Sustainable Pittsburgh

Lawn Conversion and Green Infrastructure–Why and How? (Part 1)
2022-09-21 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Join WeConservePA and guest speakers from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Forestry, Rural and Community Forestry section for a two-part presentation on the whys and how-to’s of lawn conversion and green infrastructure.
DCNR launched its Lawn Conversion program in 2020. Born out of the Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, this statewide program’s goal is to improve water quality through converting mowed grass lawn areas to either forest or meadow, both of which help to improve infiltration and remove pollutants in stormwater runoff. In this session, we will cover how the lawn conversion program was envisioned and how it is currently operating, how DCNR is working to make lawn conversion funding and technical assistance available to partner organizations working with landowners in Pennsylvania, the basics of designing and implementing lawn conversion projects, and the challenges that come with converting lawn to meadow or forest.

Pennsylvania Sustainability Summit
2022-10-03 00:00 - 2022-10-07 23:59 | Virtual
Presented by: PA GreenGov Council
Join Pennsylvania’s leading sustainability experts, elected officials, state-agency leaders and policymakers for an exciting and informative series of conversations and presentations during the first-ever Pennsylvania Sustainability Summit hosted by the PA GreenGov Council.
This conference is free, open to all, and virtual — so you can join from your home or office. Attendees will get an inside view of the policies, programs and funding initiatives designed to help advance energy efficiency, climate resiliency and create a more sustainable future for Pennsylvania.

Decent Work and Economic Growth
2022-10-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Presented by: The GreenGov Council and Penn State’s Sustainability Institute
This webinar will feature Stephen Herzenberg, Executive Director of the Keystone Research Center, as we explore employment and financial inequalities within our society. Specific discussion areas will include the current state and impact of unemployment, inflation, and income inequality in Pennsylvania.

PRC's Pittsburgh ReuseFest
2022-10-15 10:00 - 14:00 | To Be Announced
Clean out the garage…the basement…the overflowing closets throughout the house and gather gently used items to drop off at ReuseFest, a large-scale collection of materials to be REUSED by local nonprofits.
The Pennsylvania Resources Council’s “ReuseFest” – a one-of-a-kind drop-off event for gently used materials destined for reuse by numerous local nonprofit organizations – accepts a wide variety of items including bedding/bath, clothing, furniture, kitchen items, medical supplies, pet supplies and more.
Click on here to view a list of participating nonprofits and materials accepted.

Pittsburgh Clean Water Festival
2022-10-15 11:00 - 15:00 | Millvale Riverfront Park, 70 River Front Drive, Pittsburgh, PA
Presented by: The Pittsburgh Section of The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
ASCE Pittsburgh and Friends are hosting a series of events and a water themed festival on Saturday October 15th the weekend prior to the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act on October 18th, 2022. The festival will be free and open to the public with food trucks, exhibitors with educational water activities, artists, free commemorative t-shirt to the first 200 attendees, a festival river trail bike parade, free rowing lessons provided by Three Rivers Rowing Association, a free tree giveaway by Tree Pittsburgh, and presentations from water experts and water related activities for all ages.

Newcastle University and the University of Pittsburgh Virtual Collaborative Conference
2022-10-19 00:00 - 2022-10-20 23:59 | Virtual
Presented by: The University of Pittsburgh and Newcastle University
Between 19 and 20 October 2022 Newcastle University will host the second collaborative conference. Building on last year’s conference they will explore and share best practices on how Universities advance place-based approaches through community and student engagement and importantly how we measure our impact and demonstrate accountability to our communities and stakeholders.
The conference will include a program of concurrent sessions focused on the themes of sustainability, health, culture and cities and places. Plenary sessions will draw upon the role universities play in their place, looking at a range of international contexts and approaches to impact and evaluation.

Infrastructure & Resilience Activator Series: Transportation
2022-10-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Presented by: CONNECT and PennDOT
Learn more about state and regional opportunities for local governments to invest in multimodal transportation, equitable access, and EV fleets. Presenters include the PA Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Health, and State Representative Sara Innamorato. Ask questions on the featured opportunities during the session or send any questions to ejr73@pitt.edu ahead of the event.
Featured Opportunities:
-Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant/Level 2 Charging Rebate
-Driving PA Forward Grants
-Multimodal Transportation Fund Statewide Program (PennDOT)
-WalkWorks Active Transportation Planning Grants

Grainstorm
2022-10-22 12:00 - 18:00 | Chatham Uniersity Eden Hall Campus, 6035 Ridge Rd, Gibsonia, PA
Join CRAFT for a day learning all about the regional grainshed in Western PA with hands-on workshops and roundtable discussions. This event is perfect for regional grain leaders, industry professionals, business owners interested in incorporating more regional grains into their product lines, and everyday enthusiasts of regional grains. A day of learning will close out with a happy hour, networking event and snacks from our wood-fired bread oven. Click here for more information and to register.

Plastics Recycling Markets Development Summit
2022-10-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Hilton Garden Inn East, 3943 Tecport Dr., Harrisburg, PA, United States
Presented by: Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center
Session to include:

Plastic Recycling Markets News for Pennsylvania
New Markets and Facilities Updates
Closed Loop Partners MRF Program
Plastic in Asphalt Technology
Third-Party Certification Benefits
DEP Updates and Waste Composition

Craftical: An Intense Virtual Crafting Competition
2022-10-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
Presented by: Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse
Get your craft on (virtually!) at the craft-off! Create the greatest/weirdest thing you possibly can in just 30 minutes and win prizes!

Infrastructure & Resilience Activator Series: Energy
2022-11-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Presented by: CONNECT and PennDOT
Learn more about state and regional opportunities for local governments to invest in energy efficiency, resilience, and how to find technical assistance in implementation. Presenters include the Federal Department of Energy, PA Department of Environmental Protection, and State Representative Sara Innamorato. Ask questions on the featured opportunities during the session or send any questions to ejr73@pitt.edu ahead of the event.
Featured Opportunities:
-Microgrid & Energy Storage for Critical Facilities Feasibility Program
-DEP’s Shared Energy Manager & Capstone Programs
-Federal Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Program
-Funding & Technical Assistance for Cities from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law/IRA

Household Carbon Reduction, Part 2 – Building Sciences Connection
2022-11-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Presented by: The PA GreenGov Council and Penn State Sustainability Institute
This webinar will feature Jon Kautz, member of the PA Housing Industry Advisory Council and representative of PA Energy Smart as he discusses the science behind energy use and savings in the home environment. Specific areas will include building envelope systems with considerations to air infiltration, insulation, and other components.

Native Plant and Sustainability Conference
2022-11-12 09:45 - 16:00 | Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, One Schenley Park, PA, United States
Presented by: Phipps Conservatory
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ annual Native Plant and Sustainability Conference brings together local and national experts for a forum on plants, landscapes and our roles as environmental stewards.

2022 Fall Sustainability Conference
2022-11-15 08:30 - 16:00 | The Inn at Villanova University, 601 County Line Road, Radnor, PA
Presented by: The Pennsylvania Municipal League
Topics for this year’s conference may include renewable energy, recycling, blight, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Infrastructure & Resilience Activator Series: Putting Plans into Action” Working Lunch with Q&A
2022-12-09 13:00 - 15:00 | TBD
Presented by: CONNECT and PennDOT
Part three of this informational series will highlight upcoming opportunities that municipalities can take to advance their community infrastructure and/or resilience goals. In the first two sessions, Transportation and Energy, state and regional partners, as well as the office of State Rep. Innamorato, will present on existing grants, ongoing programs and projects, and key updates that will equip municipal leaders to confront challenges in their communities. CONNECT & partners will host a third, in-person event, that will provide hands-on follow up and discussion on how to make these opportunities from previous sessions happen in your community.

Sustainability & Resilience in the Community, Part 2 – Food Systems
2023-01-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Presented by: The PA GreenGov Council and Penn State Sustainability Institute
This webinar will feature Caryn Long Earl, Director, Bureau of Food Distribution, PA Dept.of Agriculture and Jane Clements, CEO, Feeding Pennsylvania. Join us as we learn about food insecurity issues in Pennsylvania, how they have been affected by COVID and inflation over the last few years, and about government and non-profit programs trying to address these systemic challenges of hunger.

January 2030 District Partner Meeting
2023-01-17 09:00 - 10:30 | Virtual
Presented by: Green Building Alliance

2030 District Partner meetings are educational events catered towards the Property Partners of the Pittsburgh & Erie 2030 Districts and are open to the public. Topics presented are integral to 2030 District goals, focusing on building decarbonization, energy efficiency, reducing water consumption, and improving indoor air quality.

This month’s meeting features discussions on a report from Rocky Mountain Institute on electrifying mid-size buildings, and an in-depth case study on installing electric vehicle charging stations at Oxford development properties.

Each presentation will be followed by a short Q&A session.

Net Zero & ESG Innovation: Materials
2023-01-18 11:30 - 14:00 | NOVA Place, 100 S Commons, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Presented by: Pittsburgh Technology Council
Please join the Pittsburgh Technology Council for their new event series on Net Zero & ESG Innovation. These sessions are opportunities for PTC members to learn about and engage with leaders in environmentally sustainable technology with regard to lowering emissions. The fourth discussion will be on the topic of the materials.

How Does It Feel To Be A Problem' film screening and community dialogue
2023-01-20 17:00 - 20:00 | Frick Fine Arts Building, University of Pittsburgh
Presented by: The University of Pittsburgh, The Center on Race and Social Problems
The Center on Race and Social Problems invites you to join us for a film screening and community dialogue on January 20, 2023, as part of MLK Social Justice Week. The film, ‘How Does It Feel To Be A Problem’, is an award-winning documentary that traces the phenomenon of othering in America and situates the Black Lives Matter movement in historical, philosophical, and political contexts. The title of the documentary is based on W.E.B. DuBois’ famous question that he raised in his seminal book, “The Souls of Black Folk.” The film’s writer, J.W. Wiley, and director, Tom Keith, will be present to engage the audience in a post-screening dialogue regarding the creation process, content, and impact of the documentary.

Rooftop Solar and Homeowner Rights: What Pennsylvania Can Learn from Ohio's New Solar Access Law
2023-01-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Presented by: Solar United Neighbors
Last year, a bipartisan group of Ohio legislators passed a sweeping Homeowners Association (HOA) reform bill into law, formerly Senate Bill 61. A key provision of this law is that HOAs may not restrict their members from installing solar on their own property, also known as a solar access law. During this webinar, hear from an Ohio legislator, a solar installer, a homeowner, and a homebuilder who helped to pass this solar access law in Ohio. Discover what motivated them as business owners and organizations to get involved and learn the lessons they share for passing a bipartisan solar access law that protects homeowner property rights and helps local businesses grow.

Green Building Alliance 30th Anniversary Member Launch Party
2023-01-26 17:00 - 19:00 | GBA Office, 317 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh
Presented by: Green Building Alliance
GBA members are invited to kick off our organization’s 30th year with a special anniversary launch party just for them! Enjoy light refreshments, networking, a peek at GBA’s office space, and an exclusive preview of what GBA has in store for 2023!

As GBA commemorates three decades of work in the Western Pennsylvania region in 2023, we are offering our members plenty of opportunities to celebrate their impact and leadership over the past 30 years! We will host a number of Member-Only events in unique spaces throughout the region, offering a behind-the-scenes look at green buildings and networking with other GBA members. To kick things off, we are so excited to welcome our members into our home for a look around GBA’s LEED Platinum office which was updated just before COVID-19, at the same time our building underwent a green retrofit as well.

At this event, which will include light refreshments and beer and wine, guests will hear comments from GBA’s President & CEO Jenna Cramer and get a sneak peek of all the things we have in store for our big anniversary year.

Equity Summit
2023-02-07 08:00 - 2023-02-09 17:00 | Virtual
Provided by: Smart Growth America
It is more important than ever that equity is at the forefront of any smart growth approach. With the passage of the trillion-dollar bipartisan infrastructure deal and the largest-ever investment in the fight against climate change through the Inflation Reduction Act, there is substantial funding and a real opportunity to address past wrongs and ensure that changes to the built environment benefit everyone.

Water Resources & Resiliency
2023-02-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Presented by: The PA GreenGov Council and Penn State Sustainability Institute
This webinar will feature Sean Furjanic, PE, Bureau of Clean Water, PA Department of Environmental Protection. Join in as we hear of stormwater management in
Pennsylvania including its government regulations, past present and future. Discussion will include water impacts, mitigation efforts & plans regarding climate
change, infrastructure, and other influences.

Pitt Sustainability Challenge Pre-Registration Webinar
2023-02-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Presented by: University of Pittsburgh

This webinar is an opportunity to learn more about the Pitt Sustainability Challenge. During this webinar, there will be a review of the Challenge background and requirements and a walk-through of the Challenge website.
The Pitt Sustainability Challenge invites the public to put forth their best ideas to advance carbon neutrality for the University of Pittsburgh community. The University of Pittsburgh will award $300,000 to an integrated, impactful, durable, and feasible solution to advance carbon neutrality with lasting benefits for the Pitt community.

Clean Energy for ALL: Series Introduction
2023-02-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual
Presented by: Sierra Club
This bi-monthly Clean Energy for ALL series will highlight the critical energy issues Pennsylvanians are facing, focusing on the inequitable impacts of dirty fuels on our communities and the challenges of ensuring a just clean energy transition for ALL.

Solar for Rural Communities: USDA Grants, GET Solar Communities, & the IRA
2023-02-17 12:00 - 13:15 | Virtual
Presented by: Pennsylvania Solar Center
Join the Pennsylvania Solar Center to learn more about the USDA and IRA resources offered to Pennsylvania’s rural communities, as well as about their own G.E.T. Solar and G.E.T. Solar Communities programs that offers businesses and tax-entities technical assistance to go solar. The infusion of essentially free money might be the impetus for many rural businesses and organizations to flip the switch to solar, and the Pennsylvania Solar Center is there to help.
Speakers:
• Rana Pfeil, Business Programs Specialist, United Stated Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Program
• United States Department of Energy, Loan Program Office, (Speaker TBD)
• Leo Kowalski, Director of Programming, Pennsylvania Solar Center
• Matt Mahoney, Director of Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Solar Center

Net Zero & ESG Innovation: Fusion Energy
2023-02-21 11:30 - 14:00 | NOVA Place, 100 S Commons, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Presented by: Pittsburgh Technology Council
Please join the Pittsburgh Technology Council for their new event series on Net Zero & ESG Innovation. These sessions are opportunities for PTC members to learn about and engage with leaders in environmentally sustainable technology with regard to lowering emissions. They are partnering with the Fusion Industry Association for our fifth event to discuss applications and opportunities for fusion energy in Western PA as it relates to ESG and achieving net zero.

Diversify or Die: Is Your Supply Chain Ready for Success?
2023-03-15 13:30 - 15:00 | Virtual
Presented by: KEEA
The upcoming webinar “Diversify or Die: Is Your Supply Chain Ready for Success?” delivers the answer to how to best address diversity, equity and inclusion goals ranked among the top concerns and requests for programming solutions.
This event will feature Mark Sebree, Director of Diverse Sourcing and Inclusion, Franklin Energy; Sharon Cruz, Sr. Supplier Diversity Manager, Kiewit Power Delivery; and Valerie Coyazo, Lead Supplier Diversity Manager, Energy, along with moderator, Dena Jefferson, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Franklin Energy.

Opportunities for PA's Solar Supply Chain: Solar Recycling & Reuse
2023-03-17 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual
Presented by: PA Solar Center
Join PA Solar Center to explore opportunities for Pennsylvania to leverage its industrial legacy and take advantage of recently updated federal programs that seek to domesticate the solar supply chain. These opportunities, including federal resources available to support Pennsylvania’s position in the solar reuse and recycling industry as well as innovations and best practices for end-of-life management of solar. SolarRecycle.org will describe the current solar recycling and reuse landscape as well as emerging innovations in the solar recycling industry. We Recycle Solar will discuss best practices in equipment value recovery and decommissioning planning.

Water Justice, Community Health & Sustainable Communities
2023-03-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Presented by: The PA GreenGov Council and Penn State Sustainability Institute
This webinar will feature Asher Rosinger, Ann Atherton Hertzler Early Career Professor in Global Health at Penn State University. Join us to learn about ongoing research into ensuring fair access to clean well water, as well as people’s perceptions of the safety of their drinking water. Discussion will highlight the importance of ensuring both rural and urban residents feel secure in their access to water.
