Building a More Equitable, Sustainable Future
At Penn State Greater Allegheny, we believe sustainability and equity go hand in hand. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our campus takes action through innovative projects that support people, planet, and progress, both now and for generations to come.
Our sustainability efforts are hands-on, collaborative, and rooted in the needs of our local and global community. Students, faculty, staff, and community partners work together to tackle challenges and create meaningful change.
Project GAGA (Goats at Greater Allegheny)
Since Fall 2018, we’ve been using goats to help care for campus green spaces, making us the first Penn State Commonwealth Campus to use goatscaping.
Goats naturally clear overgrown hillsides and vegetation
No herbicides or heavy equipment needed
Their grazing helps fertilize the soil and promote healthy ecosystems
It’s a fun, eco-friendly solution that blends sustainability with smart land management.
Edible Walking Trail
Around campus, you’ll find spots containing fresh produce growing—not just for show, but for sharing.
Features fruits, vegetables, and herbs
Maintained by our Physical Plant team
Open for the campus community to pick and enjoy
It’s one more way we make sustainability visible, interactive, and rooted in care for each other.
Campus Collaboration: Penn State Extension
With the additional presence of Penn State Extension on campus, starting in 2025, Greater Allegheny is even more connected to the wider Penn State land-grant mission, bringing community education, research, and outreach right to our region.
Extension programs often support sustainability through:
Agriculture and gardening education
Environmental stewardship
Nutrition and food access
Youth development through 4-H