PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania was among a dozen universities from around the world that presented their campus sustainability reports this week at the 2011 World Economic Forum’s Global University Leaders Forum.

Penn became a charter member of the Global University Leaders Forum last year when University President Amy Gutmann signed the Sustainable Campus Charter, a commitment developed in cooperation with the International Sustainable Campus Network.  Forum participants recognize that universities have a particular responsibility to develop solutions for sustainable development, and should “walk the talk” by setting high standards for themselves.

The charter commits signatories to excellence in building impacts, campus-wide target setting and an integrated sustainability approach to research, education and operations.

Signatories are required to submit reports on their sustainability performance in order to strengthen transparency toward the public and encourage best-practice exchange with corporations that practice sustainability disclosure.

Additional information on Penn sustainability initiatives is available at www.upenn.edu/sustainability.