Sustainability

The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, with its breadth of expertise spanning the environmental, social, energy, and materials sciences, is uniquely poised to find the most effective solutions to the problems posed by supplying abundant, affordable energy while addressing anthropogenic climate change and global warming. Hence, we have a responsibility to lead by example and serve as a model for other entities, including other colleges and campuses of Penn State. Explore this section to learn more.

Sustainable Events

The college strives to be more efficient with resources, and has focused on reducing our use of single use plastics. To achieve this we have developed two resources: a sustainable events guide, and Green Carts. The events guide serves as a motivational tool and offers specific details to consider when planning events. Three Green Carts, with reusable plates, cups, silverware, and located with access to dishwashers, are located in EESI, the Ryan Family Student Center, and the Dean’s Office.

Window Replacement: Deike Building

The EMS Sustainability Fund supported the placement of thermal infrared cameras on Walker Building to quantify enhanced energy efficiency associated with window replacement in Deike Building. Camera data collected before and after the window project combined with OPP Energy Cap data show a decrease in chilled water and steam use with the new windows.

GHG Emissions Inventory and Goals

In 2018, EMS began to quantify our carbon footprint by using a University Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) inventory protocol to evaluate college-scale data. Five years of inventory results indicate that on average the college is responsible for ~10K mt CO2e/year, a value that is slightly less than expected on a per capita basis within the greater PSU community. A “How-To” guide was developed for any unit to access and use.