In April, Penn opened its campus to admitted students during Quaker Days - an annual program designed to introduce these potential Quakers to the academic, residential, cultural, civic, and extracurricular vitality of Penn, as well as to the city of Philadelphia. College House Eco-Reps, led by Sustainability Outreach Manager Julian Goresko, took Quaker Days participants on a Sustainability Landscape tour presented by Landscape Architect Bob Lundgren and Landscape Planner Chloe Cerwinka.  Similarly, University Architect David Hollenberg led a tour highlighting campus architecture, following a presentation on the subject to visiting students and parents. These are just a few examples of how we serve directly as ambassadors for Penn.

Whether the tours you give are informal to a group of three, or tightly orchestrated beginning with a Powerpoint and kept to a time schedule, your representation of the University, as a member of FRES, is definitely recognized and highly appreciated. Thank you for such obvious demonstrations of your pride in your work and your support of the University of Pennsylvania.

April 23, 2015 marked the 22nd Anniversary of Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day, a national program designed to expose girls and boys to what a parent or mentor in their lives does during the work day, show them the value of their education, help them discover the power and possibilities associated with a balanced work and family life, and provide them an opportunity to think about how they envision their own futures. 

With more than a dozen activities scheduled across campus, Penn children were able to do things like get their own Penn Kids Card, visit the Bio Pond, visit the Law School, and tour the Data Command Center. FRES hosted more than 75 kids at Adams Field in Penn Park at Be an Athlete for a Day, and about 20 'tweens' participated in the Do's and Don'ts of Social Media.

FRES wishes to thank, in particular, Bob Flowers, team leader for Be an Athlete for a Day, and Vivin Varghese and George Bedford, team leaders for the Do's and Don'ts of Social Media. Many thanks as well to Engagement Committee Members and FRES Volunteers:

Jim Bean

Taylor Berkowitz

Terrence Brooks

Chloe Cerwinka

Mark Conway

Karen DiMaria

Dennis Flannery

Joe Gaither

Marketa Johnson

Bob Lundgren

Carole Mercaldo

Lauren Robinson

Michelle Robinson

Beth Schwartz

Debbie Stokes

Kandace White-Thompson

Heidi Wunder

Andrew Zarynow

 In addition, FRES thanks the Penn Athletics office for its assistance in planning Be an Athlete for a Day.

Come and see a review of all of FRES achievements during the past fiscal year at this year's FRES Annual Meeting presented by FRES VP Anne Papageorge. All FRES staff should attend one of five scheduled sessions listed below - registration for these dates will begin mid-May. Bring your PennCard so that you can swipe in to confirm your attendance.

Monday, June 15

8:30 AM               Hall of Flags, Houston Hall

4:30 PM                Hall of Flags, Houston Hall

Tuesday, June 16

6:30 AM               Hall of Flags, Houston Hall

8:30 AM               Hall of Flags, Houston Hall

Tuesday, June 30

8:30 AM               Hall of Flags, Houston Hall

The news spread quickly about the Capital Project Information Session for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Sub-Contractors in the Construction Industry hosted by FRES, Penn Medicine, and the Office of Government and Community Affairs on April 7. Attendance topped 175 and the event was covered by Philadelphia's ABC affiliate, WPVI Channel 6. View the news video clip.

 Speakers included Anne Papageorge, Vice President of Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES), Glenn Bryan, Assistant Vice President of Community Relations, Pat Dorris, Associate Vice President of Real Estate, Design & Construction for Penn Medicine, and Mike Dausch, Executive Director of Design & Construction, FRES.  A number of general contractors were on hand to speak to sub-contractors in attendance: D.J. Keating , HSC Builders, Hunter Roberts, Intech, WH Myers, L.F. Driscoll, P. Agnes, Torcon, and Lorenzon.

Conversations around bicycles at Penn gained ground a few years ago, with a call for a new cross-University committee to refresh the University's bike policy. FRES has been participating in this committee, along with the Business Services Division, the Division of Public Safety, the Student Health Service, PennCycle, and Penn Bike Commuters, among others. They have updated the official policy, and continue to advocate for bike lanes around campus, revise website content and bike maps, improve signage, increase the number of and relocate bike corrals. Thanks to the Committee's efforts, Penn was named a Silver 'Bicycle Friendly University' by the League of American Bicyclists in November 2014.

"The Bike Committee created an organized group out of what we had been doing ad hoc already," described Bob Lundgren, University Landscape Architect, who along with Chloe Cerwinka, Landscape Planner, were active representatives of FRES in all of the committee's initiatives. He further described how Penn Cycle, a student-led bike share program for the Penn Community, and the Penn Bike Commuters, a group of staff and faculty to commute on two wheels to Penn (and have a Facebook group), had laid much of the groundwork for the overall Bike Committee.

 The most recent product of the Bike Committee's hard work was the April 23 on-campus launch of Philadelphia's Indego Bike Share program, an integrated system featuring over 600 self-service bicycles and 70 bike-share stations in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia.  Three stations are located on campus: at 40th and Spruce, near the University City Regional Rail Station, and 36th and Sansom.  Indego member plans are now available at www.rideindego.com. 

 General Penn bicycle information can be found at upenn.edu and  facilities.upenn.edu.

May 15th is National Bike to Work Day. The Philadelphia Bike Coalition hosted information tables in front of the Penn Museum, starting at 7:30 AM.  Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter was scheduled to appear before the 10:00 AM close of the event.

Spreading roots for a Greener Region! This year's Creating Canopy program could barely keep up with the demand from Penn and UPHS staff and faculty for free yard trees - about 330 trees were registered for pick up on May 5 and 7. In partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, FRES sponsored the distribution of trees - along with planting and care information - to University and hospital staff who own homes in the City of Philadelphia or the suburbs. This brings the program's total of trees distributed, since launch in 2011, to more than 800, greatly increasing the tree canopy in the Philadelphia metro region.  Creating Canopy supports the University's environmental sustainability goals, set out in the 2009 Climate Action Plan, and renewed in October 2014. 

The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia announced the winners of the 2015 Preservation Achievement Awards, including individuals, organizations, structures and public spaces that contribute to the region's unique character. This year, twenty regional restoration and revitalization projects were selected by a Grand Jury of distinguished experts including national figures in the preservation world, including the revitalization of the Arts, Research, Culture House, known as the ARCH, at the University of Pennsylvania.

The Alliance will present the Special Recognition and Grand Jury awards at the 22nd Annual Preservation Achievement Awards event on Wednesday, June 3, at the historic Union League of Philadelphia. The annual celebration of outstanding success is the largest gathering of preservationists in the region.

 The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia actively promotes the appreciation, protection, and revitalization of the Philadelphia region's historic buildings, communities, and landscapes.

Penn, along with architecture firm Weiss/Manfredi, share this recognition for the Krishna P. Singh Center for Nanotechnology. AIA New York's annual Design Awards Program recognizes outstanding architectural design by AIA New York Chapter members, New York City based architects in any location, and work in New York City by architects around the globe. The purpose of the awards program is to honor the architects, clients, and consultants who work together to achieve design excellence. Founded in 1857, the AIANY is the oldest and largest chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

 All 2015 winning projects will be on view at AIANY's Center for Architecture in the 2015 Design Awards exhibition, April 23 through June 17, 2015.

A renovation of the first and second floors of Vance Hall has received LEED for Commercial Interiors Silver Certification. This building, located at 3733 Spruce Street, was constructed in 1972 and houses the Wharton School's graduate education program. Design and program elements of Vance Hall that gained LEED points towards the Silver level designation include:

• Green Power.  Through the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), the design team ensured that the amount of energy this building consumes over the next two years is replaced on the electric grid by renewable sources, resulting in a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
• Daylight and Views.  Vance Hall provides building occupants with a connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors through the introduction of daylight and views.  The design of the spaces allowed for 90% of the 21,000 sf project area to have access to natural daylight.
• SMaRT Certified products.  SMaRT Certification is a rating system which evaluates a product's full life cycle and effects on the global environment and economy.  By specifying products which have SMaRT Certification, the design team supported the use of sustainable products and stimulated the development of certified sustainable products.

The renovation project on the lower level of the Graduate Research Wing (GRW) of the Moore School also has received LEED for Commercial Interiors Silver Certification. GRW is located at 200 S. 33rd Street and is part of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Engineering Complex.

• The largest impact on sustainability metrics in this project at SEAS was within LEED's Energy and Atmosphere category. The design team selected a very efficient chilled beam system for the basement and future renovations in floors 1-3. The project design reduced lighting power by 37%. Occupancy sensors were installed for 83% of lighted spaces. 100% of the equipment installed on site is ENERGY STAR.
• The project has diverted an impressive 95% of on-site generated construction waste from landfill. It achieved 32% Water Use Reductionthrough efficient plumbing fixtures. Finally, 26% of building materials were made from recycled content.
• Levine North (GRW) Phase 2 Floors 1-3 is currently applying for LEED silver certification using the same model of sustainable building.

The University of Pennsylvania has earned 2014 Tree Campus USA® designation, awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation. This marks the 6th year in a row that Penn has received this designation.

Tree Campus USA® is a national program created in 2008 to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals.

"Penn is committed to maintaining the urban park-like setting of our campus," said Bob Lundgren, University Landscape Architect. "In addition to the tree management and care provided by staff and consultants, we offer programs both here and at the Morris Arboretum to engage volunteers and students in the conservation of our green space located in the center of a busy city environment."

 Penn achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA's five standards, which are met by these initiatives, among others, on campus:

• A Campus Tree Advisory Committee comprised of members representing the diverse audience of those with a stake in campus trees is established and meets regularly. This committee includes students, faculty, facility management and members of the community.
• A Campus Tree Care Plan has been produced with guidelines for campus development planning and sustainability efforts.
• Finances and personnel resources have been allocated for an annual work plan for tree planting, initial care, and ongoing management.
• Penn's Class of 2018 planted a Bald Cypress on College Green as its Class Tree.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of one million members, with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org.

Congratulations to the many FRES staff honored by Penn's 2015 Models of Excellence Program:

The Green Campus Partnership Team received a Model of Excellence Award for the above-and-beyond contributions of each group member in the achievement of integrating sustainability into coursework, community, and campus planning, design, and operations.  Members of the FRES staff on this team include: Chloe Cerwinka, Sarah Fisher, Joseph Gaither, Daniel Garofalo, Julian Goresko, Heidi Wunder, and Andrew Zarynow.

Honorable Mentions in Models of Excellence went to:

The ARCH Team for collaborating on a solution to transform the ARCH building into a destination spot, bringing people together and fostering cultural diversity, awareness, education, and community. Members of the FRES Staff on this team include:Steve Becker, Mark Breitenbach, Ke Feng, and David Hollenberg.

The Singh Center for Nanotechnology Team for planning, designing, and constructing a state-of-the-art nanotechnology facility that engages the local, national, and global research community. Members of the FRES Staff on this team include:Ed Benfold, Michael Dausch, David Hollenberg, and Christopher Kern.

  Michael Rosato of Operations & Maintenance received an Honorable Mention in the Pillars of Excellence category for playing a significant part in the day-to-day operations in the Franklin Building where safety and service is the top priority in his role as custodian.

The Models of Excellence Program was introduced in 1999 to recognize notable staff member accomplishments at Penn that reflect initiative, leadership, increased efficiency, and a deep commitment to service. Introduced in 2014, the Pillars of Excellence Award recognizes the strong foundation and important support Penn's weekly-paid staff members provide to promote the University's success.

 At this year's March 24 ceremony, President Amy Gutmann officially recognized all of the Models of Excellence winners. 

In late January, the Perelman School of Medicine opened its $38 million Henry A. Jordan Medical Education Center, located at 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, atop the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine. Medical students will be able to interact with research faculty, clinicians, and patients, in the same building complex where they attend class. Read more in the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Design & Construction: University of Pennsylvania Hospital System

Architect: Rafael Vinoly

Construction Manager: L.F. Driscoll

The University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania announced the opening of the Penn Wharton China Center in Beijing, China, on March 10. The Center is an important expansion of Penn's engagement with China, which began in 1896 when the first Chinese student enrolled at Penn. It will operate through the University's China based affiliate, Penn Wharton Consulting (Beijing) Co, LTD.

 The Center will serve as a valuable resource and vibrant gathering place enhancing learning and research opportunities to the benefit of Penn's faculty, students, alumni and friends in China. Through its consulting programs, it will also support Chinese executives and others in acquiring the practical skills and perspectives that will help them successfully lead their organizations in a global context.  Read more on Penn's News website.

 Special recognition to Ed Datz, Executive Director of Real Estate, and Laura Park-Smith, Director of Portfolio Management, for securing and establishing the location for the China Center, and overseeing the design and fit out of this new space for the University in Asia.

The design development for the new Pennovation Center received approval from the University of Pennsylvania Board of Trustees in February. This 58,000-square-foot, three-story, $37.5M  facility is located in the heart of the Pennovation Works, Penn's 23-acre site along the southern bank of the Schuylkill River and adjacent to the University campus. The Center's design rehabilitates an existing industrial building once used for materials-science research, bringing it back to life as Penn's hub for innovation, research and entrepreneurialism.  The design of the Pennovation Center is part of a larger Phase I scope that includes infrastructure, site signage and landscaping, anticipated for completion next summer. FRES appreciates the many months of hard work led by our Real Estate team, the Office of the University Architect, and Communications team for bringing this important development project to this point. Read the full press release and for more Pennovation Works information, visit www.pennovation.upenn.edu.  

New tenants are moving into the recently completed office building at 3901 Walnut Street. The Office of Government and Community Affairs was the first to take up residence, and will be soon followed by University Communications. This 30,000 GSF, six-floor building was designed by MGA Partners and the project developer, Hankin Group. 3901 Walnut is targeting LEED Gold certification. Selection of a ground-floor retail tenant is underway.

 Special recognition to Paul Sehnert, Director of Development Management, for managing this project.

The 40th Street Summer Series -- co-produced by University City District, Penn, and The Rotunda -- will once again enliven the green area behind the Walnut Street Library at 40th Street with monthly performances and free family events. This year the programming will run from May-September, with performances falling on the last Saturday of each month (May 30th, June 27th, July 25th, August 29th, and September 26th). Watch for the complete line up.

During this unique event on Thursday, June 25, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, University City's Baltimore Avenue between 43rd and 51st Street showcases its charm and businesses with $1 bargains from neighborhood favorites, ranging from bites from signature restaurants to pet supplies to theater tickets. The event also showcases new businesses along the constantly growing commercial corridor.

As part of efforts at FRES to achieve Green Office Level 4 - the highest possible - a new set of bins were installed in our kitchens over the past winter.  We are now asked to separate our trash into bins for Landfill, Recycling, and Compost.  The FRES Green Team made new posters to help guide us in this process. The list below should help us to better understand where we should "pitch" some of the common items in FRES kitchens:

COMPOST - Green Bin

• All food waste (scrape out your containers, dishes and dispose of them separately)
• Any containers or flatware that is "compostable" will be marked as such

RECYCLE - Blue Bin

• Plastic utensils (forks, knives, spoons)   
• Foil (clean off food first)
• Plastic "clamshell" food containers (like those from Picnic, Old Nelson, or Houston Hall) (clean off first first)
• Paper Cups

LANDFILL - Black Bin

• Paper Towels
• Napkins
• Snack/chip bags   
• Coffee Creamer cups   
• Coffee Stirrers (wood and plastic)

Do you have an original idea that will positively impact Penn's environmental sustainability efforts? Do you just need some funding to make it happen? Apply for a Green Fund Grant and make your green dreams a reality!

 The Green Fund is available to current students, faculty and staff at Penn. It welcomes ideas from the Penn community about ways to improve Penn's environmental performance and reduce campus emissions. Since 2009, this initiative of Penn's Green Campus Partnership, funded by FRES, has seeded innovative ideas in environmental sustainability from across the Penn community.

 Proposed projects must support goals and objectives outlined in Penn's Climate Action Plan, a long-range strategy, launched in 2009 and updated in 2014, to reduce the University's carbon footprint and enhance its overall sustainability.  Learn about award amounts and proposal guidelines on the Green Campus Partnership website.