University Initiatives


Check out some of the things Penn State is doing to save energy and reduce pollution:
  • Using environmentally friendly wind power for 10 percent of its energy

  • Changing out shower heads and faucets so they use less water while still maintaining strong water pressure

  • Installing new insulation in roofs and around piping to decrease heat loss

  • Replacing incandescent bulbs in "Exit" signs with energy-efficient LEDs

  • Installing solar panels on several campus buildings

  • Finding ways to make older buildings more energy-efficient

  • Installing lighting sensors in bathrooms so lights automatically turn off when the room is empty

  • Retrofitting toilets and urinals so they use less water per flush

  • Replacing lighting sources with new, more energy-efficient technologies

  • Upgrading the University's heating system to improve efficiencies and reduce costs

  • Installing clothes washers and refrigerator/freezer/microwave units that use less energy

  • Switching to alternative fuels like biodiesel, compressed natural gas, and hydrogen for all farm equipment and Office of Physical Plant vehicles

  • Reducing temperatures in some campus buildings during Winter Break

  • Updating technology to better control heat and lighting

  • Ensuring that all new buildings comply with the guidelines established by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System

Related Links

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Tip of the Month

Take Shorter Showers

Why: If every student who lives on campus at University Park reduced his or her shower by just five minutes, we would save 100,000 gallons of water each school year. That’s enough to fill five swimming pools!

Get more tips. >>

The Intern Blog
News
Penn State Encourages Conservation with Earth Week Challenge
Penn State is challenging faculty, staff, and students from every department and office across its campuses to reduce resource consumption. During this year’s Earth Week (April 20 to 26), the University community is encouraged to cut down on its consumption by 20 percent. The objective of the challenge is to promote conservation efforts in hopes to create long-term habits. Be sure to check Take Charge! and Green-PSU in the coming months for more information about Earth Week and Penn State’s challenge.

New Videoconferencing Program Saves Time and Money
Instead of driving across campus, why not hold your meetings right from your office? Thanks to Adobe Connect, Penn State employees can save time, money, and gas by using this new videoconferencing program. >>

Earth Day Seeded Card Planting >>

Winners of Take Charge! Student Quiz. >>

Spanier Announces Environmental Initiatives. >>

EPA Names Penn State a Top Purchaser of Green Power. >>

Take Charge Pen
Take Charge! is proud to present a pen made from completely biodegradable materials. >>

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