The Office of Investments has established the goal of reducing the net greenhouse gas emissions from Penn’s endowment investments to zero by 2050. The Office is also actively pursuing investment strategies that will help fund the transition from a high-carbon to low-carbon economy.
In April 2021 the Penn Office of Investments announced its goal of reducing the net greenhouse gas emissions from Penn’s endowment investments to zero by 2050.
To maximize the impact of our efforts, we will pursue our net-zero goal in a manner that contributes to the decarbonization of the real economy. We will therefore engage with the investment managers with whom we partner, lending our voice and support as they encourage their portfolio companies to develop and follow sustainable decarbonization plans. We expect that progress toward the endowment’s net-zero goal will primarily occur through emissions reductions at the many hundreds of companies in which the endowment is invested.
In addition, the Office is actively pursuing investment strategies that will help fund the transition from a high-carbon to low-carbon economy. The energy transition will require huge amounts of capital, creating significant investment opportunities over the coming decades. We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to make investments that not only generate strong returns for Penn but also contribute to real world decarbonization.
Achieving net zero is a massive and complex goal. We are fortunate to be able to collaborate with Penn faculty experts, with our investment partners, and with other institutional investors who share similar aims. Achieving our goal will also inevitably depend on the commitment of governments to meet emissions reductions goals, on the development of technologies that will support a decarbonized economy, and on significant changes in consumer behavior.
We are excited to be part of the global effort to solve the greatest challenge of our generation. We look forward to updating the community over time as we progress in our overall efforts.
November 29, 2022
The world gathering in Egypt for COP27 reminds us of the urgency of our collective fight against climate change. Faculty, student, and staff attendees from Penn represent the energy and talent that so many Penn community members contribute to this crucial effort.
March 02, 2022
In April 2021, the Office of Investments set a goal of reducing the net anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions associated with the endowment’s investments to zero by 2050. Since then, we have collaborated with Penn’s Investment Board to develop a framework for achieving net zero.
April 07, 2021
Combating climate change is one of the paramount challenges of our time. We write today to update the University community on a significant new initiative that Penn is undertaking.
The Office of Investments has established the goal of reducing the net greenhouse gas emissions from Penn’s endowment investments to zero by 2050. Penn Today speaks with Chief Investment Officer Peter Ammon about Penn’s new climate goal and the challenges that will need to be overcome in order to achieve it.