Maryland Higher Education Clean Energy Workforce & Professional Development Initiative
A Higher Education & Community Partnership | Free BEPS Compliance Support for Maryland Building Owners — Powered by Students, Backed by Universities
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
.png)
.png)
_edited_edited.png)
Built by Students, for Real-World Impact
Participating students earn their LEED Green Associate certification while gaining hands-on experience working directly with the building owners and operators they support.
Backed by Universities, Not a Vendor
The Butterfly Effect coordinates this initiative on behalf of Morgan State University and Bowie State University, giving property owners direct access to academic expertise instead of a sales-driven process.
Free, Not For-Profit
Unlike private energy consulting firms, our services are offered at no cost to up to 100 Maryland building owners — made possible through university and state partnership, not client fees.
What Is BEPS?
Maryland's Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) require covered commercial and multifamily buildings to report their energy use annually and meet performance improvement targets over time. Compliance can be complex and time-consuming for owners and operators managing it alone — this initiative exists to make that support free and accessible to the building owners it affects most.
How It Works
Request Support
Submit your building's information through our Benchmarking Support or VPP Interest form.
Get Matched with Our Team
Requests are reviewed and routed to trained student advisors, supervised by Morgan State or Bowie State program staff, based on your region.
Receive Free, Hands-On Support
Your dedicated team helps you benchmark, understand your compliance pathway, and explore Virtual Power Plant opportunities — at no cost to you.
Get Free Support Today
Request Free Benchmarking Support — For property owners/operators needing help meeting BEPS compliance, at no cost.
Training Maryland's Next Clean Energy Workforce
Every building owner we serve also supports a student's future. Participants in our workforce development program earn their LEED Green Associate certification and gain direct, real-world project experience — working hands-on with the property owners and operators enrolled in this initiative.
