Penn State's University Sustainability Council is drafting the University's first strategic plan for sustainability. The council is seeking public input for the five-goal plan during the drafting process. The fifth and final goal of Penn State's Strategic Plan for Sustainability aims to help people throughout Pennsylvania and the world to develop and embrace more sustainable environmental, economic and social systems. "Serving the Commonwealth and engaging with its citizens is fundamental to Penn State's land-grant mission. Our many partnerships with communities in Pennsylvania -- and beyond -- put us in an extraordinary position to help develop innovative solutions to sustainability challenges," said Susannah Barsom, associate director of the Center for Sustainability.

Penn State's University Sustainability Council is drafting the University's first strategic plan for sustainability. The council is seeking public input for five-goal plan during the drafting process. The third goal seeks to support and recognize efforts to make individual behaviors and facilities more resource efficient as well as celebrate the broader impact of Penn State through alumni and partners. "Goal 3 calls on us to 'walk the talk,' " explained Erik Foley, director of the Penn State Campus Sustainability Office, and member of the council. "Opportunities are everywhere to improve operational effectiveness, promote wellness and control costs through smart sustainability practices in our offices, labs, classrooms, residence halls and dining areas. And because Penn State thrives beyond our walls, especially through our alumni, Goal 3 also asks how we can further engage and recognize their sustainability leadership."

Penn State's University Sustainability Council is drafting the University's first strategic plan for sustainability. The council is seeking public input for five-goal plan during the drafting process. The second goal of Penn State's Strategic Plan for Sustainability aims to educate students about sustainability. "Students are requesting more sustainability instruction, aware that employers are seeking to hire graduates who are knowledgeable about sustainability," said Rob Pangborn, vice president and dean for Undergraduate Education. "Penn State can play a unique role in addressing one of our society's most pressing issues by bringing faculty expertise and emerging research to the classroom, to produce graduates who also can lead in this effort."

Penn State's University Sustainability Council is drafting the University's first strategic plan for sustainability and is seeking public input during the drafting process. "The Strategic Plan for Sustainability will provide the roadmap for ensuring that the Priorities for Excellence goal of increasing the number of academic offerings that incorporate sustainability into the curriculum is met and that sustainability is researched, taught, promoted and practiced," said Rod Erickson, Penn State executive vice president and provost. "It will follow the University's strategic planning framework, and specific strategies and metrics will be developed concurrently at the college, campus and unit levels. Its development will involve students, faculty, staff, leadership, alumni, supporters and corporate partners."