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Sustainability

Because when we live better, we all flourish.

Penn State takes a holistic approach to advance solutions to some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges, incorporating the strengths of diverse perspectives, disciplines, and societal needs.

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Sustainability

Sustainability is the simultaneous pursuit of human health and happiness, environmental quality, and economic well-being for current and future generations.

Innovation leads to lasting solutions.

Read more about how Penn State researchers are driving innovation and ongoing research to identify and implement new solutions, engage communities in more efficient uses of resources and more opportunities to increase the health and well-being of society, economically and environmentally.

Saving the ChesapeakeClose-up photo of a hand full of soil
Saving the Chesapeake

As Pennsylvania renews efforts to clean the state's waterways and the Chesapeake Bay, Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences is crafting a strategy in which farmers can help.

Protecting PollinatorsIllustration of a bee
Protecting Pollinators

Penn State’s Christina Grozinger and the Center for Pollinator Research are implementing creative approaches to protecting bee populations in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Designing Sustainable Homes on Mars and EarthAbstract photo of soil
Designing Sustainable Homes on Mars and Earth

Penn State researchers are developing 3D-printed building technology that could impact the future of housing on Earth.

Clean Water, Cleaner EnergyAbstract image
Clean Water, Cleaner Energy

Penn State researchers are discovering ways to turn wastewater treatment into a renewable source of clean energy.

Revitalizing a CommunityPhoto of a storefront
Revitalizing a Community

Through entrepreneurship and innovation, Penn State is helping to revitalize the community of New Kensington and prepare its workforce for the digital age.

Sustaining Communities Through Small BusinessPhoto of a man on the street
Sustaining Communities Through Small Business

Penn State Law’s Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic is improving Pennsylvania’s economic vitality by helping small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Supporting Sustainable Communities

Every College, Every Campus

More than 1,000 faculty are working on research in energy, sustainability, and environmental topics in every college and on every campus. Nearly 400 courses at Penn State focus on sustainability, ensuring the next generation of sustainability leaders and innovators.

A Healthy Economy

The economic environment and development is essential. Penn State contributes billions annually to the Pennsylvania economy. Initiatives such as Invent Penn State have brought economic investment to community entrepreneurs.

Serving All Sixty-Seven Counties

Penn State Extension provides education, information, and resources to help Pennsylvania communities and businesses grow.

Reducing Our Footprint

The Carbon Emissions Reduction Task Force was created to reconsider Penn State's greenhouse gas emissions goal, with a view toward setting a more aggressive target as well as a revised timeframe. Penn State's carbon emissions have been cut by more than fifteen percent over the last fifteen years.

A Future Made by Many

Penn State is committed to creating opportunities that make our world (and our state) thrive.

25%

Of Penn State's state-wide electricity is powered by one of the largest solar projects in Pennsylvania.

1,000+

Faculty University-wide researching sustainability topics.

Top 3%

Universities worldwide in Times Higher Education Impact rankings, based on the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

$11.6B

Contributed to the Pennsylvania economy annually, driving job creation and economic growth.

Sustainability Resources