Temple University Office of Sustainability

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Temple University Office of Sustainability

Climate Justice & The Urban Mission
Weekly Events & Resources: https://linktr.ee/tusustainability.

Creating a Sustainable Campus Culture

As an urban institution that is deeply engaged in the community, Temple University's commitment to sustainability can have a profound impact on the health and quality of life of a large and diverse population within Temple and its surrounding community. The university is positioned to be an important educational resource for teaching sustainability, with its

three pillars of environment, economics and social justice. It is committed to demonstrating the value of those principles through its own example and through the activities it sponsors in the community. Temple aims to serve as a model for similar urban institutions and to burnish its national reputation for excellence and commitment to principled policy and action. To reach its goals for sustainability, Temple University has made a commitment to examining all relevant decisions for their environmental impact; assessing current practices and performance; establishing goals; prioritizing plans based on environmental benefits as well as cost effectiveness; providing adequate capital investment to fund the programs; implementing the plans; managing the projects effectively and conducting periodic review and updates of program goals based on changing internal and external constraints. The expected outcome of these steps is the creation of a culture and expectation for environmental action at all levels. Temple University's work will proceed in three broad areas:
1) Advancing academic initiatives and research;
2) Creating sustainable campuses;
3) Improving outreach and engagement.

09/10/2026

Join the Office of Sustainability for a mini-series of professional networking opportunities with our Career Coffee Chats. These small, informal conversations in the Office of Sustainability will connect accomplished alumni working in sustainability-related careers with students interested in pursuing a similar career path. These career-focused conversations allow students to ask questions and gain advice on pursuing and navigating a career in sustainability.

This week, we are excited to host Maurisa Swartwood, Principal Consultant with Land and Right of Way at Environment Resources Management (ERM). Maurisa Swartwood is a 2009 graduate of Temple University with a bachelor's degree in Geology/Earth Science from the College of Science and Technology. Her experiences in oil & gas exploration, electrical transmission & distribution, real estate, and even hospitality, guided her to her current role. Maurisa is a Principal Consultant with Land and Right of Way at Environmental Resources Management, ERM, located in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

Join us for a catered conversation with Maurisa! Spots are limited so be sure to RSVP!

Reach out to Bryce Forys at [email protected] with any questions.

09/03/2026

Join the Office of Sustainability for an EcoReps Workshop! Held on Fridays from 1 PM - 2:30 PM, these peer-facilitated meetings will give attendees the opportunity to meet with like-minded peers, receive weekly updates, and engage with hands-on workshops on various topics surrounding sustainability. These workshops are open to any and all interested students.

In our first EcoReps Workshop of the semester, we will explore the science, impacts, and urgency of the climate crisis. We’ll break down the key drivers of climate change, discuss how it affects our communities and planet, and explore meaningful ways students can take action.

For questions, please contact [email protected].

09/01/2026

September is here, and it’s time to shift gears! 🚲 Whether you’re starting a new school year, looking to add more movement to your day, or trying to cut down on your carbon footprint, is an easy way to switch up your routine. This September, get one month of Indego30 for just $1 with code INDESHIFT26 at rideindego.com.

08/31/2026

Need a binder, notebook, or loose-leaf paper to kickstart your semester? Come on by the Howard Gittis Student Center and take a look at what Temple Office Supply Swap (TOSS) has to offer. Open house will run from 11 AM - 1:30 PM. More deets at the link in our bio.

08/26/2026

🎒🏠 Back to school, but make it sustainable! 🌱

Furnishing your new Temple apartment? Searching for the final missing piece to your dorm room? Skip the full-price shopping spree and join us for a Saturday trip to Habitat for Humanity ReStore! ♻️

Find affordable furniture, electronics, and home décor while giving pre-loved items a second life. Plus, Temple students get 10% off + FREE curbside delivery all weekend with your TUID! 🙌

🚌 Free shuttle from campus
📅 Saturday, August 29
⏰ Meet by 12:45 PM | Shuttle leaves at 1 PM
📍 12th Street & Polett Walk
🏡 ReStore: 2138 Washington Ave
⏰ Shop from 1:30–2:30 PM
🎓 Back on campus around 3 PM

✨ Register at the link in bio to reserve your free shuttle spot!

Start the semester sustainably, save money, and furnish your space with a little less waste. 🌎💚

08/21/2026

🌱 We're back! Temple Fest is today!🌱

Looking for ways to get involved, meet new people, and make a difference on campus and beyond? Stop by the **Office of Sustainability** during Weeks of Welcome to learn more about our programs, events, and ways to take action this semester!

🌎 Join EcoReps, our peer education program where students connect with their peers, build sustainability skills, and help make sustainability part of everyday campus life.

🚲 Get outside & explore Philly with our EcoReps events and excursions—from hiking in the Wissahickon and exploring green spaces to getting outside at the Discovery Center, all via transit or bike with friends.

♻️ Shop secondhand with opportunities to find free or affordable secondhand and vintage home goods.

…and that’s just the beginning! Come say hi at Temple Fest and follow along for more opportunities to learn, connect, explore, and get involved with sustainability at Temple. 🌿

08/19/2026

Green Building United’s Living Future and Passive House Communities invite you to join GBU members and Emerging Professionals for a summer happy hour with partners: Black Girl Environmentalist Philly Hub, Philadelphia Energy Authority, PGCC, PhilaNOMA, Young Professionals in Energy (YPE) Philly, and GreenDrinks Philly!

Gather with the region’s high-performance building community on the Delaware River waterfront for an evening of networking and scenic views. Whether you’re catching up with long-time colleagues or making new connections, GBU’s Summer Social is the perfect opportunity to engage with industry professionals, sustainability advocates, and community members dedicated to a resilient built environment.

07/09/2026

As an urban university, Temple takes pride in having over 1,200 trees on our campus. Every few years, student researchers with the Office of Sustainability audit every tree on campus -- taking into consideration each tree's diameter, canopy, tree family, and other characteristics.

To learn more about how these trees benefit humans and various animals species in the Philadelphia area, head to the link in our bio 🌳

06/25/2026

The Owls for Philly program has provided meaningful opportunities for the Temple community to engage with North Philadelphia neighbors and spaces through volunteer work 🌸

In April, students and faculty got their hands dirty to help beautify the Dendy Recreation Center at 10th & Oxford Streets, right next to the regional rail. In the coming semesters, students can find more opportunities to get involved with the local community 🏙

Head to the link in our bio to read more about Owls getting out in the community through volunteer opportunities 🦉

06/11/2026

Our EcoReps program is at the heart of what we do at the Office of Sustainability, and we were lucky enough to be featured in a Temple Now article highlighting our workshops!

To read more about the EcoReps workshops and how we keep like-minded students in the loop about sustainability happenings on-campus and within the Greater Philadelphia area, head to the link in our bio 🌎

Address

Howard Gittis Student Center, Lower Level 1755 N. 13th St
Philadelphia, PA
19122

Telephone

+12152041715

Website

http://sustainability.temple.edu/

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