The following is published in accordance with the Faculty Senate Rules. Among other purposes, the publication of SEC actions is intended to stimulate discussion among the constituencies and their representatives. Please communicate your comments to Patrick Walsh, executive assistant to the Senate Office, either by telephone at (215) 898-6943 or by email at senate@pobox.upenn.edu

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Actions

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Chair’s Report. Faculty Senate Chair Steven Kimbrough informed SEC members that all members of the Standing Faculty were invited to participate in the current meeting, given significant faculty interest in the subject matter. He also reported that Bill Braham, professor of architecture, will chair the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on the Institutional Response to the Climate Emergency (“CIRCE”). A full membership roster will be announced at a later time.

Panel Discussion on Penn Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 3.0 (“CSAP 3.0”). Bill Braham, reported on the “Climate Action Plan for UPenn’s Main Campus.” Prof. Braham explained his long-standing consulting relationship with Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES) in which his Center for Environmental Building and Design (CEBD) provides the analysis for the three Carbon Action Plans and building energy reduction projects. Prof. Braham also co-chairs the Utilities Subcommittee of the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee (ESAC), which advises FRES on the development of the Carbon Action Plans. Prof. Braham supplemented the information in CSAP 3.0 by presenting a planning document in the form of a “waterfall” diagram that illustrates Penn’s carbon footprint and the strategies being used to achieve net zero carbon by 2042. (The diagram can be found at upenn.edu/faculty_senate/sec.html under the December 2019 “Actions” link.) Since 2009, Penn’s main campus has reduced its carbon emissions by 28.9%. With the recently approved Solar Power Purchase (PPA) agreement, CSAP 3.0 is projected to reduce campus emissions 55.5% by 2024. That plan also includes industry-wide enhancements to a “cleaner” electric grid, a program to renovate Penn’s “Top 30” buildings, “continuous recommissioning” and “enhanced recommissioning” strategies for other campus buildings, and some carbon offsets purchased by Penn’s steam supplier. Buildings that are the greatest consumers of energy on campus (e.g., laboratories) are prioritized for recommissioning in order to have the greatest impact. Air travel, another major source of carbon emissions, requires attention from faculty and staff as to how to affect change without a clear and evident solution. Both FRES and CIRCE will consider options for incentives and alternatives.

Vice Provost for Research Dawn Bonnell reported on the “Environmental Innovations Initiative,” which was announced on December 4, and on Penn scholars’ significant impact on climate change. The Initiative will begin with a series of listening tours and town halls and will consult with experts at Penn’s peer institutions before formalizing a structure for the Initiative.

An animal nutrition program in the Vet School has been adopted by regional farmers and has led to a measurable reduction of nitrogen and phosphorous runoff in the Chesapeake Watershed. Also, the Penn Institute for Urban Research and the Perry World House are inviting visiting scholars to launch a city climate resiliency initiative that will provide mayors of “low income cities” a support structure and knowledge to help them create climate resilient environments. 

Vice President of FRES Anne Papageorge and Vice President for Business Services Division Marie Witt reported on the Penn Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 3.0. Ms. Papageorge summarized progress on the Climate Action Plan 2.0, which concluded in 2019. The Penn Sustainability Course Inventory has expanded from 124 to 401 courses. Building-related carbon emissions have decreased by nearly 30%, notwithstanding campus growth of over 600,000 square feet. Twenty-five main campus buildings and major interior renovations are LEED-certified. Over 50% of construction and demolition waste is diverted from the landfill as part of LEED. CSAP 3.0 (2019-2024) sets forth goals across seven areas. academics, utilities and operations, physical environment, waste minimization and recycling, purchasing, transportation, and outreach and engagement. Penn has engaged in a 25-year contract to invest in the building of two new solar farms, the most significant commitment of this kind amongst Penn’s peers. 

A robust discussion ensued. Several faculty members encouraged a reframing of reporting on progress and policies in this area to ensure that perspectives on justice, human rights and anxieties are heard. For example, future sustainability initiatives could engage students and faculty in understanding the financial, environmental and ethical trade-offs and decision points underlying each component of the Action Plan. Faculty members also voiced concerns that sustainability and climate action at Penn is under the domain of FRES given that the issues are broader than facilities or real estate.