UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Sustainability and the Pennsylvania GreenGov Council invite the public to the sixth annual Commonwealth Sustainability Week, to be held Oct. 5-9. Join for engaging conversations around the future of sustainability in Pennsylvania and innovative initiatives that are building a more resilient commonwealth for all.
All webinars are free and open to all. Pre-registration is required at this link.
Monday, Oct. 5, noon–1 p.m. (EDT): “Empowering the Future – It All Starts with the Grid”
Learn the foundational basics of Pennsylvania’s electrical grid as well as the commonwealth’s role and partnership in the PJM (Pennsylvania, [New] Jersey, Maryland). The PJM is the Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) that manages the electric grid and wholesale electricity markets across 13 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
Speakers: Skyler Marzewski and Matthew Bernstein, PJM
Tuesday, Oct. 6, noon–1 p.m. (EDT): “Energy Storage 101”
Hear from subject matter experts as they highlight why energy storage is growing in importance and how to address challenges and opportunities in this realm. Additionally, learn about the best practices and opportunities associated with the siting of large-scale energy storage.
Speakers: Kevin Wright, Protogen; Tom Beresnyak, Penn State Extension
Wednesday, Oct. 7, noon–1 p.m. (EDT): “Investing in the Future – Infrastructure to Support Electric Vehicles, Energy and Transportation”
Tune in to learn more about investments in Pennsylvania to support electric vehicles. Topics will include status of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program’s EV charging portfolio and information on the electric grid and growing EV use.
Speakers: Colton Brown, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation; Hannah Moyer, Duquesne Light
Thursday, Oct. 8, noon–1 p.m. (EDT): “Energy Efficiency – Act 129 Program and Energy Efficiency”
This session will highlight energy saving opportunities and incentives available through the PA Act 129 Program. Additionally, speakers will discuss the benefits of energy saving measures and equipment including energy audits and heat pumps.
Speakers: Pat Beck, Egis; Darren Gill, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Friday, Oct. 9, noon–1 p.m. (EDT): “Business Sector Highlight – Industrial Sector Sustainability”
Discover how Pennsylvania businesses are investing in clean energy and energy efficiency projects. Highlights will include details on RISE PA (Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania) program participants and their successes.
Speakers: Jill Regets, VAP Steel; Rishabh Bahel, Purina
Following Sustainability Week, Penn State Sustainability and the GreenGov Council will launch their eighth annual GreenGov Webinar series, occurring monthly on the third Friday of the month at noon. The first monthly webinar will launch at noon on Friday, Oct. 16, with a focus on sustainability efforts in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
For more information or to register, visit Penn State Sustainability’s Commonwealth Sustainability Week webpage or contact Peter Boger at pgb45@psu.edu.