3E Links readers are early adopters of sustainable policies, products, and practices, and agents of change who educate friends and colleagues about the triple bottom line. Please share your issue of 3E Links with others and encourage them to subscribe by e-mailing info@sustainablepittsburgh.org.

Events

Find out what you missed last week!

Event recap from the Discussion of Energy Policy and The American Clean Energy and Security Act

On July 30, 2009, Champions for Sustainability (C4S) and the Business Climate Coalition (BCC) of the Pittsburgh Climate Initiative hosted The Summer's Hot Business Topic: A Discussion of Energy Policy and The American Clean Energy and Security Act at the New Hazlett Theater on Pittsburgh’s North Side. The event was designed to help bring insight into the complexities of energy and climate issues facing corporate decision makers and policy makers. Professionals from both sides of the table came together to discuss how southwestern Pennsylvania can capitalize on a strategic energy opportunity.

Read more!

Resources

Road to Sustainability

Tuesday, October 13
8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Community College of Beaver County Dome
Cost: $35 per person (includes breakfast and lunch)

Hosted by the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC), Congressman Jason Altmire, L. Robert Kimball & Associates, and Sustainable Pittsburgh, “The Road to Sustainability” Conference is aimed at providing information to businesses and organizations about what it really means to “go green” as well as what it will take to get the current workforce trained to do so. Scheduled topics include the following:
• Sustainable Development
• Green Building and LEED
• Energy Auditing
• Mechanical Systems
• Grant Writing
• Act 129 opportunities
• Act 167 and Future Storm Water Management
• Solid Waste Management

A Resources Room will also be available throughout the day, highlighting vendors displaying green products and services.

US DOT Visit—Certification Review of Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Planning Process

Thursday, August 6
6:00 pm
Regional Enterprise Tower, 31st Floor, Downtown Pittsburgh
Open Session to Receive Public Comment/Testimony on Pittsburgh Metropolitan Planning Process
For more information contact the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission at 412-391-5590.

150 years of Pittsburgh transit

August 6 - 9, 2009
10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
NOTE: “Birthday cake cutting” ceremony at the Museum’s horse car at 12:30pm, Thursday August 6th, with Museum officials and Steve Bland, CEO of the Port Authority of Allegheny County.
Admission fee: $9 for Adults, $8 for Seniors ages 62+, $5 for Children 3-15. Infants 2 and under are free. Family rate: $30 (covers up to two adults and four children)
More information

Inspired by the 150th anniversary of Pittsburgh’s first horse car line, which began operation along Penn Avenue on August 6, 1859 by the Citizens Passenger Railway, the Pittsburgh Trolley Museum will feature the only preserved Pittsburgh horse car in existence. For the event, the public will get a rare look inside the horse car, while learning about what life was like during that era. Other Pittsburgh streetcars will also be featured, culminating with a peek inside of Port Authority’s newest and most energy-efficient hybrid buses to show the progression of 150 years of technology.

Many other activities are available during this multi-day celebration. Admission includes a scenic four-mile trolley ride and guided tour of our original car house; a museum store, theater and picnic area. Parking is free.

Wind Energy in our Backyard: Friend or Foe?

Monthly Public Meeting of Allegheny Group Sierra Club
Wednesday, August 12
7:30 pm
Phipps Civic Garden Center, Fifth and Shady Aves, Squirrel Hill
Contact Donald L. Gibbon, dongibbon@earthlink.net, with questions.

What is the role of wind power in PA? Join the Allegheny Group Sierra Club for an informative evening featuring a representative of GAMESA, the large Spanish firm building wind turbines locally in Ebensburg, explaining this company's point of view. This will be followed by Patty DeMarco, PhD, formerly Executive Director of the Power Facilities Evaluation Council of Connecticut dealing with such issues as nuclear power plant safety, energy conservation, and clean fuels technology, also a Commissioner of the Alaska Regulatory Commission, with jurisdiction over all electric, gas, water, refuse utilities and oil and gas pipelines. She is presently head of the Rachel Carson Homestead Association, and she will present a wide-ranging look at comparative impacts of wind and other energy sources. Refreshments provided.

Coro Fellows Social Innovation Fair

Friday, August 14
11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Benedum Center, Studio A, 719 Liberty Ave., Downtown Pittsburgh
To learn more or RSVP, contact Kelsey Halling at khalling@coropittsburgh.org

Providing relevant, scalable ideas for all sectors to solve community problems.

Agenda:
11:30 - 2:00 - Browse table displays from organizations across the city
11:45 - Coro Fellows Presentation, "Social Innovation in Downtown Pittsburgh"
12:25 - Panel Discussion "Strategies for Social Innovation"

Learn from Social Innovators About:
- developing a new product or service that is socially innovative.
- changing internal operations to decrease expenses and provide social benefit.
- transforming your programs and services to achieve your mission.
- creating a new business model that is profitable and solves a social problem.

Recycling Drive at Whole Foods Market

Saturday, August 15
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Whole Foods Market, 5880 Centre Avenue, East Liberty
For more information, call Kim from Whole Foods Market at (412) 441-7960 or Sarah from PRC at (412) 488-7490 ext. 236 or visit www.prc.org
.

Did you know that Americans throw away more paper than any other kind of trash? Recycling the pounds of magazines and newspapers the average household accrues in a year not only saves trees but also reduces contributions to air pollution by 95 percent. If everyone in the United States recycled their paper for an entire year it would be equivalent to taking 5,511,566 cars off the road for a year!

In order to help the public do their part to recycle, Whole Foods Market is teaming up once again with the City of Pittsburgh, Abitibi, and the Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC), one of the oldest, non-profit environmental groups in PA, to provide individuals with the opportunity to recycle paper and do their grocery shopping all in one trip. The public will be able to recycle the following paper products - office paper, junk mail, newspaper, cardboard, paperboard, magazines, catalogs, hardback books, and phone books. Other items being accepted for recycling include: alkaline batteries, cell phones, ink and toner cartridges, and CFLs. Representatives from PRC and Abitibi will be on hand during the event to answer questions about recycling. Paper products should be sorted in the following categories:
- Office paper, junk mail, newspaper, magazines, and catalogs
- Phone books
- Hardback books
- Cardboard
- Paperboard

State Transportation Commission Public Hearing

Friday, August 21
8:00 am
Regional Enterprise Tower, 31st Floor, Downtown Pittsburgh
More information

The State Transportation Commission (STC) will hold a public hearing in anticipation of the 2011 Twelve Year Transportation Program. All individuals wishing to testify are required to submit an electronic abstract for each project or each issue upon which they will present testimony. Written testimony may be submitted in lieu of oral comments. Written testimony will be accepted between August 5, 2009 and September 30, 2009. Pennsylvania’s Twelve Year Transportation Program identifies the Commonwealth's improvement efforts in all major transportation modes: highways, bridges, aviation, rail and transit. The transportation program included in the first four years of the Twelve Year Program is referred to as the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, or STIP. The update of the Twelve Year Transportation Program provides a valuable opportunity for members of the general public to provide input to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the State Transportation Commission. This public input provides direction for maintaining and improving Pennsylvania’s bridges and highways, public transportation system, aviation, and rail freight infrastructure.

"It's Easy Being Green"

Golden Triangle Green Roof Breakfast
Friday, August 21
7:30 am - 10:00 am
Highmark, Fifth Avenue Place, Downtown Pittsburgh
Free to attend
RSVP by Friday, August 7
Contact: Janie French at 412-578-8376 or jfrench@3rww.org

Green roofs not only provide an oasis of color, but they also reduce storm water runoff, cut energy use and extend the life of a roof. Learn the dynamic benefits of green roofs at a breakfast presentation co-hosted by Dr. Ken Melani, Highmark President and CEO; Dan Onorato, Allegheny County County Executive; and Luke Ravenstahl, City of Pittsburgh Mayor. This event is especially targeted towards building managers and owners. Plans are in development to discuss more green roof opportunities in the region.

Guest presenters will include:
Rob Berghage, Associate Professor of Horticulture, Penn State University
Green Roof Representatives, Highmark Fifth Avenue Place and Heinz 57 - McKnight Property Management.

All guests will receive a green roof resource guide and have the opportunity to view Highmark's green roof. Upon arrival to event, go to the registration table at Fifth Avenue Place, first level. Guests will be escorted to the Fourth Floor Viewing Room.

Running For Public Office FALL 2009

Beginning September 24, 2009
12 consecutive Thursday sessions from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: $150 upon acceptance into the program
For more information and to apply, click here.

Running for Public Office is an experiential learning program of the Coro Center for Civic Leadership. Standing for election to a public office is an important form of civic engagement and one of the highest forms of public service. The vision of Running for Public Office is to strengthen citizen participation in public elections and to increase the diversity and level of preparation of candidates running for office in Greater Pittsburgh.

Seminars include:
1. Getting prepared for Running for Public Office
2. Creating a Learning Environment for your Team
3. Building your campaign team: The “Kitchen Cabinet”
4. Research and Message Development
5. The Budget
6. Fundraising
7. Paid and Earned Media
8. Targeting
9. Direct Contact with Voters
10. Recruiting and Engaging Volunteers
11. Get-Out-The-Vote
12. Election Day

G-20 Pittsburgh Summit: Behind the Scenes

Tuesday, August 25
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Pittsburgh Opera Offices, Strip District
Cost: $10; Free for students with College ID (Please email danielle@lpinc.org to register with a college ID)
Includes hors d’oeuvres and cash bar
RSVP by August 14th, 2009, at www.lpinc.org, click on Events.

Join the New Pittsburgh Collaborative, NPC members Leadership Pittsburgh and PUMP, and others for an exciting, informative and “in-the-know” conversation with Bill Flanagan from the Allegheny Conference and Craig Davis of VisitPittsburgh about what Pittsburgh is doing to prepare for the G-20 in September, what to can expect during the conference, and how Pittsburgh can be a great host to the world. This event is open to the whole community, not just NPC members, so bring your friends and find out how you can help Pittsburgh welcome the world.

Third Annual Rachel Carson Legacy Conference
When Chemicals Disrupt: Managing Our Risks

Friday, September 25
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Bidwell Training Center, 1815 Metropolitan Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Tickets: $90
Pre-registration and pre-payment is required.
More information

Featuring leaders of national and state government, academic institutions, environmental and social justice advocacy organizations and medical science, the conference will address the dichotomy between critical protection of the environment (and our bodies and those of the next generations) from endocrine disrupting contaminants and the unbridled economic interest of those who produce substances which directly or indirectly act as endocrine or developmental disruptors.

Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and other such synthetic compounds known as endocrine disruptors are chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system. They are used widely in agriculture, industry and consumer products. They fool the body into over-production or under-production of natural hormones. They have been linked to feminization of fish, hermophrodization in frogs, and there is a growing body of scientific evidence that links endocrine disruptors to obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes in humans. Other research has shown that male sperm count is dropping and that genital abnormalities in newborn boys are increasing.

This Rachel Carson Legacy Conference will look at the serious and urgent topic of endocrine disruptors in three parts: Policy, Science and Remedies.

Resources

Sustainable Community Essentials Resource Sheets available online

Toward cultivating greater capacity for sustainable practice around Southwestern Pennsylvania, the Sustainable Community Development Network of Sustainable Pittsburgh partnered with leading organizations to produce a new series of Sustainable Community Essentials Resource Sheets and a Rapid Assessment for communities. These resource sheets identify 14 essentials of a sustainable community - from Air Quality to Food Security to Governance - and provide an explanation of each topic and case studies – a perfect tool for community leaders to use as they work to improve their neighborhoods.

It’s Time to Wake up the Sleeping Giants

In short, MPOs are ideally suited to the regional realities of today’s metropolitan areas and to the task of shaping future growth in multi-jurisdictional communities. Except for one thing: they largely lack power to implement the transportation improvement plans (TIPs) they recommend.

More

Nominations being accepted for Racial Justice Awards

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Office of Racial Diversity and Inclusion is pleased to announce the 2009 RACIAL JUSTICE AWARDS to recognize individuals, companies and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to eliminate racism. The organization invites your nomination of candidates for these awards that will be presented at the YWCA Racial Justice Awards Dinner on Monday, November 16, 2009, at the Westin Hotel, beginning with a reception at 5:30 p.m. Through the annual Racial Justice Awards, the YWCA seeks to promote a society in which all people receive equal treatment and have equal access in the workplace, public services, justice system, classroom, and throughout the greater Pittsburgh community.

Beijing Shutting Coal Plants To Improve Environment

China has taken advantage of a drop in electricity demand due to the global financial crisis to speed up a campaign to close small coal-fired power plants and improve its battered environment," Sun Qin, deputy administrator of the Cabinet's National Energy Administration, said yesterday. "Authorities have closed power plants with a total of 7,467 generating units, meeting a previously announced goal 18 months ahead of schedule," according to the official, who added that "the latest closures will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions that cause acid rain by an estimated 1.1 million tons and carbon dioxide output by 124 million tons per year." Sun said, however, that "the closures involved moving 400,000 workers to new jobs.

China aims to cut energy intensity 5 pct in 2009

China aims in 2009 to make a 5 percent cut in energy intensity, or the amount of energy it uses to produce each dollar of national income, the country's climate change ambassador Yu Qingtai said on Wednesday.

Researchers Use Synthetic Leaves, Transpiration To Generate Electricity

Electrical engineers in the US think that synthetic leaves could be used to generate electricity through transpiration. Similar to natural leaves, "the new synthetic leaves also lose water through evaporation to create that mechanical water pump effect, and use it to generate power." The researchers used "glass wafers shot through with a branching network of tiny water-filled channels" which "have open ends that allow water to evaporate, drawing fluid along the leaf's central stem." The central stem contains metal plates connected to a circuit, and the leaf generates "power by periodically interrupting the water flowing into the leaf with air bubbles." The researchers noted that "bubbles prevent transpiration taking place over long distances," but hope to "get round this issue by using solid insulators instead of bubbles.”

Report: Energy Efficiency Could Produce $1.2 Trillion In Savings

A study released last week from the consulting firm McKinsey "outlined the enormous opportunities for reducing energy use in the United States." According to the report, "the country could reap $1.2 trillion in potential savings by 2020...after an initial investment of about $520 billion in measures such as better insulation for buildings and energy-sipping appliances. That is not even counting the transportation sector." A "critical" policy in achieving these savings, according to the report, "is minimum efficiency standards for appliances. In the United States, the government requires that refrigerators, dishwashers and other appliances meet certain efficiency targets," which "are estimated to have saved Americans $50 billion between 1987 and 2000, at a cost of $15 billion." One "key barrier" the report discussed "to achieving efficiency and conservation is that consumers lack information about how much energy they actually use."

Decline In Solar Panel Prices Makes Systems More Affordable

If you're searching for a bright spot in a dismal economic climate, look no farther than your roof. The downturn is helping to make solar panels more affordable as "manufacturers are cutting prices to move inventory." Also, "as part of the economic stimulus package, the federal government this year boosted tax credits to homeowners who switch to solar power." And "innovative financing can help you spread your payments out as long as 20 years." The installation of solar panels "can reduce your annual electricity expense to zero," but "spending $20,000 or more on a system today amounts to pre-paying your power bill for the next three decades." Due to price drops, "some residential systems that were retailing for $9 a watt to $10 a watt installed before the recession can now be had for about $7.50 a watt. Homeowners who join together to buy in volume are snagging complete systems for a little more than $6 a watt.

Falling Behind On Green Tech

America confronts three interrelated crises: an economic crisis, a climate crisis and an energy security crisis. We believe there's a fourth: a competitiveness crisis. This crisis is particularly evident in America's worldwide standing in the next great global industry, green technology. There is no topic of greater importance to America's economic future. The question is whether the United States will lead or lag in tomorrow's global energy markets. And the difference between these two futures is dramatic.

Hot Trend: Green is the New Black

When Trotzuk first started pitching Fortune 500 companies whose executives insisted that products be environmentally progressive, not just in materials but in the way they were manufactured, Trotzuk realized his eco-conscious promises could only go so far. “I’m giving my spiel to a large corporation who’s very ethically sound and they say, ‘Thank you for using bamboo and recycled polyester, but come with me, we need to ask you some questions,’” Trotzuk says, recalling certain conversations. That’s when Trotzuk would be introduced to other due diligence officers in the company who posed much more daunting issues. “Mark, you’re not a chemist. How can you test the waste water leaving the factory to make sure it won’t harm the environment?” – that was a typical question he was asked. At first, Trotzuk didn’t have an answer. They were right: How could a stateside supplier with no access to a Chinese factory’s waste water determine if it was eco-friendly or not?

ExxonMobil Outspent Clean-Energy Industry On Washington Lobbying

Exxon Mobil Corp., the biggest U.S. oil producer, spent more on Washington lobbying during the first half of the year than all clean-energy companies combined," according to researcher New Energy Finance Ltd. The research firm said that ExxonMobil "spent $14.9 million lobbying in the six months, 23 percent more than the $12.1 million laid out by companies that make solar panels or wind turbines to generate electricity." Furthermore, "Oil and gas companies spent a total of $82.2 million on Washington lobbyists," the report suggested. Michael Liebreich, chairman of New Energy Finance, said, "With the huge amount of stimulus funds the federal government has offered, it is hardly a surprise that the sector is stepping up its efforts."

US industries press for ‘green’ trade accord

Another reason US business wants a green global trade agreement: It would bring into a rules-based green market emerging economic giants like India, Brazil, and above all China, which want access to the developed world’s green know-how or intellectual property but that resist opening doors to developed countries’ green goods and services. Concern is growing that China is using the absence of a global green-trade accord to corner what many experts believe will be the next generation’s auto or steel industry.

Blueprint for a Transatlantic Climate Partnership

The United States and Europe are increasingly finding common ground on climate change. Yet, with only months remaining before countries hope to outline a successor to the Kyoto Protocol at COP15 in Copenhagen, it’s unclear whether the transatlantic partners are in sync on several issues critical to securing a global climate deal. This German Marshall Fund paper recommends a pathway for policy makers on both sides of the Atlantic to reach consensus on a new international climate agreement. Nigel’s blueprint for success in Copenhagen hinges on big issues in the international climate negotiations: emissions mitigation actions by the world’s major economies; financial support provided by developed nations to developing nations; and international institutions needed to make the new system work.

Braddock Youth Grow a Greener Future

The collapse of the steel industry decades ago transformed many once-thriving industrial communities into ghost towns. Today the Borough of Braddock, once a cornerstone of Andrew Carnegie's empire, remains devastated. Local residents believe a community farm can solve some of Braddock's problems, one tomato at a time. Interns from the Braddock Youth Project spend the summer working on Braddock Farms, bringing the community together and providing the local area with fresh produce. Allegheny Front interns Jack Billings, Emily McGinty, and Alex Zabierek report, as part of their work with The Heinz Endowments and Sustainable Pittsburgh.

For information on becoming a Member of Sustainable Pittsburgh, please visit our website.

3E Links is sent as a service to Sustainable Pittsburgh Members and interested parties and is being distributed for informational purposes. The information above was provided by or obtained from the organizing institution or one of its representatives. Our distribution does not imply endorsement. To unsubscribe, reply to this e-mail and type UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

Click here to access the 3E Links Archive. Use "Search" on SP's homepage for a great resource.

Sustainable Pittsburgh affects decision-making in the Pittsburgh Region to integrate economic prosperity, social equity and environmental quality bringing sustainable solutions to communities and businesses.

Sustainable Pittsburgh benefits from support in 2009 from:

Bayer Corporation
Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
Buhl Foundation
Dollar Bank
Falk Foundation
FedEx Ground
The Giant Eagle Foundation
The Heinz Endowments
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Elsie H. Hillman Foundation
Richard King Mellon Foundation
Dylan Todd Simonds Foundation
University of Pittsburgh
UPMC


Special thanks to the SP Members

Sustainable Pittsburgh
425 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1335
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 258-6642
fax (412) 258-6645
E-mail SP