Join Penn State Sustainability and the Commonwealth’s GreenGov Council for the annual Commonwealth Sustainability Week, exploring the future of sustainability across Pennsylvania. This year’s webinar series is themed “Empowering Pennsylvania’s Future” and will focus on the future of affordable and sustainable energy in Pennsylvania. Webinars will be October 5-9, 2026 at noon (EDT) each day. (All speakers and topics subject to change.)

Monday, 10/5, 12-1 PM: Empowering the Future – It All Starts with the Grid   

Join in and learn the foundational basics of Pennsylvania’s electrical grid as well as our role & partnership in the PJM (Pennsylvania, (New) Jersey, Maryland). The PJM is the Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) that manages the electric grid and wholesale electricity markets across 13 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Featuring Skyler Marzewski and Matthew Bernstein from PJM. Register for “It All Starts with the Grid.”

Tuesday, 10/6, 12-1 PM: Energy Storage 101 

Hear from subject matter experts as they highlight why energy storage is growing in importance and how to address challenges! Additionally, learn of the best practices and opportunities associated with the siting of large-scale energy storage. Featuring Kevin Wright from Protogen and Tom Beresnyak from Penn State Extension. Register for “Energy Storage 101.”

Wednesday, 10/7, 12-1 PM: Investing in the Future – Infrastructure to Support Electric Vehicles, Energy and Transportation 

Tune in to learn more about investments in Pennsylvania to support electric vehicles! Topics will include the status of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program’s EV charging portfolio and information on the electric grid as more EVs are in use. Featuring Colton Brown from the PA Department of Transportation and Hannah Moyer from Duquesne Light. Register for “Infrastructure to Support EVs, Energy and Transportation.”

Thursday, 10/8, 12-1 PM: Energy Efficiency – Act 129 Program and Energy Auditing 

Join us as we highlight energy saving opportunities & incentives available through the PA Act 129 Program. Additionally, we’ll highlight the benefits of energy saving measures & equipment including energy audits & heat pumps. Featuring Darren Gill from the PA Public Utility Commission and Pat Beck from Egis (a home energy contracting company). Register for “Act 129 Program and Energy Auditing.”

Friday, 10/9, 12-1 PM: Business Sector Highlight – Industrial Sector Sustainability 

Join to learn how businesses are investing in clean energy and energy efficiency projects. Highlights will include details on RISE PA (Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania) program participants and their successes. Featuring Jill Regets from VAP Steel and Rishabh Bahel from Purina. Register for “Industrial Sector Sustainability.”

All webinars are free and open to all; pre-registration is required. Learn more at the Sustainability Week website.

Following Sustainability Week, Penn State Sustainability and the GreenGov Council will launch their 8th annual GreenGov Webinar series, occurring monthly on the third Friday of the month at noon. The first monthly webinar will launch on Friday, October 16, at noon with a focus on sustainability efforts in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.