PHILADELPHIA –- The University of Pennsylvania has been named one of the top 15 schools in the U.S. and Canada for its sustainability initiatives.

The survey of 300 institutions was done by the Sustainable Endowments Institute for its College Sustainability Report Card, www.GreenReportCard.org.

“Penn’s high mark on the College Sustainability Report Card reflects our commitment to increasing our environmental sustainability through such measures as wind-energy purchase, carbon reduction, recycling and green building programs,” Penn President Amy Gutmann said. “As a leader in environmental sustainability, Penn is proud of the example we continue to set for institutions around the world.”

The report card noted these particular Penn initiatives:
• Gutmann was the first Ivy League president to sign the Presidents Climate Commitment.
• Penn purchases renewable-energy credits from wind-power generation equivalent to 46 percent of its electricity.
• The University has appointed a sustainability coordinator.
• An environmental-sustainability advisory committee of students, faculty and staff has been established.
• Penn's campus development plan, Penn Connects, is aiming for LEED Silver certification for all new building projects.
• Local farms are supported through a farm-to-institution program and through weekly farmers markets at which students may use their meal plans to make purchases.
• Penn’s carbon-footprint survey is complete and will be updated annually.
• Penn will complete its sustainability and carbon-reduction plan by 2009.
• Successful energy-conservation programs have been implemented.