According to Temple Now, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently ranked Temple University number 18 on its list of the top 30 green power users among colleges and universities across the country. The rankings are part of the EPA’s College and University Challenge, a program that encourages higher education institutions to implement more environmentally friendly methods of utilizing their resources.

“This is a big achievement for Temple’s sustainability efforts,” Kathleen Grady, Temple’s Director of Sustainability, said. “By changing its energy procurement process to include renewable sources, Temple is sending a clear message that climate action is something that cannot wait.”

Green power is a blanket term for any alternate form of electricity generated by renewable resources, such as wind and sunlight. More widespread use helps to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds released into the atmosphere. By signing the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, Temple has pledged to become a carbon-neutral institution by the year 2050.

“Green power is an important tool in meeting Temple’s carbon neutrality goal,” Director of Utilities and Energy Management Kurt Bresser said. “Energy efficiency projects continue to be our focus.”