Tag Archive: air quality
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Cleantech Open 2020 Application Deadline
Leave a CommentCleantech Open is the oldest and largest accelerator for cleantech startups. It’s like a mini MBA. We run once a year for about 5 months, with most of the programming in the summer months. It’s virtual, with mentoring, an on-line curriculum, several in-person events in Boston and New York, showcasing, lots of networking including introductions to investors and strategics, and opportunities to compete for $40,000 in cash prizes and over $200,000 in in-kind products and services. Plus, our Global Forum event brings together all the startups in that year’s cohort from around the world for more prizes, showcasing, investor connections, and networking. In the Northeast we cover from Canada to Pennsylvania, and each cohort is 25-40 startups. We run about 30 events per year. We have over 400 alumni in the Northeast since 2005, and there are over 1500 worldwide. The 2019 Cleantech Open Northeast cohort is doing really well. Collectively they raised over $4 million between the start of the accelerator in May and December 2019, and several already have customers.
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One Health One Planet Symposium
Leave a CommentKeynote Speaker Announced for 2020 One Health One Planet™ Symposium
Opening Reception Tues., April 14
Symposium Wed., April 15
Click Here for Tickets – Early Bird Rate Through Sun., March 1 OnlyPhipps Conservatory is pleased to announce the 2020 One Health One Planet™ Symposium, “One Health and the Air We Breathe.” At One Health One Planet, hundreds of attendees and experts from across the country will discuss the critical issue of air quality and explore ways to address it. The keynote speaker for this year’s symposium is Heather McTeer Toney, the National Field Director for Moms Clean Air Force, an organization of over 1 million moms and dads committed to fighting air pollution and protections against climate change. Prior to coming to Moms, Heather served as the first African-American, first female and youngest mayor of Greenville, MS. In 2014, she was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as Regional Administrator for Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Southeast Region. She has appeared on news outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and Democracy Now!; and has written for and been featured in numerous papers including the New York Times and the Washington Post. McTeer Toney was featured in the May 2005 issue of Essence Magazine as one of the “50 Most Remarkable Women in the World.
Heather will be joined by a group of dynamic leaders of their fields including:
Myron Aronowitt – State Director for Pennsylvania, Clean Water Action
Jamil Bey, Ph.D. – President and CEO, UrbanKind Institute
Neil Donahue, Ph.D. – Thomas Lord Professor; Director of Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research, Carnegie Mellon Univeristy
Jim Fabisiak, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health; Director of the Center of Healthy Environments and Communities, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health
Gretchen Goldman, Ph.D. – Research Director at the Center for Science and Democracy, Union of Concerned Scientists
Jack Harkema, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl ACVP – University Distinguished Professor of Pathobiology & Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University
Ned Ketyer, M.D., F.A.A.P. – Retired Pediatric Physician, University of Pittsburgh Climate and Global Change Center
Matt Mehalik, Ph.D. – Executive Director, Breathe Project
Camila Rivera-Tinsley – Director of Education, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
Debra J. Romberger, M.D. – Henry J. Lehnhoff Professor and Chair, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Meghan Scanlon, WELL AP – Wellness and Sustainability Specailist, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
John Stolz, Ph.D. – Director of the Center for Environmental Research and Education, Environmental Microbiology Professor, Duquesne University
Sally Wenzel, M.D. – Professor of Medicine; Chair, Department of Occcupational and Environmental Health, University of Pittsburgh
Linda Wigington – ROCIS Team Leader, ROCIS Pittsburgh
Nsedu Witherspoon, MPH – Executive Director, Children’s Environmental Health NetworkPhipps is pursuing professional continuing education credits for M.D.s, D.V.M.s and nurses. Stay tuned for details.
Questions? Contact Dr. Maria Wheeler-Dubas at mwheeler-dubas@phipps.conservatory.org.
Learn More and R.S.V.P. -
Nature of Place Symposium
Leave a CommentA Symposium About Biophilia
The implications of biophilia extend across a vast array of disciplines including design and engineering, nutrition, psychology, public health, education, biology and the humanities. Biophilia is expressed all over the world every day, through complex collaborations such as the design and construction of buildings and landscapes; and intimate, personal encounters including nature hikes and home gardening.
Since 2013, Phipps has held a monthly Biophilia: Pittsburgh gathering to bring creative minds together for learning, exploring and strengthening the bonds between people and the natural world. At Phipps’ first Nature of Place Symposium, this concept finds a new expression as leaders across disciplines come together to discuss the influence and impact of biophilia on their work and the work of the future. The event will include an opening reception and keynote speaker on the evening of Wed., Feb. 19 and a day of presentations and panels on Thurs., Feb. 20.
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Energy Smart Operations: From Fleets to Facilities
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**THIS EVENT HAS REACHED CAPACITY. REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.**Hosted by Sustainable Pittsburgh, “Energy Smart Operations: From Fleets to Facilities” is a forum tailored for businesses, nonprofits, universities, and municipal community leaders who are seeking funding, financing, and procurement options for their energy smart solutions.
Speakers include:
- Will Bernstein, City of Pittsburgh
- Matt Mahoney, Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance
- Mike Carnahan, Scalo Solar
- Mike Cherock, AE Works
- John McCabe, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
- Sarah Olexsak, Duquesne Light
- Aurora Sharrard, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
- Nick DeSalvo, Lafayette College, representing the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges
Conversations on energy reduction, carbon emission reduction, and renewable energy will be featured, as well as an optional tour of Mill 19, a former brownfield site revolutionized into a green facility.
DATE: Thursday, January 30, 2020
TIME:
- 8:00 am – Registration and Breakfast
- 8:30 am – Program
- 11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Optional Tour
LOCATION: Mill 19 at Hazelwood Green
Thanks to our sponsors:
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Utility-Scale Wind & Solar Power: Industry Insights for 2019 and the Evolving Influence of Storage
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Join the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation at Carnegie Mellon University for a Distinguished Lecture by Michael O’Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Development at NextEra Energy Resources. -
SCDN Webinar: Urban Agriculture – From Vacant Properties to Green Space
Leave a CommentRegister Here
FREEThe presence of vacant properties is a challenge that municipalities face every day, but these spaces can be utilized to benefit the community in several ways: returning properties to the tax rolls, improving community engagement, fostering economic development, and combating food insecurity.
Interest in urban agriculture and community gardening has seen a major resurgence in the last 15 years. As municipal leaders seek ways to improve the quality of life for their neighborhoods, community gardens have shown to cultivate resident engagement and productive community partnerships. Utilizing vacant lots as green space in some communities has also revealed an improvement in air and water quality, helping with stormwater issues and even calming local traffic.
As a response to rising interest in community gardening, Grow Pittsburgh formed in 2005 and has since become a go-to resource when it comes to self-sustaining urban agriculture in the region. Join Local Government Academy in partnership with Sustainable Pittsburgh’s Sustainable Community Development Network (SCDN) as we host speaker Rayden Sorock, Director of Community Projects at Grow Pittsburgh, for a webinar describing best practices for starting an urban agricultural project. Learn which policies municipalities can adopt to facilitate growing food, and then hear from Rebecca Bradley, Manager of Wilkins Township, about a real community garden project.
About the presenters:
Rayden Sorock is the Director of Community Projects at Grow Pittsburgh. Since 2008, Rayden has been working in community-focused agriculture, and has worked with communities to start or support 80+ community gardens throughout Allegheny County. He lives in Wilkinsburg with his family and backyard garden.
Rebecca Bradley has been the Manager for Wilkins Township, Allegheny County for the last 15 years. She also serves as a peer-to-peer consultant for the DCED Governor’s Center for Local Government Services. Prior to working for Wilkins, Rebecca spent ten years as the Administrator for the City of Aliquippa, Beaver County. Rebecca has a Masters in Business Administration from Geneva College. Hobbies including running, reading and weeding.
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October Events Roundup
Leave a CommentOctober was an exciting month for Sustainable Pittsburgh, full of opportunities to learn and connect with leaders, experts, and motivated community members! Below are highlights from some events in which SP engaged:
PML Summit
October 5-6, 2018The 119th annual summit of the Pennsylvania Municipal League (PML) was held in Cranberry Township. Elected and appointed officials from across the state gathered to connect and network with colleagues, attend informative and educational sessions, discuss issues facing the Commonwealth’s municipalities, share resources and best practices, establish legislative policy, and elect officers and members of the Board of Directors for the coming year. A new organizational logo and tagline, “Strength Through Engagement,” were announced; a new website will follow in early 2019. A summary video of the day can be found here.
Additionally, Jim Price, Sustainable Community Manager at Sustainable Pittsburgh, held an open workshop in the morning to discuss the Sustainable PA Community Certification with interested attendees, and presented an educational session in the afternoon with planners from the City of Pittsburgh on how municipalities can use the EcoDistricts protocol for community development.
North American Passive House Network Conference
October 17-21, 2018The 2018 annual conference and expo for the North American Passive House Network was in Pittsburgh at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, where sessions included topics such as policy and zoning, social equity, health and wellness, and technological innovations. Passive House principles can play a pivotal role in increasing sustainability for projects and communities by reducing energy demands and costs, increasing indoor air quality and occupant comfort, and providing safe, engaging spaces across a range of housing types and uses.
Rail~Volution Conference
October 21-24, 2018Rail~Volution’s theme, “Building Livable Communities with Transit,” was explored in depth during the annual conference, this year at the Wyndham Grand in Pittsburgh. The conference discussed the links between land use, transit, and development through four days of sessions and mobile workshops, highlighting the transit infrastructure and development that currently exists, the work being done to advance both technology and equity, and inspiring stories of successes across North America. Local leaders and employees told Pittsburgh’s story and hopes for a more equitable future, while experts from dozens of cities shared their knowledge and lessons learned.
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SCDN Webinar: Urban Agriculture – From Vacant Properties to Green Space
Leave a CommentNovember 15 @ 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Register Here
FREEThe presence of vacant properties is a challenge that municipalities face every day, but these spaces can be utilized to benefit the community in several ways: returning properties to the tax rolls, improving community engagement, fostering economic development, and combating food insecurity.
Interest in urban agriculture and community gardening has seen a major resurgence in the last 15 years. As municipal leaders seek ways to improve the quality of life for their neighborhoods, community gardens have shown to cultivate resident engagement and productive community partnerships. Utilizing vacant lots as green space in some communities has also revealed an improvement in air and water quality, helping with stormwater issues and even calming local traffic.
As a response to rising interest in community gardening, Grow Pittsburgh formed in 2005 and has since become a go-to resource when it comes to self-sustaining urban agriculture in the region. Join Local Government Academy in partnership with Sustainable Pittsburgh’s Sustainable Community Development Network (SCDN) as we host speaker Rayden Sorock, Director of Community Projects at Grow Pittsburgh, for a webinar describing best practices for starting an urban agricultural project. Learn which policies municipalities can adopt to facilitate growing food, and then hear from Rebecca Bradley, Manager of Wilkins Township, about a real community garden project.
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Making the Connection: Manganese Exposure and Children’s IQ
Leave a CommentManganese is an essential additive in the steel making process, with as much as 90% of manganese consumption worldwide being used by the steel industry alone. Throughout this process stray manganese particles escape into the air. These particles are related to a variety of adverse health effects, and are especially harmful to the central nervous system. During this presentation, Drs. Erin Haynes and Vincent Schmithorst will discuss the links between manganese in air pollution to neurodevelopment and lowered IQ in children.
Dr. Haynes, an environmental epidemiologist at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, will discuss her research on impacts of manganese in two Appalachian communities in Ohio. Dr. Schmithorst, of UPMC Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital, will discuss how advanced MRI imagining can be used to further understand the relation between neurotoxicity and neurodevelopmental outcome.
This event is part of GASP’s Making the Connection series, intended for medical professionals as well as community members interested in learning more about the links between air pollution and various health problems. It will begin with an hour of networking and refreshments from 5pm-6pm outside of the Hutchinson and Hayashi Auditorium, before moving into the auditorium for the main program. Walk in registration is welcomed.
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Building a Future Full of Hope and Promise
Leave a CommentJoin Clean Air Council to kick off our Southwest PA Neighbors for Clean Air Initiative!
Clean Air Council is launching its Southwest Pennsylvania Neighbors for Clean Air initiative on April 12 to raise awareness and recruit additional volunteers. This free event will feature Lois Marie Gibbs, the primary organizer in Love Canal, winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize and Heinz award in the Environment, and Nobel Peace Prize nominee.
Southwest Pennsylvania, particularly Allegheny County, continues to receive poor air quality grades. Residents are demanding that industry and government protect their health, environment, and quality of life.
The Southwest Pennsylvania Neighbors for Clean Air initiative will establish at least 100 groups of 10 neighbors in southwest Pennsylvania to educate 1,000 new volunteer leaders about air pollution sources and build their capacity to address air quality issues affecting their lives.
For more information, contact Dave Smith at 412-854-8494 or dsmith@cleanair.org.
Transportation – Clean Air Council is providing transportation from the following locations (specific pick-up times will be provided when they are available) please email dsmith@cleanair.org to reserve a space.
Bus one pick-up:
Community Library of Allegheny Valley – 1522 Broadview Blvd, Natrona Heights, PA 15065
Possible pick up in Aspinwall/Fox ChapelBus two pick-up:
St Clare of Assisi – 460 Reed St, Clairton, PA 15025
Braddock Carnegie Library – 419 Library St, Braddock PA 15104Bus three pick-up:
Beaver Historic Train Station – 276 East End Ave, Beaver PA 15009
Possible pick-up in Aliquippa