News

Local, regional, national and international news is shared here as well as university press releases and statements related to sustainability. If you’d like to submit a news item to be considered for placement on this page, please click here.

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A Growing List of LEED Designations

Five recently completed campus construction projects received LEED recognition — Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is the most widely used green building rating system in the world.

Update to Penn community on Penn’s efforts to combat the effects of climate change

Climate change represents an existential threat to our country and world. It is impossible to ignore the impact that CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases are having across the globe. As an institution, we have made our Climate and Sustainability Action Plan goals a top priority, and we also recognize that our plans must be dynamic and adaptable so that we can keep pace with the rapidly evolving challenges of climate change.

many people walking thru engineering quad and trees with cherry blossoms

Penn Establishes Net Zero Emissions Goal of 2050

Sun shining through a tree in front of college hall

Penn Sustainability Joins City of Philadelphia’s Zero Waste Partnership Program

The City of Philadelphia’s Zero Waste Partnership Program is a way for local businesses and organizations to work closely with the City of Philadelphia to advance common waste reduction and diversion-from-landfill goals.

Penn Signs PPA with Community Energy for Largest Solar Project in PA

The University of Pennsylvania has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the creation of a solar power project moving the University significantly closer to meeting its commitment of a 100% carbon neutral campus by 2042

Overhead view of a large field of solar panels

Perry World House Earns LEED Silver

Completed in 2016, Penn’s Perry World House has been awarded a prestigious LEED Silver for New Construction designation from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Frontal view of main entrance to Perry World House

Update on Penn’s Responses to Climate Change

While our recently released Climate & Sustainability Action Plan 3.0 describes the full scope and magnitude of Penn’s efforts, we are pleased to provide an update into ongoing actions and new initiatives from across the University