UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As part of their ongoing partnership, Penn State Sustainability and the Pennsylvania GreenGov Council will once again present a monthly webinar series to educate government officials, students, faculty and community leaders about sustainability issues and progress throughout the commonwealth. The 2026-27 series kicks off at noon on Friday, Oct. 16, with a presentation highlighting sustainability initiatives in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The webinars are free and open to all, and registration is required.
“Through our partnership with the GreenGov Council, Penn State Sustainability is supporting the University’s land-grant mission of service and education across the commonwealth,” said Peter Boger, director for engagement for Penn State Sustainability. “We are proud this annual series provides a community of leaders, and future leaders, with the expertise and connections to be able to build more resilient communities across Pennsylvania.”
This year's program features experts from across Pennsylvania and Penn State:
- Friday, Oct. 16, noon to 1 p.m. (ET): “Sustainability Highlights from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh” — Learn about the sustainability efforts underway at the Philadelphia Energy Authority and the City of Pittsburgh.
- Speakers: Matt Mahoney, City of Pittsburgh; Lisa Shulock, Atiba Kenyatta, and Amy Cornelius, Philadelphia Energy Authority
- Friday, Nov. 20, noon to 1 p.m. (ET): “Energy Affordability” — As energy demand continues to increase, many are experiencing financial difficulties. Join in to learn how organizations are working to relieve some of these challenges across Pennsylvania.
- Speaker: Liz Marx, Pennsylvania Utility Law Project
- Friday, Jan. 16, noon to 1 p.m. (ET): “Supporting Small Farms: Developing a Roadmap for Regional Digesters” — The commonwealth has a rich heritage as a significant agriculture producer and energy production leader in the U.S. Utility-scale anaerobic digesters help to preserve small farms and mitigate climate risks. Hear from the Departments of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, and the selected roadmap contractor on project goals, timeline and how to get involved.
- Speakers: Mike Roth, Future Digester Roadmap contractor; Lindsay Byron, environmental group manager, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- Friday, Feb. 19, noon to 1 p.m. (ET): “Leading the Way: Emerging Innovations in Sustainable Design” — The best way to address energy demands and pollution is to innovate production processes that reduce them from the outset. Learn about Pennsylvania’s leadership in innovative materials and processes that bake sustainability into their very design, including a new type of glass and a new way of producing concrete.
- Speakers: John Mauro, interim John Leone Dean, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and Dorothy Pate Enright Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Penn State; Matthew Hollingham, doctoral fellow, carbon capture policy, Penn State
- Friday, March 19, noon to 1 p.m. (ET): “Equitability in the Energy Transition – Women in Trades and Manual Workforce” — The transition to a greener energy future holds great promise for economic development and workforce development. But the transition also presents a challenge of making sure those economic and job opportunities are equally available to all. Hear from leaders building a more equitable energy transition in Pennsylvania.
- Speakers: TBA
- Friday, April 16, noon to 1:30 p.m. (ET): “Earth Week Popcorn Session” — In honor of Earth Week, celebrate progress being made across the commonwealth to build more resilient communities. Learn about actions and efforts from multiple communities all working to make Pennsylvania more sustainable.
- Speakers: TBA
Monthly webinars are free and open to all. Pre-registration is required and available at this link.
About the GreenGov Council
The GreenGov Council was reestablished by executive order in January 2019 to help the state reach its climate goal of an 80% reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2050. Housed within the Pennsylvania Department of General Services, the council helps to integrate sustainability into the commonwealth’s policy, planning, operations, procurement and regulatory functions.
The GreenGov Council approached Penn State Sustainability in 2019 to develop ways in which Penn State can support the state government’s sustainability efforts. Together they have offered this webinar series since 2020 to help state and local government employees, non-profits and university faculty and students explore opportunities to further Pennsylvania’s sustainability goals.
For any additional questions or comments regarding registration or webinar content, contact the GreenGov Council at RA-GSGreenGov@pa.gov or Peter Boger at pgb45@psu.edu.