University Park

Environmental stewardship initiatives support Earth-sensitive plan

University Park, Pa. -- To reinforce the University's strategies to aggressively reduce its energy consumption and minimize its impact on the environment, several environmental stewardship initiatives were developed and continue to serve as a framework to help meet its strategic goals. In a presentation to the Board of Trustees Friday (Jan. 19), Steven M. Maruszewski, deputy associate vice president for Physical Plant, highlighted a few of the many programs and practices that reflect those goals toward the University's ongoing efforts to be ecologically responsible:

-- Be leaders in environmental stewardship and utilize best management practices.
The University is proud of its several awards recognizing its environmental leadership -- the Pennsylvania Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence is one example -- and is pleased to partner with other organizations to share experiences toward a broader, more significant impact on improving the environment, said Maruszewski.

-- Establish environmentally responsible purchasing policies and practices.
The University strongly encourages the purchase of environmentally responsible products and energy-efficient equipment.

-- Ensure efficient use and conservation of energy, water and other resources.
Penn State hosts the nation's only reformer-based hydrogen fueling station east of Las Vegas, one example of how the University is expanding the use of alternative fuels.

-- Minimize solid waste production.
The University maintains several initiatives, from the innovative Trash to Treasure program to annual Watershed Cleanup Day, as well as comprehensive recycling of household and office materials, computer components and building materials. Additionally, composting avoids significant waste in landfills, and is part of a successful partnership among the College of Agriculture, the Office of Physical Plant and the Borough of State College. Overall efforts are keeping more than 45 percent of the University's waste from entering landfills.

-- Minimize hazardous waste and toxic materials on campus.
The University has virtually eliminated the use of mercury thermometers, operates a hazardous-materials management program that tracks and inventories chemical usage, and utilizes bio-degradable hydraulic fluids in farm and service equipment.

-- Establish environmentally responsible campus design and planning principles and practices.
In addition to constructing only LEED-certified new facilities, the University is reviewing opportunities to make the entire University Park campus sustainable. The newly updated campus master plan will include "protected areas" of significant environmental value.

-- Establish environmentally responsible transportation practices.
The University continues to expand its bicycle storage facilities and bike path system, and through a partnership with surrounding communities has developed a network of bike paths that encourage the use of bicycles for both recreation and commuting. Coupled with improvements in public transportation and carpooling programs, which have helped reduce traffic and demands for metered parking spaces, Penn State has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as a "Best Workplace for Commuters."

-- Ensure complete regulatory compliance.
The environmental stewardship initiative's final goal ensures that the University's facilities and practices meet or exceed compliance with all applicable state and federal environmental regulations established by agencies, such as the Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, this goal calls for Penn State to implement best management practices, monitor the practices of the University's neighbors, partner with them to ensure Penn State's resources are protected, and monitor and comment on pending regulations to ensure that they do not limit the University's ability to have a greater positive impact.

Last Updated March 19, 2009

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