Sustainability
Taking care of our planet is our shared responsibility, and your college experience could play a key role in tackling global climate change.
At Penn, our students are all about making a positive impact and taking advantage of opportunities offered to help create a more sustainable future. Through initiatives like our Climate and Sustainability Action Plan, environment-related courses, and campus-wide efforts, our community works hand-in-hand to promote a sustainable culture. Together, we make a meaningful difference in addressing today's environmental challenges.
For the first time in Penn’s history, sustainability reporting now includes detailed accomplishments across both the University’s main campus and major property holdings, including Penn’s health system, Morris Arboretum & Gardens, New Bolton Center, and Penn’s owned real estate portfolio. Together, we make a meaningful difference in addressing today's environmental challenges.
Penn now tracks sustainability metrics across all 12 schools and reports 330+ environment-related courses available for students. In the past year alone, Penn welcomed 19 new faculty hires with climate and sustainability expertise, further strengthening academic and research opportunities.
Penn was the first Ivy League school to sign the President's Climate Commitment for carbon neutrality
Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2009, including a 4.5% reduction between FY24 and FY25
Students enrolled in sustainability related courses in the 2023-2024 academic year
By the Numbers (FY25)
Year-over-Year Net Emissions Reduction
(That's equal to annual electricity use of 1,200+ homes)
Air Travel Carbon Offsets
Environment-Related Courses
New Academic Hires with Climate/Sustainability Expertise
LEED-Certified Projects
Regional Procurement Spend
Philadelphia Procurement Spend
Landfill Diversion Rate
Vehicles in Our Electric Vehicle Fleet
(MTCDE = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent)
View the latest Climate & Sustainability Action Plan 4.0 FY25 Progress Report on the Penn Sustainability site to learn more about Penn’s measurable achievements and ongoing goals.