FAQs Archive - Page 6 of 19 - Penn State Sustainability

Q: 10) Does Penn State inform and support government in clean energy and energy-efficient technology policy development?

Yes, Penn State's Center for Energy Law and Policy (CELP) does research on the successful implementation of energy policy, and collaborates with government stakeholders with the findings of its research to inform energy policy. Also Penn State has the LCAP Program , which allows students to collaborate with local governments to support sustainable policy development at the local level, which can include clean energy and energy efficient technology.

Q: 9) Does Penn State provide direct services to local industry aimed at improving energy efficiency and clean energy (energy efficiency assessments, workshops, research renewable energy options)?

Yes, Penn State's Energy Institute in the College of Earth Mineral Science provides technical services to local, national, and global industry partners aimed at improving energy efficiency and clean energy. Some of the technical services include: Qualitative imaging, mineral sample banks, and reference materials. Additionally, PennTAP , a Penn State and PA Commonwealth collaboration, provides energy assessments to local industries to identify areas of improvement for clean energy. Penn State EMS also conducts research on renewable energy to provide services to industry.

Q: 8) Does Penn State promote a public pledge toward 100% renewable energy (petitions, meetings, discussions, events) beyond the university?

No, the University does not have a public pledge towards 100% renewable energy, but is actively promoting the uptake and transition to renewable energy. For instance, Penn State hosted the SPARK 2023 summit , which convened more than 100 stakeholders from academia, research, and industry to build the vision for a clean energy future in PA. Additionally, PSU hosts yearly Climate Solutions Consortiums , which brings together local experts, partners, and community members to address the complete energy transition by 2050. Additionally, Penn State has invested in multiple renewable energy projects such as solar panels and hydroelectric power . The University has also signed a 25 year Solar Power Purchasing Agreement with Franklin County.

Q: 3) Does Penn State have a process for carbon management and reducing carbon dioxide emissions?

Yes, Penn State has a process to reduce carbon emissions. In 2021, Penn State's Carbon Reduction Task Force created a plan to reduce Penn State's emissions by 100% by 2035. The actions are outlined in the plan provided. Penn State Sustainability also tracks carbon emissions on Penn State Sustainability's Carbon Emissions dashboard . Other current efforts include the Scope 3 team and the Carbon Action Teams that are making conscious efforts to reduce emissions at the University.