Penn State has partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy for its Better Buildings Challenge with the goal of reducing the energy usage of campus buildings by a record 20 percent over the next decade.

The Better Buildings Challenge has more than 200 participants, which include universities, healthcare companies, government buildings, and multifamily housing projects. With this partnership, Penn State has passed Michigan State and Virginia to become the largest university joining the effort.

President Eric Barron supports the movement, saying in the release that he is “pleased that Penn State has joined the federal government, businesses and academic partners in this ambitious challenge.”

Penn State’s participation in the challenge adds to the long list of Penn State’s working sustainability goals, including a $60 million investment to energy efficiency and conservation initiatives over the next five years. By 2020, the university aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent. Penn State has already reduced its campus greenhouse gas emission by 18 percent since 2005. Building renovations are also part of the sustainability effort. These include heat recovery and improved building exteriors for the Burrowes, Mueller, and Steidle buildings.

With all of the construction happening on campus, it’s nice to see Penn State continue to take a stance on campus environmental issues.