PHILADELPHIA –- The University of Pennsylvania came in at No. 19 –- up from No. 45 last year -- in the Sierra Club Magazine’s ranking of colleges it believes are doing the most for the planet.

Penn was cited particularly for its Green Fund program, which awards grants to faculty, staff or students for innovative sustainability proposals.  According to the September/October issue of the magazine, “Penn spurs competition to help execute its Climate Action Plan.”

Penn launched its Climate Action Plan this year in an effort to promote a more sustainable University culture and implement environmentally conscious policies.  The plan focuses on several key areas, including academics, energy conservation, green design, waste minimization and emissions reduction.  

Overall, Penn received a score of 80.7 out of 100 points.  No school scored a perfect 100.  Green Mountain College in Vermont topped the ranking with a score of 88.6.

Additional information on Penn’s Climate Action Plan is available at the Green Campus Partnership Web site at www.upenn.edu/sustainability.