workforce training. The project includes:

• Installation of a Rooftop Solar PV System on the Center for Built Environment and Infrastructure Studies (CBEIS) building or any other designated building, with GEMM COMM supporting community engagement and implementation strategies.
• Development of the Campus Clean Energy Master Plan to guide long-term energy sustainability efforts, incorporating insights from GEMM COMM on industry best practices and equitable energy solutions.
• Launch of a Clean Energy Workforce Development Program, in partnership with GEMM COMM, to equip students and local residents with skills needed for careers in the renewable energy sector.
• Implementation of a Student Internship Program, with GEMM COMM facilitating mentorship opportunities and real-world clean energy project experiences.

This initiative aligns with Maryland’s renewable energy goals, ensuring that Morgan State University remains a leader in sustainability and equitable access to clean energy opportunities.

Impact and Outcomes

The HECE Project at Morgan State University, in collaboration with GEMM COMM, will drive significant environmental, educational, and economic benefits:

• Sustainability & Energy Efficiency – Reducing campus carbon emissions through solar energy solutions and guiding long-term energy planning with the Clean Energy Master Plan.
• Workforce & Community Development – Expanding career opportunities in the clean energy sector through workforce training, internships, and community workshops.
• Equity & Community Engagement – Prioritizing clean energy job training for students and residents from underserved communities, ensuring direct employment pathways and environmental benefits for Baltimore’s overburdened areas.

This initiative will serve as a model for other institutions, integrating clean energy technologies into campus operations and fostering a more sustainable future.

Contact & Research Team

LEAD INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Abimbola O. Asojo, FAIA, IDEC, LEED AP, NOMA 
Dean & Professor, School of Architecture + Planning, Morgan State University
📧 abimbola.asojo@morgan.edu | 📞 443-885-3225

Dr. Siddhartha Sen 
Associate Dean & Professor, School of Architecture + Planning, Morgan State University
📧 siddhartha.sen@morgan.edu | 📞 443-885-1864

Dr. Abiodun Rowland Oloye
Research Associate, Transportation & Urban Infrastructure Studies, Morgan State University
📧 roolo1@morgan.edu | 📞 667-375-8724 

COMMUNITY PARTNER
Khalid Malik, LEED AP, GEMM COMM
Executive Director
📧 khalid@gemmcomm.org | 📞 240-281-8857 | 🌐 www.gemmcomm.org