A Roadmap Towards Environmental Sustainability
Penn Sustainability is a University-wide initiative to advance environmental sustainability at the University of Pennsylvania, and coordinate programs to develop a more sustainable campus.
The University's signing of the Presidents’ Climate Commitment in 2007charged Penn to develop a strategic plan outlining the University’s goals for carbon reduction. Penn’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) was unveiled in 2009, and set the roadmap for Penn’s work toward environmental sustainability through efforts in seven areas: Academics, Utilities & Operations, Physical Environment, Waste & Recycling, Purchasing, Transportation, and Outreach & Engagement. In 2014, the University reported on five years of achievement and expanded its efforts with Climate Action Plan 2.0 (CAP2.0), designed to further guide sustainable programs and practices through 2019.
The Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 3.0 (CSAP3.0), launched in October 2019, recommends goals to:
- Expand the scope of sustainability research in Penn’s academic centers, and connect students to Penn’s abundant resources in this field;
- Continue to reduce carbon emissions and explore expanded use of renewable energy to mitigate the impacts of climate change;
- Embrace circular economy principles to reduce waste and single-use products;
- Make sustainable choices in transportation, purchasing, and business operations; and Inform, educate, and empower the Penn community to participate in Penn’s climate change and sustainability goals.
Learn more about Penn Sustainability:
www.sustainability.upenn.edu