Sustainability Education and Action at Penn State Berks

Penn State Berks is committed to sustainability

That’s why it’s written into the college’s official strategic plan. Penn State Berks works toward creating an environment that promotes critical thinking and strengthens our capacity to account for the ethical, environmental, social and economic consequences of our individual and collective decisions. Sustainability is a broad concept that consists of three critical and interlinked domains: environment, society, and economy as highlighted in the 17 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Health and Well-Being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate Action
14. Life Below Water
15. Life on Land
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships.

Penn State Berks acknowledges the interrelationship of issues such as poverty, economic and social inequality, gender inequality, degradation of the environment, climate change, and war and conflict, among others. The goals of sustainability can only be achieved by creating awareness and encouraging individual and collective action and leadership through education.

Penn State Berks is committed to:

• promoting sustainability literacy (defined by the U.N. as “the knowledge, skills, and mindsets that allow individuals to become deeply committed to building a sustainable future and assisting in making informed and effective decisions”),
• expanding sustainable practices,
• addressing systemic challenges of irresponsible production and consumption, environmental degradation, unjust and inequitable social and economic infrastructures, policies, and practices.

In support of our educational goals, Penn State Berks aims to create a learning environment that provides an immersive experience for all constituents to integrate sustainability into campus research, teaching, outreach, and operations. In doing so, the college aims to:

• prepare students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the community to be informed, ethical, and responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse, global, and interdependent society,
• encourage collaborative efforts in the common pursuit of innovation and leadership in policy, practice, and infrastructure with the goal of addressing the above-mentioned systemic challenges and leading to a sustainable, just, and equitable global society.