Mark Group, a leading global provider of home energy efficiency analysis and improvements, has joined with Penn Home Ownership Services at The University of Pennsylvania to offer 'Penn sustainability@ home.' 

Through the program, university employees are granted access to home performance-focused educational workshops, free home energy assessments, and discounted rates for energy efficiency home improvements.  The University's $7,500 Enhanced Forgivable Loan, available to eligible Penn homeowners, can be applied to home energy upgrades.

Since 2007, the University of Pennsylvania has added 'green' to the Red and the Blue.  The first Ivy League university to sign the American College and University President's Climate Commitment, Penn is dedicated to promoting sustainable initiatives and programs. 

"We are proud to now bring our commitment to sustainability 'home'," comments Marie Witt, vice president of the Division of Business Services that oversees Penn Home Ownership Services.  "Sustainability is not a 9 to 5 effort, nor something that takes a summer break.  'Penn sustainability@home' empowers staff members to define what sustainability means to them, beyond campus boundaries."  

'Penn sustainability@home' puts a financially and ecologically responsible spin on popular group-buying platforms, helping employees save money on their non-discretionary monthly energy costs as opposed to a discounted facial. 

Under the program, Penn employees will save up to $300 on energy efficiency home improvements and $500 off solar upgrades.  During the 'Penn sustainability @ home' pilot, three Penn associates received Mark Group Home Energy Assessments and proceeded with the installation of energy-saving measures.

Mark Group will submit monthly reports to the University, tracking engagement and energy-saving impact.  If 500 Penn employees implemented basic air sealing and insulation energy efficiency home improvements this year, the community would enjoy an estimated $278,500 in avoided energy expenditures.

Visit the Penn sustainability@home webpage for more information.

6/18/2012