Penn named one of the most sustainable universities

This week, Penn received recognition for the University’s sustainability efforts.

Penn is one of the most sustainable universities, according to The Princeton Review’s Guide to 286 Green Colleges and to the final results of its 2009-2010 College and University Green Power Challenge.

“In support of our Climate Action Plan goals, we are committed to exploring ways to increase our alternative energy sources and diversify our utility purchases,” Facilities and Real Estate Services Vice President Anne Papageorge said.

The Princeton Review’s Guide to 286 Green Colleges was created through a partnership between the U.S. Green Building Council and the Princeton Review. The guide focuses on universities that have an “above-average commitment to sustainability in terms of campus infrastructure, activities and initiatives,” according to a University press release.

Penn was included in this guide because of its new sustainable initiatives — the Green Campus Partnership, Climate Action Plan, Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee, Eco-Reps and the student-run Penn Environmental Group. The University also applied for LEED Platinum certification of its Morris Arboretum Horticultural Center and for LEED Silver for its new Music Building and new Weiss Fitness Pavilion.

Part of Penn’s green achievements was using 192 million kilowatt hours of green power, including solar and wind power.

Over the past few years, Penn has “served as a role model in its support of clean, renewable energy sources and has collaborated with our peers to reduce carbon emissions,” Papageorge said. “Together, we are having a positive impact on the global environment.”

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