Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program: Grant Application Webinar
2023-03-21 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
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

Land Management Best Practices for Ecosystem Health and Pollinators
2023-04-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Presented by: The PA GreenGov Council and Penn State Sustainability Institute
This webinar will feature Christina Grozinger, Publius Vergilius Maro Professor of Entomology and Director of the Center for Pollinator Research, Insect Biodiversity Center, at Penn State University. Join in as we learn about how we can improve the health of land in Pennsylvania around our homes, businesses, and government buildings by managing for pollinators and working with natural species.

Reviewing the AEPS and Community Solar in the New Legislative Session
2023-04-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Presented by: PA Solar Center
Join the Pennsylvania Solar Center as they discuss the progress Pennsylvania has made on the goals from the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS), as well as review legislation that’s been introduced this session that would support continued growth of Pennsylvania’s solar industry, including strengthening our renewable targets and enabling community solar. They’ll review the recently published 2021-2022 AEPS report with Joseph Sherrick, Policy and Planning Supervisor for the Bureau of Technical Utility Services at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. They’ll also be joined by one (or maybe more!) special guests to review why some of these policies are important for our Commonwealth’s job market, economy, and consumers.

Green Locomotives Can Be a Big Driver for Jobs in the Region
2023-04-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Presented by: ReImagine Appalachia, Keystone Research Center
Join ReImagine Appalachia, Keystone Research Center for a webinar highlighting the exciting findings of a new study conducted by the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) alongside the United Electrical Workers (UE). This study has calculated the employment impacts of ‘green locomotive’ manufacturing at the Erie County, PA plant both in Erie County and the wider Pennsylvania economy.

Solar Project Pipeline Fireside Chat
2023-04-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Presented by: ReImagine Appalachia
Guests will speak to solar projects they have in the pipeline to serve as a showcase and learning experience for others going through the process. They will tell the story about how to move from an idea for renewable solar energy to execution, supported by private and public funding. They will discuss what particular financial gaps may exist to move more projects in our region. We hope to have an inspiring, frank, informative, and mutually beneficial discussion.
This event is for a specific audience of government officials, economic development practitioners and others in our partner networks with direct interest in the topic.

2023-04-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
ReImagine Appalachia is excited to be joined by speakers from Ohio River Valley Institute, Keystone Research and the Center for Economic and Policy Research to discuss what Full Employment for All could mean for Appalachia.

In this session, they will discuss job and other persistent economic trends that make Full Employment an especially promising concept for our region. With subsidized employment, the government covers some or all the wages of new hires. Scholars find that this is one of the most effective policies for putting people back to work. Increasing the employment rate of the most disadvantaged workers has been shown not only to benefit the workers and their families but also to have broad community-wide benefits.

BLAC Strategy Summit
2023-05-02 10:00 - 2023-05-03 13:00 | Virtual
Presented by: ReImagine Appalachia
The Black Appalachian Coalition is planning a Strategy Summit this May to help shape their priorities for the coming months.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program: Technical Assistance Webinar
2023-05-04 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual

Igniting Change for a Better Tomorrow - Celebrating 25 Years with Sustainable Pittsburgh
2023-05-11 16:30 - 20:00 | Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh, 620 William Penn Place, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Join Sustainable Pittsburgh for an evening of celebration as we mark 25 years of impact and honor those who help make our work possible. At Sustainable Pittsburgh, we empower decision-making that builds a fundamentally equitable, resilient, healthy, and prosperous region. We envision a thriving region where stakeholders are connected, sustainability knowledge is shared and applied, and all people can succeed. Help us commemorate Sustainable Pittsburgh’s past and get a glimpse of what’s in store for the future. Join us May 11.
Here’s to 25 years of igniting change for a better tomorrow!

9th Annual PA Renewables Summit 2023
2023-05-22 10:30 - 2023-05-23 12:00 | Penn Harris Hotel (formerly Radisson Camp Hill), 1150 Camp Hill Bypass Camp Hill, PA
Join the Renewables Work for PA (RW4PA) coalition, the PA Solar & Storage Industries Association (PASSIA), and the PA Solar Center for the 9th Annual Renewables Summit in the PA State Capitol. The summit brings together industry professionals, NGOs, and decision-makers to discuss important issues to the Pennsylvania renewables market. The event is also a great networking opportunity. Visit the event link for summit topics and speakers to date.
Schedule:

Summit on Monday, May 22, 2023 – Check-In from 9:30 am – 10:30 pm; Summit presentations 10:30-5:00 pm; (Lunch included)
Networking; 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm with cash bar (appetizers included)
Optional Dinner offsite (location TBD) on Monday, May 22, 2023 (self-pay but reservations required)
Summit on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 – Continental breakfast (included) from 8:00am-9:00am; Presentations: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Community Benefits Virtual Summit
2023-05-23 11:00 - 15:00, 2023-05-25 11:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Presented by: ReImagine Appalachia
This summit will explore community benefits and labor standards and how they can help grow our vision for Appalachia. Community Benefit Agreements and Policies (CBAs and CBPs) are an important part of ensuring maximum benefits to communities from implementation of federal climate infrastructure funding. We know that widespread community input on sustainable development projects leads to buy-in and incorporation of community member priorities, ultimately increasing the positive impact of these public investments over the long haul.

Southwestern Pennsylvania Electric Fleet Expo
2023-05-24 08:00 - 16:00 | UPMC Events Center, 6001 University Boulevard, Moon, PA
Presented by: Duquesne Light Company, Local Government Academy, Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities, and Sustainable Pittsburgh
If you’re a fleet, transportation, sustainability, or local government leader for a municipality, school district, or commercial fleet based in southwestern PA, join us for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Electric Fleet Expo, where you’ll have an opportunity to:

See the latest electric vehicle models available for your fleet
Hear about funding opportunities and best practices for transitioning to an electric fleet from peers who have already started incorporating electric vehicles into their fleets
Talk with vendors experienced in electric fleet management and charging

Featuring:

Matt Mahoney, Director of Government Affairs, Sustainable Pittsburgh
Joylette Portlock, Ph.D., Executive Director, Sustainable Pittsburgh

SCDN Policy Connection: Clean Energy Opportunities for Local Governments
2023-05-24 14:30 - 15:30 | Virtual
Presented by: Sustainable Pittsburgh
Featured presentations will be given by the PA Solar Center and their G.E.T. Solar Communities program, which offers technical assistance and financial guidance for local governments that want to learn more about going solar. The Great Plains Institute will present on SolSmart, a designation program that offers technical assistance for solar planning, community engagement and market development. Register today!

13th Annual Community Development Summit
2023-06-07 08:00 - 2023-06-08 17:00 | Omni William Penn Hotel, 530 William Penn Place, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Presented by: PCRG
The PCRG Annual Summit serves as a platform for community leaders, professionals, and organizations to come together, share knowledge, and explore innovative strategies to drive positive change in our neighborhoods. This year’s theme, [Re]Defining Equity, Equality, and Justice in Community Development, will inspire thought-provoking discussions and provide valuable insights into key community development topics.

Pittsburgh Business Diversity Conference 2023
2023-06-08 08:00 - 16:30 | Wintergarden at PPG Place, 1 PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA
Presented by: Pancho Timmons
This conference will address how Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion related issues impact the growth and development of businesses and institutions. The conference will create opportunities for institutions and businesses to make new connections and learn strategies to eliminate barriers, create opportunities and increase growth.

The ABCs of LGBTQIA+ Inclusion
2023-06-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Presented by: Vibrant Pittsburgh

In this training, participants will:

develop a better understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences through an intersectional lens
learn about respectful and inclusive language
understand the role that you can play as an ally in supporting LGBTQIA+ people
help to create an inclusive environment for all

Every June LGBTQIA+ communities are celebrated in the U.S. and around the world. We recognize the contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals along with the aim of increasing visibility, acknowledging intersectionality, and embracing self-affirmation. With diversity, equity, and inclusion as important as ever, we must ask the question: How does Pride continue throughout the year?

Bridge to 2030 Educational Series
2023-06-20 04:30 - 06:30
Presented by: Green Building Alliance

The Bridge to 2030 educational series invites the public to dive into topics integral to 2030 District progress – building decarbonization, energy efficiency, reducing water consumption, and improving indoor air quality!

Advanced registration is required, and all details will be shared via email in the days leading up to the event.

Backyard Composting Webinar
2023-06-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Presented by: Pennsylvania Resources Council

This workshop thoroughly covers the importance and benefits of composting, the process, setting up a compost pile, proper maintenance, and ways of using finished compost. Registrants may choose to purchase a FreeGarden EARTH compost bin with their workshop ticket. This bin has an 82-gallon capacity and is ideal for urban and suburban areas. Logistics for picking up purchased bins from PRC’s offices (Pittsburgh and Media) will be shared during the webinar.

Youth Changemakers Conference
2023-06-29 00:00 - 2023-06-30 23:59
Presented by: NA for Change, University of Pittsburgh, and Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh

Unleash the potential of young leaders at the 2023 Pittsburgh Youth Changemakers Conference, where inspiration meets action. North Allegheny (NA) for Change, in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh and the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, is excited to announce the first-ever Pittsburgh Youth Changemakers Conference on June 29-30, 2023. Join for a two-day transformative experience filled with dynamic workshops, inspiring speakers, and a network of like-minded visionaries ready to make a difference in Pittsburgh. We are also honored to welcome Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey for a keynote address.

Bridge to Equity: Social Determinants of Health
2023-07-13 08:00 - 10:00 | Fairmont Hotel, 510 Market St
Presented by: Pittsburgh Business Times

Join Pittsburgh Business Times for the first in a series of conversations examining how economic and social disparities, as well as a lack of equity available to those in communities populated by people of color, is manifesting in — and jeopardizing — various aspects of the region’s economy.
