About the CEP
The Center for Environmental Policy (CEP) evaluates key issues of environmental policy, facilitates dialogues and decision-making on environmental topics, and informs the public from both an academic and practical perspective. Building upon its successful Town Square series, CEP answers the need for a non-partisan, science-based organization that is capable of accessing and guiding myriad of public and private environmental stakeholders.
CEP is not a traditional advocacy organization nor is it involved in lobbying or direct constituency-building. CEP informs and engages various constituents, promotes solutions, and builds awareness on important topics. Its activities fall into the following categories:
Town Square: Citizens for Science
Town Square is a series of lectures, forums, and panel discussions that brings together experts, stakeholders, and the public for serious discussions of critical environmental and scientific topics. Topics range from regional greenhouse gas levels to innovations in sustainable design, recent solar energy legislation, and the status of wildlife across the nation, access to zoning and planning, food access, and waterfront development. The Urban Sustainability Forum, a popular monthly program supported by numerous partner organizations in Philadelphia, is a feature of the Town Square series.
Special Events
Special events such as the Philadelphia Recycling Coalition: A Forum Celebrating the Future for Recycling in Philadelphia, create collaborative opportunities to focus on particular issues, innovative approaches, and legislative efforts.
Science On Tap
Our monthly informal science and networking series, Science on Tap takes place at National Mechanics Bar & Restaurant 22 South 3rd Street in Old City and features scientists who speak about important topics in an accessible, relaxed environment.
Hosted Groups
The CEP acts as a logistical hub for a number of private groups organized around sustainability issues. The Center facilitates communications within these groups about best practices and innovations, as well as building community-supported momentum around environmental topics. Blog bulletins are intended for information sharing, announcements, and to serve as a virtual meeting place for members of the group. Hosted Groups currently include:
- Green Condominiums
- Green Museums
- Interfaith Network
Working Groups
The CEP brings regional and national leaders together with local leadership for the purposes of solving specific problems through the sharing of best practices, new perspectives, and the infusion of innovative ideas and solutions. Working groups take place throughout the year as issues and policy initiatives arise.
