Penn State University

Penn State University

Penn State was founded in 1855 as the state’s only land-grant institution. Today, Penn State educates nearly 100,000 students on 23,000 acres of land at 24 campuses across the Commonwealth. The University is seizing an unprecedented opportunity to model a large-scale commitment to sustainability.

Penn State strives to reduce their building footprint through continuous commissioning programs, efficient upgrades to lighting and HVAC, and a multitude of energy awareness programs and clubs organized by their students. Penn State is committed to demonstrating that conservation is possible on a large scale by making it a standard practice in all retrofits and major maintenance. The University is in the process of executing a $60 million investment over the next five years in energy efficiency and conservation initiatives for buildings. This is in addition to the multimillion dollar budget for retrofits and renewal of existing buildings that will account for more than 60 percent of the University’s five-year, $2.7 billion capital plan.

PROGRESS

Buildings Challenge Commitment
28Million Square Feet
Energy Goals
20%Reduction in Energy Intensity
Progress
15%Cumulative (vs. Baseline)