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Sustainable Pittsburgh

Sustainable Pittsburgh

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ⓘ

IMPORTANT: Beginning January 31, 2024, participants that choose to earn formal designation from Sustainable Pittsburgh will be asked to pay a fee to cover the costs of designation. Please visit the individual program FAQs for details.

Sustainable Pittsburgh Shop

shop interior of the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse
Logo of the Sustainable Pittsburgh Shop program

What is a Sustainable Pittsburgh Shop?

A Sustainable Pittsburgh Shop recognizes small retail businesses that demonstrate a commitment to take economic, environmental, and social actions that benefit the region. These shops earned designation by helping to build vibrant communities and support environmentally responsible practices.

Value to our Region

Small retailers are crucial contributors to the local economy by bringing growth and innovation to the community. Sustainable Pittsburgh believes in the importance of sustainable local businesses that create thriving and vibrant communities.

Mission & Vision

Value to Participating Shops

Whether your shop is new to sustainability or more advanced in its practices, this program offers tools, resources, and connections to achieve your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start Designation / Login :

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Participation is the Primary Reward

More and more consumers prefer shopping with environmentally and socially-conscious businesses. Earning designation as a Sustainable Pittsburgh Shop gives you access to increased visibility among consumers and elevates your role in strengthening the fabric of your community.

“I had been doing these actions, not knowing they had been making my business more sustainable. I was so excited to learn that! We’re never too old to learn about sustainable business practices. You can teach an old dog new tricks!”

Patty A. Thomas, Pinks Tiny Paws Daycare & Boutique

Our Approach to Recognizing Sustainable Action

Designation levels are based on points achieved relative to the number of actions satisfied. Because no two shops are the same, this designation has been designed to provide a flexible and adaptable approach to sustainability that is achievable for all our region’s small retail or “mom-and-pop” small businesses.

We consider more than 130 different actions that are aimed at bettering our environment, our society, and our region. These include actions based on energy conservation and management, water conservation and management, business operations and practices, occupancy, transportation, waste management, products, services, and purchasing, and innovation.

Bronze level designation symbol for shops
Bronze Level
Silver level designation symbol for shops
Silver Level
Gold level designation symbol for shops
Gold Level
Platinum level designation symbol for shops
Platinum Level

Support and Follow These Local Shop Leaders

There are over 120 designated small retail businesses in 45+ communities across southwestern Pennsylvania. With shops of all different varieties, you can find anything to suit your interests. Find them in your community using the directory below.

Shops Directory
shop interior of the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse

Restaurants

There are over 150 designated Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurants in our region. With restaurants at all price ranges, locations, varieties of cuisine, and all types of dining experiences, you can find many delicious options to suit your tastes. Find them in your community using the directory below.

Restaurants Directory

Workplaces

Our newest program designed for sustainability champions and leaders at Southwestern PA organizations of all sizes, sectors, and levels of experience with sustainability efforts. Congratulations to our first-ever Sustainable Pittsburgh Workplaces:

Workplaces Directory

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Upcoming Events

  • May 30, 2025
    Inspire Speakers Series Resilient Community Workshops

Blog

  • January 17, 2025
    Sustainable Pittsburgh Welcomes Executive Director, Bhavini Patel
  • October 8, 2024
    Sustainable Pittsburgh executive director to depart at end of year
  • July 26, 2024
    Area businesses earn top scores in competition to reduce carbon emissions
  • November 2, 2023
    Attn Rural Communities - Get Recognized and Reduce Energy Use with a Special Grant Opportunity
  • May 18, 2023
    Sustainable Pittsburgh announces Top Scorers of inaugural Social Equity Sprint

Press Coverage

  • October 8, 2024
    Sustainable Pittsburgh executive director to depart at end of year
  • May 18, 2023
    Sustainable Pittsburgh announces Top Scorers of inaugural Social Equity Sprint
  • March 13, 2023
    Our Region's Business: Sustainable PGH Workplaces
  • February 13, 2023
    Sustainable Pittsburgh Workplace Designation
  • February 13, 2023
    Sustainable Pittsburgh names sustainable workplace list

Reports

  • March 14, 2022
    Sustainable Business Strategies: Reducing Embodied Carbon
  • September 30, 2021
    The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: Guidance for Local Governments
  • May 13, 2018
    Introduction to Sustainable Development
  • December 26, 2017
    Kendall Simon Sustainable Business Case Studies
  • May 13, 2014
    Introduction to Sustainable Development

Toolkits & Case Studies

  • March 14, 2022
    Sustainable Business Strategies: Reducing Embodied Carbon
  • September 30, 2021
    The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: Guidance for Local Governments
  • April 29, 2020
    Safety Tips for Food Takeout and Delivery during COVID-19
  • December 26, 2008
    Sustainability Assessment Tool - Southwestern Pennsylvania
  • November 26, 2008
    Southwestern Pennsylvania Citizens' Vision for Smart Growth: Strengthening Communities and Regional Economy

Webinar Recordings

  • April 2, 2024
    SCDN Policy Connection: Unlocking Sustainable Procurement Strategies
  • February 13, 2024
    SCDN Policy Connection: Exploring Sustainable Transportation Options and Opportunities

Sustainable Pittsburgh

307 Fourth Avenue, Suite 700
Pittsburgh, PA 15222 USA

412-258-6642 (phone)
info@sustainablepittsburgh.org


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