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Sustainability
Soft materials, sustainability, and the environment
Chinedum Osuji, a faculty fellow of the Environmental Innovations Initiative, discusses his research and its connections to sustainability and the environment, and how industry and researchers can work better together.
Fungi on the front lines against environmental injustice
The collective efforts of the Symbiotic Architecture for Environmental Justice research community are making former industrial sites reborn as vibrant community gardens, and safe, green spaces for children to play a reality.
A greener approach to end the academic year
Efforts have expanded this year to ensure student Move-Out for the summer break is more clean, green, and convenient than ever before. On campus, PennMOVES—operated by Business Services—is in full effect, partnering with Goodwill to collect materials students can’t take with them when they leave campus.
Exploring sustainable development and the human impact of natural disasters
The School of Social Policy & Practice’s Chenyi Ma focuses on the social determinants of health and behavioral outcomes in disaster contexts, including public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Penn Medicine is going green for good health
The University of Pennsylvania Health System prioritizes sustainability in its day-to-day practices, while envisioning novel approaches to greening efforts.
Penn celebrates operation and benefits of largest solar power project in Pennsylvania
Solar production has begun at the Great Cove I and II facilities in central Pennsylvania, the equivalent of powering 70% of the electricity demand from Penn’s academic campus and health system in the Philadelphia area.
What’s That? Sun shades at the Vagelos Lab
The shades account for solar geometry to make for an eye-catching view from the east and west—all while reducing energy usage.
Harnessing ancient materials and AI for sustainable architecture
The Weitzman School’s Robotics Lab and master’s program combines robotics, artificial intelligence, and automated systems in manufacturing and architectural design in ways that are adaptable and sustainable.
Carbon capture and common misconceptions: A Q&A with Joe Romm
In a conversation with Penn Today, Joe Romm casts a sobering light on “solutions” to curb climate change.
Penn reports success on Climate and Sustainability Action Plan goals
Sustainability Director Nina Morris recently shared with the Board of Trustees an update on progress.
In the News
Climate cash pours into election swing region. Will it help Harris?
Danny Cullenward of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the Weitzman School of Design says that capturing methane to make hydrogen is trading a short-lived pollutant for a permanent pollutant in the form of carbon dioxide.
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Demand for rare elements used in clean energy could help clean up abandoned coal mines in Appalachia
John Quigley of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the Weitzman School of Design says that the things that have created climate change can be a solution for it if handled smartly.
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Dirty water, more pollution, and oil wells on public lands: How a second Trump term would torpedo the environment
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that Project 2025 would completely undermine any U.S. action on climate and signify an abdication of American leadership to the world.
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‘Game over for climate action’: top climate scientist on 2nd Trump term
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that another Donald Trump presidency would guarantee the dismantling of federal climate and environmental policies.
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These trees made Florida’s Hillsborough County over $1 million for their climate benefits. Is it legit?
Danny Cullenward of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the Weitzman School of Design says that carbon credit programs do more harm than good in the fight against climate change.
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Could Florida electric bills go up because of a fuel made from manure?
Danny Cullenward of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the Weitzman School of Design says that federal and California state subsidies have led to a gold rush of companies trying to get into the business of renewable natural gas around the country.
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