Giving Tuesday
2022-11-29 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York)
A day that celebrates generosity locally and around the world, Giving Tuesday is a great day to support Sustainable Pittsburgh and help create a more equitable, resilient, healthy, and prosperous region.
Donate to Sustainable Pittsburgh on November 29 and your support will go even further! Current and former board members at Sustainable Pittsburgh got together to create a Giving Tuesday matching fund. Double your gift on #GivingTuesday!

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.

Advancing Social Equity in your Workplace
2023-02-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces and communities are crucial for achieving a sustainable region where all people can access the opportunities and resources they need to thrive. Workplaces that promote social equity through their operations and practices can better attract and retain top talent and foster innovation than their peers.
Join Sustainable Pittsburgh, Vibrant Pittsburgh, and CEOs for Sustainability on Thursday, February 16 for this free virtual event: Advancing Social Equity in your Workplace. Attendees will learn about the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in southwestern PA and opportunities to advance DE&I through their operations and practices with hands-on resources including Vibrant Pittsburgh’s Vibrant Index 4.0; the Sustainable Pittsburgh Social Equity Sprint; and Sustainable Pittsburgh’s designation programs for workplaces, restaurants, shops, and municipalities. They will also hear from a panel of local leaders who will share their experiences and participate in a moderated discussion. Gain practical advice, working knowledge, and tools for measuring and being recognized for progress at this special event.

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

So...You Want to Buy a Restaurant?
2023-02-20 10:00 - 16:00 | Market District Supermarket, 100 Settlers Ridge Center Drive, Pittsburgh, PA
Presented by: The Pittsburgh Food and Beverage Network
If you’ve ever considered buying a restaurant, this is the seminar for you. Join the Food and Beverage Network and its sponsors for this event, Sofranko Advisory Group and Key Bank, for a can’t miss opportunity to learn the ins and outs of restaurant buying and management.

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.

CMU Energy Week 2023
2023-03-21 00:00 - 2023-03-24 23:59 | Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Presented by: Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon’s Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation is leading the nation in facilitating discussion and driving action towards decarbonizing our energy economy. As its flagship event, CMU Energy Week brings energy and sustainability leaders, including scholars, investors, and entrepreneurs, from across the nation to Carnegie Mellon University to combine forces and exchange ideas on the world’s most pressing issues in energy.
Join in-person for engaging keynotes, panel discussions, an investor forum and energy technology competitions. Joylette Portlock, Ph.D., Executive Director of Sustainable Pittsburgh will be featured as a keynote speaker along with Brian Anderson (National Energy Technology Laboratory) and Dawn James (Deloitte Consulting LLP). Featured panelists include Rich Fruehauf (US Steel), Stephan Feilhauer (S2G Clean Energy Fund), Abby Smith (Team Pennsylvania), Sandeep Nijhawan (Electra, Inc.) and many more.
Join CMU as they convene energy experts, key influencers, students, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs from business, government, media, non-governmental organizations and academia for a week of learning, networking and innovation.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program: Grant Application Webinar
2023-03-21 14:00 - 15:00
Presented by: DOE
The Department of Energy (DOE) has launched a webinar series to provide more information about the grant application process, vouchers option, and the DOE technical assistance available to support eligible entities.
The EECBG Program is a flexible formula grant program which is designed to be flexible and to meet local needs. Over 2700+ states, local governments, and tribes are eligible for the funds, which will support strategies to increase energy efficiency, cut emissions, and reduce energy use in communities that will serve more than 250 million Americans. There are 15 different eligible use areas, ranging from developing energy efficiency and conservation strategies, to deploying electric vehicle infrastructure, to installing renewable energy technologies. To determine if your organization is eligible for funds, see here for local governments, tribes, and states and territories.

Net Zero & ESG Innovation: Agriculture
2023-03-22 11:30 - 14:00 | NOVA Place, 100 S Commons, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Presented by: Pittsburgh Technology Council
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 sixth discussion will be on the topic of the agriculture.

SCDN Policy Connection: Environmental Justice
2023-03-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Presented by: Sustainable Pittsburgh

The federal government has activated several new programs to address environmental justice and ensure benefits flow to disadvantaged communities. Join Sustainable Pittsburgh and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Economic Impact & Diversity to learn more about new and existing resources available for local governments to advance environmental justice and increase clean infrastructure investments in your community.

Steel Chef Cook-off Competition
2023-03-27 17:00 - 20:30 | 420 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA
Presented by: Focus on Renewal
Steel Chef is a TEN week culinary arts course that culminates with a high caliber live cooking competition on March 27, 2023. The goal of Steel Chef is to provide teens the tools and education they need to improve accessibility to prepare healthier foods, while simultaneously teaching them skills needed to work in restaurant kitchens and give exposure to careers within the restaurant industry. Steel Chef is a Free program taught by local Pittsburgh Chefs who graciously volunteer their time with the students. Chefs invloved with this year’s Steel Chef program and competition include; Chef Natalie, Everyday’s a Sunday. Chef Jason, Pita my Shawarma. Chef Kay, House of Soul Catering, LLC. Chef Mark, Cook 2 Eat 2 Live. Chef Neil, Driftwood Oven, Chef Andy, Driftwood Oven. And Chef Donato, Sage Hospitality Group. Competition judges this year are local producer and documentarian, Rick Sebak. Chef Keyla Cook, Co-founder and Executive Chef at Casa Brasil and Chef Mark Snyder, Cook to Eat 2 Live.

The Eighth Annual Presidential Conference on the Integrity of Creation: Action for Sustainable Development Goals
2023-03-28 00:00 - 2023-03-29 23:59 | Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Presented by: Duquesne University
This eighth conference focuses on the topic of Action for Sustainable Development Goals, recognizing the challenging deadline of 2030 to meet the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. The interdisciplinary conference invites participants from different disciplines to engage in civil discourse on a different topic each year. The format of the conference includes workshops, presentations, and posters.

Economic Justice: Promoting Equity & Diversity for Entrepreneurs in the Cleantech Economy
2023-03-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Presented by: E2
The percentage of overall capital flowing to entrepreneurs of color and female founders remains extremely low. Recent studies reveal, just 2% of the total funding in 2021 went to women; about 1.2% in the first half of 2022 went to Black founders. At the same time, since 2000, the U.S. has missed out on more than 6 million jobs and $13 trillion in economic output because of a failure to close racial gaps, which, if allowed to persist, will cost the U.S. economy $1.5 trillion by 2028. Yet we know, diverse companies are far more likely to outperform on earnings, and they are 70 percent more likely to capture new markets.
This is both a social and economic justice issue.
Please join in a crucial conversation to hear from experts across the country who are leading the effort to address this gap.

Inspire Speakers Series Presents: Leveraging Change for a Sustainable and Just Future
2023-03-30 17:00 - 19:30 | Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at the Kaufmann Center, 1825 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Presented by: Green Building Alliance

Our cities and communities are changing whether we are ready for it or not. One place where that notion is especially evident is Atlanta, Georgia, which predicts incredible population growth in the coming years. Author, urban designer, and civic entrepreneur Ryan Gravel will explain how his city – Atlanta – is shifting the narrative of change through intentional investment. Ryan will share stories of the Atlanta Beltline, a $4 billion infrastructure project aimed at creating a cultural shift in the community’s expectations for its physical environment and turning physical barriers into new opportunities for connection with people and nature. Ryan will also share how the Beltline led to the Atlanta City Design. Inspired by famous Atlanta native and Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream for the beloved community, the City Design is a strategic realignment of plans, projects, policies, and priorities to leverage the city’s inevitable change into the kind of place that reflects the shared values of residents.

Gravel will be joined on-stage by Tiffany Taulton and Ashley Cox, who will present local perspectives and draw connections between Ryan’s stories and our own. NEXTPittsburgh’s Tony Norman will guest emcee the event and guide our speakers through a discussion with the audience.

Climate Action for Environmental Justice Communities Project Engagement Session
2023-04-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Forest Hills Borough Building, 4400 Greensburg Pike, Forest Hills, PA, United States
Presented by: DEP

The Climate Action for Environmental Justice Communities (CAEJC) project is designed to allow DEP to more proactively engage with Pennsylvania communities in developing a guide for the implementation of climate strategies for maximum benefit to EJ communities. This work will be primarily done by the Energy Programs Office (EPO) and will engage with communities facing environmental justice issues.

Race + IP '23: "The Imperial Scholar" Revisited
2023-04-13 00:00 - 2023-04-15 23:59 | University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Avenue
Presented by: The University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Center on Race and Social Problems
Race + IP is a conference dedicated to cultivating community and collaboration around the study of race, coloniality, and intellectual properties. The inaugural conference was held in 2017 at Boston College, with subsequent conferences being held at NYU Law School in 2019 and Florida A&M University College of Law in 2021. This year, the University of Pittsburgh School of the Law, where Derrick Bell attended law school, will be hosting the event. The conference is intended to create a productive intellectual space for considering how frameworks such as Critical Race Studies (CRS), Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL), Ethnic Studies, Black Studies, Asian American Studies, and more can help to illuminate the inequities that arise in copyright, patent, trademark, right of publicity, trade secret, and unfair competition law.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program: Voucher Program Webinar
2023-04-13 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
