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Presented by UPMC Health Plan
CEOs for Sustainability executive network, in partnership with Sustainable Pittsburgh, hosted their annual C-Suite Summit on Wednesday, November 15 at the Energy Innovation Center. Decarbonization, or the reduction of carbon emissions from human systems and activities, has quickly elevated as a priority for southwestern Pennsylvania. This year’s gathering featured C-Suite executives discussing practical pathways toward decarbonization in southwestern Pennsylvania.
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Tom Hucker, Senior Consultant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Programs Office, served as the keynote speaker. The Energy Loans Program Office finances large-scale, all-of-the-above energy infrastructure projects in the United States. Hucker shared ways in which the DOE is enabling pathways for businesses and organizations to engage in decarbonization efforts. A panel of CEOs for Sustainability leaders followed, where participants gained insights into how these local leaders are operationalizing decarbonization at their companies.
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Networking opportunities and an optional tour were included, allowing attendees to experience the rich history of the Connolley Trade School and its transformation into the EIC, encapsulating Pittsburgh’s evolution within a single building. The tour ended with an exploration of ‘Patterns of Meaning,’ a remarkable exhibit curated by Chip Barletto and Cory Bonnet. This collection of foundry patterns and blueprints, dating from the late 1890s to the early 1900s, showcases the intricate craftsmanship that built the industrial world of the late 1800s.
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CEOs for Sustainability is a leading executive network providing regional thought leadership on business sustainability. Participating companies represent more than $150 billion in total revenues and 100,000 employees. CEOs for Sustainability recognizes that prosperous businesses are at the foundation of a thriving, equitable region.
Special Thanks to our Featured Speakers and CEOs for Sustainability Members:
- Tom Hucker
Senior Consultant
U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office - Jim Penna
PA State Director of Government Affairs
Eos Energy Enterprises - Jana Lake
President
3R Sustainability
and Co-Chair
CEOs for Sustainability - Raymond W. Yeager
President and Chief Executive Officer
DMI Companies
and Co-Chair
CEOs for Sustainability
Take the next steps to reduce carbon emissions at your organization.
Access regional success stories and resources for progress:
- Decarb Digest presents a curated, regional snapshot of progress on carbon-emissions reduction, including funding opportunities and highlights of local leadership.
- Sustainable Pittsburgh Workplace offers a framework, resources, and connections to help your workplace achieve strategic impact, stand out among peers, and reduce operational costs. Earn Sustainable Workplace designation for performance across environmental, social, and governance topics. The Workplace program is aligned with the B Corp’s B Impact Assessment, GRI Standards, and Vibrant Pittsburgh’s Vibrant Index.
- Leading Forward Roadmap, for step by step instructions for embarking on a carbon- emissions reduction path.
Compete in the Carbon Reduction Sprint
Ready to jumpstart progress on your company’s carbon reduction efforts while earning recognition for your achievements? Compete in the Carbon Reduction Sprint, a fun, free, and friendly 6-month competition!
The Sprint runs from December 4, 2023 through June 28, 2024. You can sign up at any time, and you can get started on the “On Ramp” questions before the official launch on December 4. Create an account or log in to get started. Learn more by reviewing the Sprint FAQs.
Join us online on December 5 from 12 to 1:15pm for the Sustainable Community Development Network (SCDN) Policy Connection webinar on “Activating Carbon-Emissions Reduction Through Energy Efficiency Strategies.” Speakers will provide an overview of the energy efficiency landscape as well as information on how to access rebates and other resources to support energy efficiency as part of any carbon reduction strategy. Register today!
2022 CEOs for Sustainability C-Suite Summit
More than ever, meaningful progress on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues depends on collaborative leadership and peer exchange. During this annual gathering, C-Suite executives shared how businesses large and small are leading forward.
Thank you to our presenters:
- Debbie DeLong, Ph.D., Marketing Professor, Chatham University
- Steven Guy, President & CEO, Oxford Development
- Jana Lake, President, 3R Sustainability
- Antonis Papadourakis, Ph.D., President & CEO, LANXESS
- JoAnn Rizzo, Eco Chair, AE Works Ltd.
- Craig Stevenson, President, AUROS Group
- Charles Toran, President, Sci-Tek Consultants
- Raymond Yeager, President & CEO, DMI Companies
Tours:
- Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute
- Mill 19 rooftop solar array
2021 CEOs for Sustainability C-Suite Summit, Presented by UPMC Health Plan
In this third annual C-Suite Summit, C-Suite executives from private and publicly traded companies shared candid perspectives on achievements at their businesses — achievements that are building on the group’s Leading Forward priorities for a more resilient, equitable economy and advancing strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.
Keynote speaker Lisa Conway, Vice President of Sustainability, Americas at Interface Inc., opened the event, calling on business leaders to join Interface in advancing its Climate Take Back strategy, which aims to help reverse global warming. A global flooring manufacturer, Interface has pursued “Moonshot Goals” to transform into arguably the world’s most sustainable industrial company. A panel of CEOs for Sustainability leaders followed, sharing their commitments to sustainability as a business imperative and foundation for competitive advantage. Featured presenters included the following:
- Mary Beth Jenkins, COO, UPMC Health Plan
- Leroy M. Ball, Jr., President and CEO, Koppers
- Ron C. Keating, President and CEO, Evoqua Water Technologies
- Kurt Lesker IV, President and CEO, Kurt J. Lesker Company
2020 CEOs for Sustainability C-Suite Summit, Presented by UPMC Health Plan
During this November 18th event, CEOs for Sustainability leaders called upon their peers in the Pittsburgh region to take action around three priorities for achieving a sustainable economic recovery: advance racial and ethnic equity, support local businesses and communities, and reduce carbon emissions. Several C-Suite leaders shared how their businesses are responding to challenges and using a sustainability strategy as a competitive advantage. Microsoft’s Vice President of AI Country Strategy and Sustainability Partnership Gretchen O’Hara delivered the keynote speech, sharing practical insights on how Microsoft is addressing society’s most pressing challenges, including plans to be carbon negative by 2030. Additional featured speakers included:
- Diane Holder, President and CEO, UPMC Health Plan
- Haakan Jonsson, Ph.D., Chairman and President, Covestro LLC
- Jana D. Lake, President, 3R Sustainability
- Jodi Rennie, VP and General Manager, Turner Construction
- Sara Thompson, Principal, Pashek + MTR