Sustainable Pittsburgh

Inspire Speakers Series Presents: Biophilia--Inspiring Beauty, Connection, and Health through Our Places
2018-03-08 16:30 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at the Kaufmann Center, 1825 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Dive into the world of biophilic design with one of the nation’s preeminent experts, CEO of the International Living Future Institute Amanda Sturgeon. Biophilic design is based on the idea that people have an innate connection to nature, a relationship which benefits a community’s physical and psychological health. Learn how designers are incorporating elements of the natural world into the built environment, from green walls and stormwater gardens to circadian lights, variable temperatures, and places of refuge. We’ll also hear from local architect Patricia Culley, who will share examples of biophilic design in Pittsburgh.
Thursday, March 8
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Doors open at 4:30 pm for networking, food, and drinks.
The lecture begins at 5:30 and is followed by a Q&A session with the speakers.

2018 Wild & Scenic Film Festival
2018-03-08 17:00 - 20:00 | Father Ryan Arts Center, 420 Chartiers Ave, McKees Rocks, PA, United States
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival – the nation’s premier environmental and adventure film festival – will stop in Pittsburgh in March as part of its nationwide tour to showcase environmental films that inspire action.
Pennsylvania Resources Council and Allegheny CleanWays will host the evening of short films that showcase breathtaking ecosystems and powerful stories of individuals and communities taking action to protect their health and the environment. Click here to find trailers for this year’s films as well as more information.
Doors open at 5:30 pm
Ticket Pricing Information

Advanced Tickets – $20 – Available online until March 7, 2018
Day-of Tickets – $25 – Available online or at the door, March 8, 2018

Tickets include access to:

Screenings of award-winning films from across the nation
Volunteer drive for some of the region’s top environmental organizations
Refreshments like local sustainable beer, popcorn, and the Franktuary food truck
Raffle prizes from local restaurants, businesses, and institutions
Much more!

All ticket sales directly benefit Allegheny CleanWays and PRC.

The Causes and Consequences of 21st Century Segregation
2018-09-20 12:00 - 13:00 | University of Pittsburgh, Room 2017, Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney PC
Fall 2018 Speaker Series
“The Causes and Consequences of 21st Century Segregation”
Douglas S. Massey, PhD
Introduced by Valerie Kinloch, Dean, School of Education
Q&A to follow
No registration required. Limited seating is available – There will be no overflow room for this event.
Lunch is provided and lectures are free to the public.
Douglas S. Massey has served on the faculties of the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on international migration, race and housing, discrimination, education, urban poverty, and Latin America, especially Mexico. He is the author, most recently, of Climbing Mount Laurel: The Struggle for Affordable Housing and Social Mobility in an American Suburb (Princeton University Press 2013) and Brokered Boundaries: Creating Immigrant Identity in Anti-Immigrant Times (Russell Sage 2010). He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society. He is currently president of the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences and past-president of the American Sociological Association and the Population Association of America. Ph.D. Princeton University.
Valerie Kinloch began her tenure as the Renée and Richard Goldman Dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Education July 1 after spending nine years in the College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University.
Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Kinloch has dedicated herself to strengthening the school’s commitments to urban education, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement, while also enhancing school culture and broadening alumni participation. A highly-respected educator, Kinloch’s areas of research focus on the literacy, language, culture, and community engagement of youth and adults, both inside and outside of schools.
Center on Race and Social Problems invites you to help local communities in need by donating nonperishable items at this lecture. They are collecting nonperishable food, toiletry, and hygiene items for donation to Community Human Services.

Climate Webinar with Scientist Michael Mann
2018-09-24 11:30 - 12:30
Join PennFuture for a webinar presented by nationally renowned climate scientist and board member Michael Mann, featuring PennFuture President Emeritus Larry J. Schweiger.
The webinar, “Dire Predictions: Understanding Climate Change,” will include a presentation and discussion that will begin with a review of the now-solid evidence for a human influence on climate. Such evidence includes instrumental measurements available for the past two centuries, paleoclimate observations spanning more than a millennium, and comparisons of the predictions from computer models with observed patterns of climate change. The presentation will then address the impacts of climate change including sea level rise, severe weather, and water supply.
You will also have the chance to ask questions and join in a discussion about the solutions to the climate crisis.

The New American Road Trip Rolls into Pittsburgh
2018-09-24 17:00 - 19:00
The New American Road Trip, an electric-vehicle car tour across America, is aimed at highlighting the stories of people and emerging technologies from America’s heartland that are helping ensure this nation’s clean energy future.
The Road Trip is stopping in Pittsburgh on September 24th, and you are invited to attend! This free event takes place at Roberto Clemente Park at Heinz Field and will celebrate the Climate Heroes of Pittsburgh.
The event features Mayor William Peduto and local climate heroes in conjunction with the City of Pittsburgh to showcase the importance of local-level sustainability initiatives. There will be drinks, music, entertainment, food trucks, special guests, electric vehicle “Ride and Drives” as well as a local group expo and lots of great giveaways. Immediately following the program, event organizers will be streaming the Monday Night Football game to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Tamba Bay Buccaneers. This is a family friendly event so bring your whole crew!
$10,000 in prize money will be awarded to the Climate Heroes of Pittsburgh.

Passive House Tour on Energy Efficiency Day
2018-10-04 05:30 - 19:00
Tour and Happy Hour in Celebration of Energy Efficiency Day
A passive building involves extreme energy efficiency (targeting 80% energy use reduction) and performance verification that is proven through an air tightness test with rigorous passing standards. This particular home also features a green roof, permeable pavement, durable and environmentally-friendly materials, and more.
Come meet CCI’s Lucy de Barbaro and celebrate National Energy Efficiency Day by learning more about Passive Homes.

Meet Solar Homeowners - Pittsburgh Solar Tour!
2018-10-06 12:00 - 16:00
This Oct. 6, join PennFuture for a self-guided tour with solar experts, a guided e-bike tour, or sign up for a $10 three-hour bus tour! Check out what works best for you by viewing our online interactive map at pghsolartour.org! Join us and learn how you can go solar and help pave the way to a clean energy future.
What: PennFuture’s Pittsburgh Solar Tour
When: Saturday, Oct. 6 from Noon – 4 p.m.
Where: Check at the locations at pghsolartour.org
Additional Info: The Triboro Ecodistrict will officially host the Solar Tour After-Party at Hitchhiker Brewing in Sharpsburg, located at 1500 S. Canal St, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.!
Why attend PennFuture’s 8th Annual Pittsburgh Solar Tour?
“They can get a firsthand look for themselves, talk through how it works for them and be pretty specific, getting a close-up look at panels on a roof, learning about a power wall, how it works and what it does.”
“I think if I have learned something, it’s that I am kind of surprised to see that the panels still produce even after the sun goes over the house in the late afternoon and into the evening. We still get production. The panels produce energy for a lot longer period every day than I thought they would – it is surprising even on a grey, cloudy day, you still get production.” – -Bob Donnan of Peters Township, 2017 Pittsburgh Solar Tour attendee who made the switch a few months after attending the event.

SP Challenge Workshop: 3rd Quarter Celebration and Sustainability Fair
2018-10-11 16:30 - 18:30 | Couch Brewery, 1351 Washington Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
The yearlong Sustainable Pittsburgh Challenge is entering its final quarter. Relax, play and engage with the Sustainable Pittsburgh Challenge, and find out what the “Challengers” have accomplished so far.
Network with organizations that are working to improve the region’s sustainability performance and engage with interactive displays and activities. Participants will receive an “activity passport” upon entry, and are invited to visit each activity table to complete the passport for a prize drawing. Attendees should be sure to visit the SP Challenge table, where exciting opportunities to earn bonus points in the Challenge will be available. For those interested, the SP Challenge team will also connect participants with resources to make the coming holiday season more sustainable at home.
The evening event will conclude with special recognition for the organizations that have earned Achievement Ribbons during the third quarter of the competition. Participants are welcome to stay afterwards for Couch Brewery’s movie night, complete with popcorn and comfortable seating.
Admission includes 2 drink tickets.

FREE Downstream screening
2018-10-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Center for Media Innovation, Point Park University, 305 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Pennsylvania’s endangered watersheds is the focus of “Downstream,” a half-hour documentary produced by Point Park University’s School of Communication Environmental Journalism program, in association with WQED Multimedia, and made possible through a grant from Heinz Endowments.
Join the group from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 11 for a premiere screening event of the film followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers at the Center for Media Innovation. Registration is free.

Environmental Film Series Screening: "Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution"
2018-10-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Phipps Conservatory - Botany Hall Auditorium, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Filmmaker James Redford embarks on a colorful personal journey into the dawn of the clean energy era as it creates jobs, turns profits and makes communities stronger and healthier across the United States. Unlikely entrepreneurs in communities from Georgetown, TX to Buffalo, NY reveal pioneering clean energy solutions while James’ discovery of how clean energy works, and what it means at a personal level, becomes the audiences’ discovery too. Reaching well beyond a great story of technology and innovation, Happening explores issues of human resilience, social justice, embracing the future and finding hope for our survival.
Following the film, join in on discussion led by staff from Conservation Consultants, Inc. (CCI). Founded in 1978 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, CCI’s mission is to help families create healthier homes and get energy smarter. CCI achieves its mission through education and the identification of efficiency improvements that helps its customers save money by reducing utility bills, improve personal comfort, health and safety, increase awareness of the positive benefits to our economy and national security afforded by energy efficiency and renewable energy, and protect and preserve the environment by reducing the use of natural resources.
Tickets are required.

Climate & Clean Energy Policy in Pennsylvania: Overview & Opportunities for Business Engagement
2018-10-22 13:00 - 14:00
WEBINAR:

The time is ripe for progress on clean energy policy in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Once an early leader in promoting clean energy, Pennsylvania is falling behind its neighbors in clean energy deployment and addressing climate change. 2018 was a big year for clean energy wins in the Keystone State, such as the passage of C-PACE, stronger energy efficiency building codes, and legislation promoting in-state solar. As we look toward 2019, Pennsylvania businesses can play a key role in supporting the advancement of smart climate and energy policies.
Please join Ceres and E2 on Monday, October 22nd for an overview of the clean energy landscape in Pennsylvania. We will take a closer look at existing climate, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean transportation policies in the state. We will also examine opportunities to advance policies through coordinated business engagement, storytelling, and advocacy.

The Perils of Plastics in Pittsburgh & Beyond: A Freshwater Perspective
2018-10-24 11:30 - 13:00 | PNC Park, 115 Federal St, Pittsburgh, PA|PA
A Heinz Awards Conversation in partnership with The Pittsburgh Collaboratory for Water and The Heinz Endowments:
“The Perils of Plastics in Pittsburgh & Beyond: A Freshwater Perspective”

By Sherri Mason, Ph.D.
Professor, State University of New York at Fredonia
23rd Heinz Awards Recipient for Public Policy
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
FREE
RSVP
Left Field Lounge at PNC Park
115 Federal Street
Pittsburgh, PA
Join us for a presentation and conversation with Dr. Sherri Mason, professor of chemistry and chair of the department of geology and environmental science at the State University of New York at Fredonia. Dr. Mason gained initial recognition as the first to research and identify microplastics pollution in the Great Lakes, the largest freshwater system in the world. Her work has drawn international attention to the threats posed by microplastics in freshwater and led to the passage of state measures banning microbeads (extremely small pieces of plastic used in cleansing products as exfoliating agents) and to the enactment of the federal Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015.
This community event is a must for anyone concerned about the environmental and public health impact of plastics pollution.
Limited space. Please register by October 12. There is no registration fee to attend.
Please call 412.497.5787 or email Lisa Giorgetti with any questions regarding the event.

Making the Connection: Manganese Exposure and Children’s IQ
2018-10-25 17:00 - 20:00 | Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, 300 Halket St, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Manganese is an essential additive in the steel making process, with as much as 90% of manganese consumption worldwide being used by the steel industry alone. Throughout this process stray manganese particles escape into the air. These particles are related to a variety of adverse health effects, and are especially harmful to the central nervous system. During this presentation, Drs. Erin Haynes and Vincent Schmithorst will discuss the links between manganese in air pollution to neurodevelopment and lowered IQ in children.
Dr. Haynes, an environmental epidemiologist at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, will discuss her research on impacts of manganese in two Appalachian communities in Ohio. Dr. Schmithorst, of UPMC Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital, will discuss how advanced MRI imagining can be used to further understand the relation between neurotoxicity and neurodevelopmental outcome.
This event is part of GASP’s Making the Connection series, intended for medical professionals as well as community members interested in learning more about the links between air pollution and various health problems. It will begin with an hour of networking and refreshments from 5pm-6pm outside of the Hutchinson and Hayashi Auditorium, before moving into the auditorium for the main program. Walk in registration is welcomed.
