Sustainability | Penn Today

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.

Tampa Bay Times

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.

Person gives item to another person staffing donation truck

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.

An exterior view of the Perelman School of Medicine. The Smilow Research Center is at right.

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.

interim president larry jameson at solar panel ribbon cutting

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.

Sun shades attached to building windows.

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.

Tampa Bay Times

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.

The New York Times

Why don’t we just ban fossil fuels?

Joseph Romm of the School of Arts & Sciences says that stronger action against fossil fuels is essential to save the planet.

Weitzman students prepare for their mid-year review in Meyerson Hall.

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.

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