Renewable energy for schools, Trump-DOGE impacts, open streets, and more.

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

Philadelphia Gas Works is considering geothermal energy for the heating and cooling needs of a Mt. Airy school and rec center. John F. McCloskey Elementary school is currently among the dozens of Philly schools lacking air conditioning amid a warming climate. A future study will determine whether installation of ground-source heat pumps at the site is feasible. If successful, the project could serve as a template for similar installations at other schools. The Inquirer.

A growing list of Philly-area organizations impacted by funding complications under a new presidential administration: At least $13 million in recently terminated and frozen grants would have provided funding to an air pollution monitoring program near the Delaware City Refinery, climate resilience efforts in Hunting Park, environmental justice efforts by the Overbrook Environmental Education Center, implementation of the Philly Tree Plan, and more. WHYY News Climate Desk.

Over $800 million in operating investments and capital funding for “clean and green” initiatives was set aside in Mayor Parker’s “One Philly 2.0” plan. If the proposed FY26 Budget & 5-Year Plan are approved by City Council, the new funding would help to support Clean Water Act compliance, flood resilience, landscape maintenance, SEPTA operations, trash and recycling programs, and more.

Car-free days are back this April near Rittenhouse Square. The Center City District’s Open Streets Program is returning every Sunday next month from 10am-5pm. Street closures on 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th will enable Philadelphians to freely roam a 7-block zone typically reserved for vehicular traffic.

Did you know you can certify your home or business as watershed-friendly? The Penn State Master Watershed Steward Program now offers its Watershed-Friendly Certification to all PA residents, including small properties under 10,500 square feet and large properties over 15 acres.

Cover photo: VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Suzanna Cook

Suzanna Cook is a lifelong Greater Philadelphia resident and graduate of Stockton University, where she obtained a B.S. in Sustainability with a concentration in Policy. Recently, she held positions on the editorial staff of her school’s independent student newspaper and as a Sustainability Specialist at Grand Canyon National Park. You can often find her riding the PATCO to Center City, crocheting with thrifted yarn, or practicing her latte art.