University of Pennsylvania Sustainability Profile
The University of Pennsylvania, often referred to as Penn, is a prestigious Ivy League institution headquartered in Philadelphia, US. Founded in 1740, it has established itself as a leader in higher education, renowned for its rigorous academic programmes and innovative research initiatives. Penn operates primarily in the education sector, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across various disciplines, including business, law, medicine, and the humanities. Notable for its interdisciplinary approach, Penn is home to the Wharton School, the first collegiate business school in the world, which sets it apart in the field of business education. With a commitment to fostering a vibrant intellectual community, the university consistently ranks among the top institutions globally, reflecting its strong market position and significant contributions to research and scholarship.
DitchCarbon Score
How does University of Pennsylvania's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Industry Average
Mean score of companies in the Education Services industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Industry Benchmark
University of Pennsylvania's score of 27 is higher than 54% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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University of Pennsylvania's reported carbon emissions
In 2023, the University of Pennsylvania reported total carbon emissions of approximately 205,823,050 kg CO2e. This figure reflects the university's commitment to sustainability and climate action, with a target to reduce organisational emissions by 50% by 2030. The university aims to achieve this reduction across all scopes of emissions, which include Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, although specific scope data is not disclosed. Looking ahead, the University of Pennsylvania has set an ambitious goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2042, aligning with its broader sustainability objectives. This commitment is part of the Climate and Sustainability Action Plan (CSAP 4.0), which outlines the university's strategic approach to mitigating climate impact. The emissions data is not cascaded from any parent organisation, indicating that the university independently tracks and reports its carbon footprint. The university's proactive stance on climate commitments positions it as a leader in sustainability within the higher education sector in the US.
How Carbon Intensive is University of Pennsylvania's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is University of Pennsylvania's Location?
University of Pennsylvania's Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
University of Pennsylvania has not publicly committed to specific 2030 or 2050 climate goals through the major frameworks we track. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.
