Focus Area

Environment and Energy

Berks County is a Beautiful Place

Our goal is to keep it that way by supporting projects and programs that recognize the value of our farmland and open space, promote energy efficiency, and reduce our impact on the planet.

Goal: Preserve Farming and Open Space
Farming is an economic driver in Berks County that has the benefit of preserving the natural beauty of our area. We encourage sustainable farming practices and land preservation to ensure future generations can enjoy the community too.
Goal: Promote Energy Efficiency
We look to green building technology, high-efficiency heating and cooling options, and green energy production to shrink our community’s energy usage over time.
Goal: Reduce Our Impact on the Planet
Working together, we can choose paths to economic vitality that protect the planet rather than strip it of its resouces.

What’s New in Environment and Energy

Berks County Community Foundation Announces End of 3rd Quarter Grant Cycle

Reading, PA – October 9, 2024 – Berks County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the conclusion of its 3rd quarter grant cycle, which has successfully distributed vital funding to local nonprofits and initiatives dedicated to improving our community. In this quarter, the foundation awarded…

October 9, 2024

Berks County Community Foundation

With Support from Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund, Green Building Alliance Launches Initiative in Meadville and Reading, PA

PITTSBURGH – (July 23, 2024) – Green Building Alliance (GBA) will launch its newest program, Resilient Communities, in Meadville and Reading, Pa., providing both communities with a range of services to help reduce energy demand, cut utility costs, and increase energy efficiency and resiliency for…

August 8, 2024

Berks County Community Foundation

Solar Project Receives Governor’s Award

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford received one of 22 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence for a rooftop solar array on the George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building. This project was funded in part by support from the Metropolitan Edison/Pennsylvania Electric Company Sustainable…

July 22, 2024

Emily Smedley, Environment and Energy Program Officer

We turn initiatives into action.

With the help of community partners and committed volunteers, we take what we learn and put it to work through specific programs.

Current Programs

Met Ed Sustainable Energy Fund

A Brighter Energy Future

We work in partnership with the Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund to improve energy efficiency and support green energy project and education across a broad swath of Pennsylvania.

Learn More

Our knowledge is your power.

We’ve been creating change since 1994. Our program officers know initatives in Berks County inside-out and can answer all your questions

Ask Us Anything