The CEOs for Sustainability executive network, hosted by Sustainable Pittsburgh, is a leadership group dedicated to helping businesses integrate sustainability as a core strategy for long-term success. The network brings together executives from a variety of sectors to collaborate, share best practices, and shape the region’s approach to sustainable business leadership.
On March 19, 2025, the network gathered at the Rivers Club in Pittsburgh for a packed session featuring state policy insights, ESG strategies, and real-world sustainability case studies from regional leaders. Special thanks to our speakers:
- Senator Jay Costa (PA-43, Senate Minority Leader) for providing valuable insights on state-level sustainability policy and business impact.
- Dr. Marcel Minutolo (Professor, Robert Morris University) for breaking down how ESG disclosures drive business performance and long-term resilience.
- Ashley Clawson (Procurement Manager, DMI Companies) for sharing how integrating sustainability into operations can strengthen financial success and business resilience.
Key Highlights from the Meeting
1. Policy Insights – Senator Jay Costa
Senator Costa shared how Pennsylvania’s evolving clean energy and economic policies are shaping sustainability opportunities for businesses, touching on:
- Pennsylvania’s energy policy landscape
- Governor Shapiro’s Lightning Plan and its implications for businesses
- The intersection of state and federal policies, including funding opportunities and regulatory shifts affecting corporate sustainability initiatives
Senator Costa emphasized the importance of business engagement in policy conversations and how sustainability-focused companies can shape Pennsylvania’s economic and environmental future.
2. ESG as a Business Advantage – Dr. Marcel Minutolo
Dr. Minutolo led an insightful discussion on how ESG disclosures drive business performance, reinforcing that transparency in sustainability reporting isn’t just about compliance—it’s a strategic advantage. He discussed:
- How transparency in ESG reporting enhances financial resilience and investor confidence
- The growing demand for ESG integration across industries
- Examples of companies leveraging sustainability to gain competitive advantage
Dr. Minutolo stressed that while some companies may scale back sustainability efforts amid political uncertainty, those that remain committed will be better positioned for long-term profitability and risk management.
3. Business Case for Sustainability – Ashley Clawson
Ashley Clawson discussed how sustainability is deeply integrated into DMI’s operations, supply chain, and overall company culture. Key highlights included:
- Recent advancements in DMI’s zero-waste programs
- Cost savings achieved through enhanced energy efficiency initiatives
- Challenges encountered when transitioning to renewable energy, notably space limitations and infrastructure hurdles
- Efforts by DMI to foster a company-wide culture shift, ensuring sustainability remains central to business strategy rather than a secondary consideration
Clawson’s remarks underscored how operational sustainability, when built into the core of a company’s strategy, can drive measurable results while strengthening long-term resilience and employee engagement.
4. Small Group Activity: Shaping the Future of the Network
The event concluded with an interactive discussion using the Stop, Start, Continue framework.
- STOP – What activities or approaches are no longer effective?
- START – What new initiatives, discussions, or resources should the network introduce?
- CONTINUE – What’s working well that should be maintained or expanded?
During the discussion some common themes included:
- Increasing policy engagement and advocacy efforts to help businesses navigate sustainability regulations
- More peer-to-peer collaboration, such as industry-specific roundtables and smaller working groups
- Enhanced resource sharing, including funding opportunities, case studies, and best practices
What’s Next?
On April 17, the network is hosting a Lunch & Learn at Signature Wealth where PNC and Signature Wealth will explore how sustainable finance can drive business growth, manage risk, and inform investment decisions. This exclusive session is for CEOs for Sustainability members looking to better understand financial tools and strategies that support long-term sustainability.
Scott Tobe, Principal and CEO of Signature Wealth and CEOs for Sustainability member, is generously hosting this event. Tobe, who serves as Education Committee Chair for the CEOs’ network, will facilitate the discussion.
As champions of sustainability progress, CEOs for Sustainability is pioneered by leaders who are committed to embedding sustainable practices within their organizations and beyond. If you are a C-Suite executive of a well-aligned company with operations in southwestern Pennsylvania, consider joining the network. Complete this interest form.