University Initiatives
- Since 2003, PSU’s energy savings programs have reduced our GHG emissions by about 10% and electrical use by about 4%. Penn State has invested over $40,000,0000 to reduce annual energy costs by over $4,500,000. Penn State uses performance contracts to identify, design, and implement facility improvements that will pay for themselves in less than ten years. These improvements often include: lighting fixture retrofits, plumbing fixture replacements, and new heating and cooling systems and controls.
- PSU’s Green Building Policy establishes our own LEED rating system that exceeds the national standards. For example, all of our buildings must exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 30%. Presently, 6 existing buildings have LEED awards and 12 more are under construction.
- Penn State Behrend campus has converted two of its dorms to geothermal heat in the last two years.
- The Big Fix, a power-management software, is expected to avoid more than $2 million in electrical costs for the University Park campus. Desktop and Server virtualization programs are already saving OPP $475,000 kWh/yr.
- In 1995, 99 percent of all campus exit signs were replaced with more efficient LED versions. These new signs use 96 percent less energy than their predecessors. This effort initially cost the University $78,000, but resulted in a first-year savings of $80,000, which was then reinvested in other energy conservation programs.
- Since 2005 a full-time staff person has maintained our Greenhouse Gas Inventory.
Related Links
- Find out why Penn State was named one of the Environmental Protection Agency's top 10 college and university Green Power Partners.
- Read news stories about Penn State's conservation efforts at the Penn State Live news site.
- Learn more about Penn State's energy program.
