In an unprecedented move, the Penn State Center for Sustainability has added a new piece to it’s eco-arsenal. Chevrolet is donating a 2011 Chevy Volt electric car to the center, signifiying the first time a vehicle of this kind will be used at Penn State, according to Whitney Bennett, the marketing communications specialist at the Penn State CFS.

The Volt, a hybrid electric vehicle, will be presented today at 3:30 p.m. at Foundry Park ( adjacent to Hammond Building) by Engineering Group Manager of Body Structures Gregory Slusher, in an effort to support the CFS’s ongoing research of new transportation technology. Also in attendence, naturally, will be directors of the Center for Sustainability and the College of Engineering.

This is not the first instance when Chevrolet has made a sizable donation to the Center for Sustainability. In 2010, Chevy donated $30,000 to the center for a solar-electric carport.

As part of the event there will be student presentations and recognition of Penn State’s formula car team. This event, and others, serves as reminder that the Penn Center for Sustainability, the college of engineering, EcoCAR, and others are recieving notable recognition for truly innovative efforts. It is through similar innovation across the world that help foster the pursuits of further transportation improvements, like the Chevy Volt.

If nothing else, stop by, get some free food, and check out the Volt. For the social media inclined, the first 15 students to tweet that Chevrolet is on Penn State’s campus (#PSUVolt) will be able to pick up a free t-shirt at the event.

In the comments section, share some sustainable innovations that you think Penn State should consider.