University Park, Pa. -- Penn State is taking a major step in its continuing efforts to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Key representatives from units at University Park and from the University's other campuses will take part in an energy forum aimed at exploring ways to direct Penn State into a sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
The University-wide event, "Forum for the Future: An Energy and Environmental Discussion," will be held Wednesday, Oct. 24, in the Founders Lounge at the Bryce Jordan Center. It is being coordinated by Penn State's Division of Finance and Business, whose Environmental Stewardship is a key initiative designed to move the University toward more efficient, environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.
"Our goal is to transform Penn State into the most sustainable university possible," Gary C. Schultz, senior vice president for Finance and Business/treasurer, said.
Richard Alley, Evan Pugh professor of geosciences, will be the forum keynote speaker. He is one of several Penn State earth scientists who are contributors to the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which shared the 2007 Nobel Prize with Al Gore.
Following the presentation, a panel discussion on University-wide initiatives will be held. Panelists will include Alley, Steve Maruszewski, deputy associate vice president of the Office of Physical Plant; David Riley, associate professor of architectural engineering and executive director of the Center for Sustainability; Daniel Guide Jr., associate professor of operations and supply chain management; and Brittany Harris, president of the student group, Eco-Action. Informal round table discussion among forum attendees will follow.
"The forum is an opportunity for us to join together to educate and inspire the Penn State community through dialogue and action on environmental and energy issues," Schultz added.
Penn State energy information is available at http://energy.opp.psu.edu online.