ALTOONA, Pa. — Penn State Altoona's Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) office is the first at the college to achieve level two status as part of Penn State's Green Paws Program. 

Through the Green Paws Program, Penn State faculty and staff learn how to use resources efficiently. The program is organized into four levels of certification that signify an office's progression toward higher and higher levels of efficiency, health and environmental sustainability. Through this program, Penn State is creating a baseline of best practices and working toward the University's goal to "incorporate sustainability learning opportunities into daily life across the University, including the built environment and service and program delivery." Currently more than 2,000 faculty and staff are participating in the Green Paws Program.

In order to earn level two status, the DUS office made significant efforts to reduce printing, reuse waste paper, increase recycling, promote sharing of office supplies, eliminate usage of plastic bottles, unplug seldom-used electronics and appliances, and more. Office staff also sought to make sustainability-related changes in their personal lives such as switching to LED lighting, recycling gift paper and boxes, programming thermostats, and recycling old wood for new craft projects.

“The DUS staff have learned so much from the Green Paws Program. We will start level three after New Student Orientation this summer!” said team leader Sue Dodson.

To learn more and get involved, visit the Green Paws page of the Penn State Sustainability website.