| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68.42 |
| Liaison | Austin Sutherland |
| Submission Date | Feb. 18, 2025 |
University of Pennsylvania
EN-3: Student Life
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Student groups
Yes
Name and a brief description of the active student groups focused on sustainability:
Penn is home to numerous undergraduate student groups focused on environmental interests, climate action, and sustainability. There are more than 11 active undergraduate and graduate student groups advancing sustainability on campus and in the community.
• Penn Climate Ventures- We're a student-run organization dedicated to building out Penn's climate innovation ecosystem. PCV aims to create a professional pipeline on par with consulting, finance, and tech — but specifically for climate! We are composed of students ranging from all 4 years AND grad students, all with an interest in exploring climate. All majors are welcome, and we do not require any prior experience! https://facebook.com/pennclimateventures/
• Penn Sustainability Consulting (PSC) is a student-run consultancy group at the University of Pennsylvania committed to providing pro-bono sustainability consulting services to organizations across the globe. PSC works with a team of multicultural members to recommend innovative solutions that are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and responsible for all stakeholders. https://facebook.com/pennsustainabilityconsulting/
• Maqoor Environmental Club- is a student-led environmental organization at the University of Pennsylvania. By organizing events, workshops, and projects, the club promotes awareness, education, and action for a more sustainable future, aligning with the core Maqoor movement principle that small actions lead to significant positive change on a global scale. https://www.maqoor.org/
• Environmental Group at Penn (PEG)- The Environmental Group at Penn (PEG) is a broad-interest student group that focuses on a combination of events, speakers, and projects dedicated to enhancing the environmental community at Penn and working toward a greener future. PEG was founded in 1971 by students who were actively involved in the 1970 Earth Day celebration. https://facebook.com/PennEnvironmentalGroup/
• Wharton Sustainable Business Club- Whether you are a seasoned sustainability professional, a passionate climate advocate, or just curious about how you can make better choices for the environment in your business career, SBC has a place for you. We believe the next generation of business leaders must be equipped to create a more sustainable world, and our mission is to inspire MBA and graduate students to embrace sustainability personally and professionally through career planning, knowledge sharing, and community building. https://www.whartonsustainability.com/
• The Alt Protein Project at Penn- The Alt Protein Project at Penn is a chapter of the Good Food Institute (GFI) Alt Protein Project, a global student movement dedicated to turning universities into engines for alternative protein education, research, and innovation. The program enables motivated, visionary students to lead their universities to transform the way we produce food - creating a food system that is sustainable, secure, and just. The Alt Protein Project is focused on generating awareness and excitement, stimulating open-access research, catalyzing entrepreneurship, building alternative protein courses and majors, and creating an inclusive and inspiring community! https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093375215794
• Penn Park Farm Club- The Penn Park Farm Club is a student-run club that focuses on getting students involved in urban farming and food justice. Our members volunteer at the Penn Park Farm (Penn’s organic production and education-based campus farm) throughout the semester. We also engage students in other aspects of food justice related to the Penn Park Farm and elsewhere in Philly by organizing educational and recreational events, as well as trips to other community farms and food justice organizations around Philadelphia. instagram.com/pennfoodandwellness
• Climate Leaders @ Penn- Climate Leaders @ Penn is a community of graduate students across the University of Pennsylvania who share an interest in addressing climate change and organize a student-run climate-focused fellowship for accepted graduate students. https://www.climateleadersatpenn.com/
• Wharton Undergrad AgriBusiness Club - Our club comprises of students who are interested in any and all aspects of AgriBusiness. From helping countries develop sustainable agriculture industries, to researching the newest AgTech, to learning more about commodities trading, we bring this major part of the world economy to Wharton. Our club provides its members with a unique learning opportunity, being the first undergraduate AgriBusiness club across all Ivy League universities. https://facebook.com/ABC-of-Wharton-105180484830135
• Wharton Energy Conference- Since 2004, the Wharton Energy Conference has been bringing students and professionals from Philadelphia and across the country together to discuss trends and changes in the energy industry. Topics covered include renewable energy, energy finance, and business innovations that are changing the energy landscape. https://whartonenergyclub.org/
• Beekeeping Club- A student-run group that seeks to foster an appreciation for the ecological importance of the honeybee among students and members of the community. We keep bees on campus and welcome anyone and everyone to join, no prior experience necessary!
Gardens and farms
Yes
A brief description of the gardens, farms, community supported agriculture (CSA) or fishery programs, and/or urban agriculture projects:
The Penn Park Farm, which originated through the Penn Food and Wellness Collaborative (PFWC), is a unique, multidisciplinary initiative that engages stakeholders from across the Penn community around four central pillars of wellness, food access, sustainability, and education. Wellness at Penn, Penn’s Center for Public Health, and Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES) joined together to establish the PFWC in 2019. The Penn Park Farm is located at the southernmost tip of Penn Park, one of Penn’s largest green spaces. Nestled between open recreational fields and the Penn Park Orchard, the Penn Food and Wellness Farm site is visible from the South Street bridge and accessible via pedestrian paths from Shoemaker Green and the Penn Ice Rink. The Penn Park Farm uses regenerative agricultural practices and grows approximately 2,000 lbs. of produce each year that is distributed for free through our food access programs and partnerships. It is also a living laboratory and community space that provides opportunities for applied learning and publicly available wellness programs for hundreds of Penn’s students, faculty, staff and neighbors.
Student-run enterprises
Yes
A brief description of the student-run enterprises:
WILLIAMS CAFE - Williams Cafe is an entirely student run cafe offering coffee drinks, bagels, pastries, sandwiches, and a variety of products. This cafe serves food sources from local organizations including La Colombe coffee, which incorporates aspects of sustainability into their packaging and supports the National Park Foundation.
Sustainable investment and finance
Yes
A brief description of the sustainable investment funds, green revolving funds or sustainable microfinance initiatives:
Through the "Green Fund" Penn students, faculty, and staff can apply for funds for projects that improve the University’s environmental performance and reduce campus emissions. Since 2009, this initiative of Penn Sustainability, funded by the Division of Facilities and Real Estate Services, has seeded innovative ideas in environmental sustainability from members of the University community.
Proposed projects must support goals and objectives outlined in Penn’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan, a long-range strategy, launched in 2009 and updated in 2014 and 2019, to reduce the University’s carbon footprint and enhance its overall sustainability. https://sustainability.upenn.edu/get-involved/opportunities/green-fund
Events
Yes
A brief description of the conferences, speaker series, symposia, or similar events focused on sustainability:
The Penn Sustainability Office frequently holds events and/or partners with other campus groups on campus to host lectures.
Climate Week at Penn aims to raise awareness about the climate emergency. Students, faculty, and staff from across the university are invited to host virtual events aimed at engaging both the Penn community and the region in a broad range of activities through research, education, public engagement, and activism.
The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy Research hold weekly events open to students, as well as symposia and lectures on energy policy. The Kleinman Center's mission is a goal to cultivate innovative energy policy and promote its application—creating opportunities for students, researchers, and professionals to debate viewpoints, explore options, and develop agendas for decision and action. https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/events/
The Penn Institute for Urban Research (Penn IUR), housed in the School of Design, is dedicated to advancing cross-disciplinary urban-focused research, instruction, and civic engagement on issues relevant to cities around the world. As the global population becomes increasingly urban, understanding cities is vital to informed decision-making and public policy at the local, national, and international levels. Penn IUR hosts symposia, book readings, lectures, and panel discussions on urban issues, including environmental sustainability and urban resilience, regularly on campus. http://penniur.upenn.edu/
The Water Center at Penn, and sponsors research, supports the resiliency, sustainability, and equity of urban water systems through guidance, assistance, and by directing applied collaborative research. The Water Center regularly hosts events and programming for students. https://watercenter.sas.upenn.edu/recorded-events/
Cultural arts
Yes
A brief description of the cultural arts events, installations, or performances focused on sustainability:
Carl Cheng: Nature Never Loses - ICA Philadelphia- Cheng began his career in the experimental context of the Southern California art scene and the post-war aerospace industry, resulting in artworks that operate at the intersection of identity, technology, and ecology. Over the last six decades he has worked in a variety of media to reflect on environmental change, the relevance of art institutions to their publics, and the role of technology in society.
Inspiration to Action: Inspiration to Action | Penn Today (upenn.edu) On Thursday, April 20th Penn Alums Talon Bazille C’15 and Angelo Matos gave a rap performance and conversation about music and indigenous knowledge that inspired, connected, and helped empower the Penn community towards climate action. The event also featured local community organizations.
Pollinator Power: Celebrating Biodiversity and Folklore | Climate Week (upenn.edu) Populations of monarch butterflies, which migrate annually from Canada and across the United States to overwinter in select sites in California Mexico, are declining. These iconic, strikingly beautiful insects remind us of the delicate balance of our ecosystems, and our deep connections to nature.
This two-part Climate Week at Penn event will first feature nature-inspired performances under the Climate Week Tent, including a dance dedicated to monarch butterflies by Nuuxakun, a Philadelphia-based Mexican folk dance group.
Wilderness and outdoors programs
Yes
A brief description of the wilderness or outdoors programs that follow Leave No Trace principles:
The University of Pennsylvania Outdoors Club (UPOC) is a student group devoted to outdoor recreation that organizes and promotes trips, speaking engagements, networking events, film screenings, skills courses, social events, and fundraisers related to outdoor activities. One of the core values of this group is responsibility and they are committed to the highest standards of environmental stewardship and responsibility in all trips and events.
Sustainability-focused themes
Yes
A brief description of the sustainability-focused themes chosen for themed semesters, years, or first-year experiences:
The year of Civic Engagement encourages the Penn Community to find innovative and meaningful ways to connect with people in our communities, particularly around issues of racial and environmental justice. https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/introducing-year-civic-engagement
Sustainable life skills
Yes
A brief description of the programs through which students can learn sustainable life skills:
Green Living Certification provides recognition for the individual decisions you make on a daily basis to live in a sustainable way, even if seemingly small. Everyone has a critical role to play in the University’s sustainability initiatives, and in moving towards a more resilient future. Students complete the GREEN LIVING SURVEY which identifies living habits as they relate to sustainability and environmental impact. There are three levels of certification awarded based on how many point you achieve. Each level provides you with an additional entry into raffles to win fun, reusable prizes. Prizes include reusable tote bags, water bottles, metal straws and more.
Certification is open to all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students living on and off campus.
Student employment opportunities
Yes
A brief description of the sustainability-focused student employment opportunities offered by the institution:
Student Eco-Reps, Sustainability Office Interns, Civic Sustainability Scholars, and Integrating Sustainability Across the Curriculum. Student Eco-Reps work with the Penn Sustainability Office to implement year-long sustainability projects on campus. https://sustainability.upenn.edu/get-involved/opportunities/student-eco-reps
The Sustainability Office also employees student interns to support with implementation of Climate and Sustainability Action Plan goals and advancing other goals related to campus sustainability.
The Civic Sustainability Scholars programs pairs students in offices outside of the university, including environmental non-profit groups and City of Philadelphia offices managing sustainability issues. https://sustainability.upenn.edu/get-involved/opportunities/civic-sustainability-fellowship
The Integrating Sustainability Across the Curriculum program matches students with professors to aid in incorporating sustainability into coursework. https://environment.upenn.edu/integrating-sustainability-across-curriculum
Graduation pledge
No
A brief description of the graduation pledge(s):
---
Optional Fields
PennGreen is a pre-orientation program for incoming students sponsored by Penn Sustainability and the Undergraduate Assembly. Penn fosters a robust culture of environmental sustainability, boasting numerous student organizations, student leadership positions, research avenues, and courses dedicated to sustainability. Moreover, we are nestled within one of the most eco-conscious cities in the United States, Penn enjoys an unparalleled setting for environmentalism and sustainability initiatives. It immerses participants in the vibrant eco-culture of both the University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia.
Each year, the 5-day program evolves while consistently spotlighting environmental and sustainability-oriented adventures. Joining PennGreen means connecting with like-minded peers, discovering local green havens, delving into sustainable food networks, exploring eco-friendly initiatives on campus and beyond, discovering academic pathways in sustainability, and enjoying outdoor adventures like an overnight camping trip. https://sustainability.upenn.edu/get-involved/opportunities/penngreen
Additional documentation to support the submission:
---
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
---
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.