The Sustainability Practitioners Network is the Pittsburgh region’s nexus for professional sustainability education and connection.
Network Content
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Mission
To cultivate a community of sustainability professionals who share knowledge and collaborate on tools to make a meaningful and lasting positive impact on the Pittsburgh region.
Vision
A Pittsburgh region where organizations are collaborating and sharing interconnected sustainability knowledge and impact.
Who We Are
Established in 2008 by the nonprofit Sustainable Pittsburgh and business sustainability professionals themselves, the Sustainability Practitioners Network is where Southwestern Pennsylvania changemakers convene.
Sustainability practitioners are individuals who are leading, engaged in, or have interest in bringing sustainability initiatives to an organization. Practitioners from the following sectors are welcome: corporate, public sector, higher education*, nonprofit, consulting.
Sustainability professionals are instrumental in crafting strategies, developing metrics, tracking systems, establishing reporting mechanisms, and formulating cross-departmental work plans. Their efforts are crucial in driving financial savings and advancing significant impacts in key areas aligned with Sustainable Pittsburgh’s core focus:
- Carbon Reduction & Energy Efficiency: Driving the shift toward energy use reduction and efficiency alongside increased adoption of renewable energy, they are key contributors to the region’s efforts to minimize carbon emissions.
- Social Equity: They champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within sustainability practices, aiming to build equitable communities and organizations that thrive together.
- Sustainable Operations: Their work spans resource management, sustainable procurement, and establishing responsible supply chains, all fundamental for reducing environmental impacts and promoting sustainable practices.
- Innovative Solutions: Through initiatives in building management, fleet electrification, and effective communication, they push the boundaries of what’s possible, implementing solutions that resonate with Sustainable Pittsburgh’s goals for a resilient, healthy, and prosperous region.
The Sustainability Practitioners Network operates parallel to the CEOs for Sustainability executive network. The Sustainability Practitioners Network is designed for professionals who currently contribute to carrying out sustainability operations and initiatives or have a desire to bring sustainability efforts to their company. These practitioners are the backbone for implementing sustainable practices within their organizations. In contrast, the CEOs for Sustainability primarily includes C-Suite executives focused on setting overarching visions and broad sustainability goals for their companies. Many sustainability practitioners whose companies are members of CEOs for Sustainability are engaged in the Sustainability Practitioners Network for deeper peer-learning opportunities. However, the Sustainability Practitioners Network membership is not exclusive to CEOs for Sustainability member companies.
Our Leaders
The Sustainability Practitioners Network is led by volunteer professionals:
- Craig Bushey, Director of Environment & Sustainability, Electric Thermal Solutions – Chromalox, Thermocoax, Durex & Vulcanic
- Taylor Pelow, ESG Consultant, 3R Sustainability
- Kayla Reddington, Regional Sustainability Manager, Turner Construction
- Samantha Chen, Assistant Director of Sustainability for the Office of Sustainability, University of Pittsburgh
What We Do
In concert with its CEOs for Sustainability program, Sustainable Pittsburgh regularly convenes sustainability professionals through its Practitioners network to hear from subject matter experts and engage in peer-to-peer learning.
Upcoming Sustainability Practitioners Network events:
- Social Event: Thursday January 30th
- Meeting: Thursday April 2nd
- Social Event: Thursday May 15th
- Meeting: Thursday August 14th
- Meeting: Thursday October 2nd
*Note: This group is currently closed to undergraduate or graduate students (that are not also working professionals). We look forward to hosting special events to help mentor and network with university students interested in careers in sustainability in the future.
To learn more or join the network, contact:
Martin Eddy Harvey, Program Manager
Or complete the Interest Form