To be certain, we will continue to invest in major projects such as LEED certified buildings and energy conservation. But to truly achieve eminence, will require each of us to increase the number of sustainable actions we take each day on campus.  We know that the commitment is there, as we see recycling rates climbing and energy usage falling. Through the Green Campus Partnership, we have been developing programs to help make it easier for you to be even more sustainable at Penn.

For example, when you purchase office supplies through BEN Buys, we have made it simple to locate a greener alternative.  We are also working closely with our suppliers to increase the number of items made of recycled, remanufactured or other green attributes as well as to ensure that they are produced in ways that lower the environmental impact.  As part of our Sustainable Transportation Initiative we recently introduced a van pool program and already have three vans operating. From purchasing remanufactured toner to contributing University surplus to Ben’s Attic, from choosing a sustainable commuting option to shopping at our campus farmer’s market, there are small but still significant ways each of us can help lower Penn’s carbon footprint. 

PennMOVES is a perfect illustration of how individual efforts can reap big rewards. The contribution of each student was relatively small, but total donations added up to thousands of pounds of items that would have otherwise gone to a landfill and raised over $25,000 to support Goodwill’s local job training programs.

This newsletter is a great way to learn about all the ways we are trying to make it easier for you to incorporate sustainable practices into your routine. The small actions we each make, brought together can accomplish great things for our University and our planet.

Marie Witt
Vice President, Business Services