Current News
For Immediate Release

HARRISBURG: Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Yablonsky today announced that Philadelphia University has received $1 million in Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA) funding to support a consortium that promotes environmentally sound design and construction of buildings and communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia University, in conjunction with Temple University, Villanova University and the Ben Franklin Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania, comprise the Philadelphia Consortium for Sustainable Design and Research of Southeastern Pennsylvania. The Consortium promotes and advances green initiatives such as the use of recycled materials, solar energy, and plant life to construct new buildings and communities in order to preserve the environment, save money, and create safe and pleasant working and living environments.

"The demand for information and expertise in the green building industry continues to grow at an exponential rate in Pennsylvania. Architects, designers, materials, and technologies are currently imported from other states because there is not enough expertise and materials available locally to meet the demand," said Yablonsky. "This integrated team of inventors, researchers, and designers will help regenerate the environment, preserve energy resources, and spur the development of a new green economy for Southeastern Pennsylvania."

The Consortium has been assisting contractors in the design of LEED-rated (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) buildings and is spearheading a variety of applied projects such as recycled spray-on insulation systems for exposed walls of Philadelphia row houses, the development of sustainable carpeting, and the incorporation of fly ash (industrial waste) into concrete to make a stronger, cheaper, and environmentally-friendly product.

Sites employing these technologies and others are often eligible for tax benefits, have reduced resource consumption, and experience increased worker productivity.

Yablonsky said that the Consortium's multi-university, interdisciplinary research team supports Governor Edward G. Rendell's technology-focused economic development strategy.

"The combined efforts of the Consortium will stimulate regional industries, leverage private and federal research dollars, and help local companies expand their business and create new jobs through the adoption of green initiatives," Yablonsky said.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP) is dedicated to growing the region through science, technology and entrepreneurship. Now commemorating 20 years of innovation excellence, Ben Franklin provides entrepreneurs and established businesses the capital, talent, and expertise they need to compete. Like its namesake, Ben Franklin invests in, builds upon and delivers solutions that grow communities and create new wealth by supporting today's technological ideas and tomorrow's scientific discovery.