On January 30, 2025, sustainability professionals from across industries gathered for Conversations on Zero Waste, an evening of connection, collaboration, and forward-thinking discussion at the Patterns of Meaning studio in Pittsburgh’s Energy Innovation Center. Hosted by Sustainable Pittsburgh and sponsored by Volpatt Construction, the event provided a space for attendees to explore solutions for reducing waste and advancing reuse in the built environment.
About the Sustainability Practitioners Network
Since 2008, the Sustainability Practitioners Network, led by Sustainable Pittsburgh, has served as a hub for professionals working to advance sustainability in the region. The network fosters knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovative approaches to integrating sustainability into businesses, organizations, and communities. Events like Conversations on Zero Waste bring practitioners together to exchange ideas and explore strategies that drive lasting change.
A Unique Venue for a Meaningful Discussion
The event took place at Patterns of Meaning, a creative space dedicated to preserving and showcasing industrial materials, artifacts, and artistic works that honor those who built our infrastructure. With its focus on reuse, restoration, and sustainability, the studio was the perfect setting for an evening centered around zero-waste strategies and cross-industry collaboration.
Networking, Thought Leadership, and Engaging Conversations
Attendees enjoyed an evening of informal networking, drinks, and appetizers provided by Sprezzatura (Gold Level Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant), followed by remarks from industry leaders who brought valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding zero-waste practices.
As the gathering progressed, attendees heard from a diverse group of speakers who offered insights from different sectors, sparking discussions that continued throughout the night.
Cory Bonnet, oil painter and preservationist, kicked things off by sharing the history of the Patterns of Meaning studio and the artists who have worked there. He emphasized the importance of creating spaces where people from different sectors can come together informally to exchange ideas and build collaborative solutions.
Mike Gable, executive director of Construction Junction, reflected on Construction Junction’s 25 years in business, highlighting both successes and ongoing challenges. He noted a decline in younger generations purchasing reused construction materials and stressed the need for stronger incentives for contractors and construction companies to incorporate reused materials into their plans. He also raised key questions about how the industry can ensure that today’s building materials are designed for reuse and recovery in the future.
Michael Volpatt, vice president of marketing and innovation, shared how Volpatt Construction successfully diverted 1,620 tons of waste from landfills in 2024, underscoring the role that construction companies can play in sustainability efforts. He echoed Mike Gable’s call for better incentives to make reuse a more practical choice and reinforced the value of collaboration in overcoming industry-wide challenges.
The City of Pittsburgh’s Climate and Energy Planning Manager, Matt Mahoney, provided an update on the city’s zero-waste efforts, encouraging attendees to engage with the newly launched Comprehensive Plan to ensure policy decisions reflect the needs and expertise of residents and organizations. He also announced that the city was recently awarded a grant from the U.S. Conference of Mayors to advance composting efforts, a key step in the city’s broader waste reduction strategy.
Carolyn Casavan, principal engineer at Casavan Consulting, closed out the remarks by reflecting on her long career in sustainability and the importance of both large-scale policy change and grassroots buy-in. She emphasized that while systemic transformation is possible, it requires commitment from individuals, businesses, and policymakers alike to create meaningful, lasting impact.
Following the remarks, attendees continued discussions over drinks, exchanging ideas and brainstorming ways to integrate reuse and zero-waste principles into their work. The conversations sparked during the event are sure to fuel ongoing collaboration and action across industries.
A Collaborative Approach to Sustainability
This gathering was made possible thanks to the support of Casavan Consulting, Green Building Alliance, Allegheny Cleanways, and Turner Construction, whose commitment to sustainability and circularity continues to push the region forward.
With 60 attendees representing a wide range of sectors, the event highlighted the power of cross-industry collaboration in creating a waste-free future. Conversations sparked during the evening are sure to lead to continued engagement, partnerships, and action.
Looking Ahead
As Sustainable Pittsburgh and the Sustainability Practitioners Network continue to foster opportunities for learning and collaboration, we encourage attendees to stay engaged and put these insights into action. To stay informed about future events and network updates, sign up to join our communications list and be part of the ongoing conversation.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Conversations on Zero Waste—stay tuned for more events, discussions, and opportunities to build a more sustainable Pittsburgh.