Campus Initiatives

Source: https://admissions.upenn.edu/student-life/sustainability/campus-initiatives Parent: https://admissions.upenn.edu/student-life/sustainability

As soon as you step foot onto Penn’s campus, you’ll see climate & sustainability action embedded in every facet of our campus. From our buildings to the food we eat, sustainability is something we not only strive for but live by.

Located in vibrant West Philadelphia, Penn’s campus is an accredited arboretum, which means you’ll be surrounded by ever-growing and evolving greenery as you casually stroll between classes. So just by existing as it is, Penn’s landscape brings biodiverse benefits to our urban environment.

But with campus initiatives spanning across the University, our Quakers take our commitment to sustainability above and beyond. Through efforts like volunteer clean ups, eco-friendly commuting options, and more, our community prides itself in making conscious efforts to reduce our ecological footprint to secure a healthy and resilient future.

Our Progress

2007

Year that Amy Gutmann Signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), beginning Penn’s climate action journey.

2023

Year that Penn's solar PPA was operational, generating approximately 420,000 MWh, roughly equivalent to 70% of the total electricity demand of the academic campus and the University of Pennsylvania Health System

2042

Year that Penn Commits to achieving a 100% carbon-neutral campus

Our Initiatives

Learn more about the efforts taking place throughout campus to promote a sustainable future.

[## Built Environment

We’re working to transform our centuries-old campus into a sustainable community through optimized building operations, cutting-edge construction, prioritized green space, and more.

Learn More](https://sustainability.upenn.edu/campus-initiatives/built-environment)

[## Civic Engagement

Through collaborative partnerships, our community joins together to empower local and global communities to build a more equitable and sustainable world.

Learn More](https://sustainability.upenn.edu/campus-initiatives/civic-engagement)

[## Climate and Energy

Working toward a carbon-neutral future, our Climate & Energy Initiatives blend academic expertise and operational practices to shape sustainability discourse and actively combat climate change.

Learn More](https://sustainability.upenn.edu/campus-initiatives/climate-energy)

[## Food

We’re working to build a sustainable and nourishing campus food system, built on respect for farmers, animals, and our natural resources.

Learn More](https://sustainability.upenn.edu/campus-initiatives/food)

[## Natural Environment

From our trees, soil and wildlife, our natural environment initiatives ensure harmony between the urban environment we’re situated in and the natural landscape we have nurtured.

Learn More](https://sustainability.upenn.edu/campus-initiatives/natural-environment)

[## Procurement

Through one sustainable decision at a time, our procurement system acts as a framework for responsible, conscious purchasing.

Learn More](https://sustainability.upenn.edu/campus-initiatives/procurement)

[## Recycling & Waste

To shape a zero-waste future, Penn’s Recycling & Waste Initiatives are aligned with global trends and innovating at a local scale.

Learn More](https://sustainability.upenn.edu/campus-initiatives/recycling-waste)

[## Wellness

To promote a campus wide community of care, Penn’s Wellness Initiatives recognize the personal and environmental intersections of wellness.

Learn More](https://sustainability.upenn.edu/campus-initiatives/built-environment)