On April 2, members of Sustainable Pittsburgh’s Sustainability Practitioners Network (SPN) came together for a timely and grounded conversation about what sustainability looks like in 2025. Held at the Heinz 57 Center in downtown Pittsburgh, the session brought together professionals across corporate, nonprofit, higher education, and government sectors for a morning of connection, collaboration, and shared strategy.
The meeting opened with a facilitated Q&A between Bhavini Patel, Executive Director at Sustainable Pittsburgh, and Grant Ervin, Vice President of External Affairs and Sustainability at S&B USA. Drawing on his public- and private-sector experience, Ervin emphasized the importance of investing in partnerships and infrastructure to drive long-term regional sustainability. He pointed to the Uptown EcoInnovation District as a powerful example of how small, early investment in community-focused sustainability work can grow into a larger, coordinated effort that attracts significant long-term investment and impact.
Ervin offered a pragmatic approach to sustainability—encouraging professionals to focus on budgeting and procurement as strategic levers and to think of sustainability as a tool for managing finite resources. His framing: when you reduce waste and increase efficiency, you create economic value. During the audience Q&A, questions ranged from the impact of tariffs on local supply chains to examples of low-carbon innovation. Ervin noted that while tariffs can raise costs, they may also create room for domestic innovation and new market opportunities. He pointed to an example already underway in Pittsburgh, where PJ Dick is working to advance low-carbon concrete in the region.
Sector Breakouts: Shared Challenges, Local Solutions
After the opening session, attendees broke into public and private sector groups to reflect on shared challenges and explore practical solutions. Each group was guided by a team of facilitators who helped prompt discussion and elevate shared experiences across the room.
Public Sector, Higher Ed, & Nonprofits
The public sector breakout, facilitated by Alexandra Hiniker (Carnegie Mellon University) and Sarah Koenig (Allegheny County), centered on the challenges and opportunities emerging from shifting funding landscapes, evolving expectations, and internal change management. While many participants spoke to the unknowns of federal and state funding timelines, the conversation also focused on how sustainability leaders can continue to build institutional support, especially in complex environments. One theme that emerged was the power of field visits and site-based engagement. Participants noted how taking colleagues — including decision-makers — out of the office to see sustainability in action can foster a deeper understanding of the value of this work.
Other reflections touched on the role of procurement in advancing sustainability, the need to engage middle managers, and the challenge of navigating top-down versus bottom-up approaches. The conversation was solution-oriented and thoughtful, with participants drawing on both lived experience and forward-thinking strategy. Rather than getting stuck with the weight of barriers, the group focused on what’s still possible — and how to keep moving forward despite uncertainty.
Private Sector
The private sector group was led by Craig Bushey (Chromalox), Dhruv Raina (Accenture), and Marissa Rosen (Climate Social). Together, they explored three major themes: internal capacity and organizational planning, external pressures and shifting policy landscapes, and communicating sustainability effectively in a changing world.
What followed was a wide-ranging and honest exchange. Participants reflected on the varying levels of maturity in their organizations’ sustainability efforts, while recognizing many shared challenges — particularly around market uncertainty, shifting expectations, and the need to maintain momentum with limited resources. For some, the discussion sparked new ideas and strategies; for others, it served as a space to validate what’s already underway and gain confidence through peer insights.
As part of the conversation, the group explored reframing strategies that can help build alignment and collaboration across teams. One approach emphasized shifting from “morality” to “materiality” — positioning sustainability not just as the right thing to do, but as a business strategy grounded in outcomes. Another proposed moving from the broad ambition of “changing the world” to the more focused, proactive mindset of “adapting to a changing world.”
The session closed with each participant sharing what they’re currently working on — framed as “what I need” and “what I can offer.” This peer-to-peer exchange was a reminder of the value in showing up not only as professionals, but as collaborators. Many expressed a desire to connect more frequently and build stronger networks of support across organizations and industries.
Looking Ahead
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for this gathering — our featured speaker, facilitators, and engaged attendees who helped shape such a thoughtful and productive conversation.
Our next gathering will take place on May 15 at East End Brewing, a Gold designated Sustainable Pittsburgh Shop. This Spring Sustainability Social, co-hosted with the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation, will be an opportunity to connect with fellow sustainability professionals and advocates over drinks, food, and conversation.
If you are interested in becoming part of this network, we invite you to sign up to join our contact list. You can also stay connected by requesting to join our newly formed SPN LinkedIn Group.