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Events

Municipal Government joining business trend of appointing Sustainability Coordinators

The private sector around the nation and here in southwestern Pennsylvania is on a fast uptake in adopting sustainability as a top level business strategy. Remarkably, during these recession years, the membership of Sustainable Pittsburgh's Business Sustainability Coordinators/Officers professional development network has grown. There are over 70 Business Sustainability Coordinators we know of, representing companies of all types and sizes around the region.

Given the special role local governments play in fostering sustainable development, it's a certainty that municipalities follow the business sector lead in the bottom line practicalities of appointing municipal Sustainability Coordinators. We've been watchful for the opportunity to begin convening such a cohort. But it was not until Sustainable Pittsburgh deployed the Sustainable Community Essentials Rapid Assessment that we learned of sufficient numbers of existing Community Sustainability Coordinators to launch this parallel network.

Sustainable Pittsburgh is pleased to announce the trend of municipal sustainability programming is alive and well as evidenced by the fourth meeting of the Community Sustainable Coordinators network. One of the aspects most valued within the group is learning from peers and local experts about past and current practices and policies central to integrating sustainability in municipal operations, management, and public services.

In addition to self-help, the Community Sustainability Coordinators are committed to work collectively at scale for regional progress. They've decided to focus initially on impacting waste management and recycling by deploying a training program geared to elected officials and municipal decision makers. Indeed, municipal leaders are at the front line of sustainable community development. It is from our home towns that we take a cue to living in ways that add social, economic, and environmental abundance.

If you know of a Community Sustainability Coordinator, urge them to contact Sustainable Pittsburgh to join in the growing group of sustainability professionals. When you see residents and leaders performing as sustainability coordinators from the following communities, be sure to congratulate them:
Allegheny County, Cranberry Township, City of Pittsburgh, East Liberty, Township of Upper St. Clair, Borough of Monaca, Mt. Lebanon, Ohio Township, Scott Township, Urban Redevelopment Authority, and YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh.

Resources

SAVE THE DATE: 11th Annual SWPA Smart Growth Conference “Smart Growth is Smart Business”

Tuesday, December 13
Downtown Pittsburgh - Location TBD
Featuring: Henry Cisneros, Executive Chairman, CityView

This year's conference will launch a 'businesses for smart growth' initiative in southwestern Pennsylvania. Filling a strategic gap, the event will solidify the bottom line business case and economic imperative for regional smart growth and galvanize business constituency.

Business leaders around the nation increasingly recognize that regional growth and development patterns -- guided by principles of smart growth and sustainability -- improve quality of life, lessen the cost of doing business, increase profitability, help reduce tax and infrastructure costs, and contribute to talent recruitment and retention.

Time is ripe for a business initiative focused on advancing our region's goals for more efficient and sustainable development to spur economic prosperity and extend this region's signature livability to more persons. The bottom line business case of smart growth is apparent.

Mark your calendars as the Smart Growth Conference is an invitation to address the ways smart growth is smart business:
- engage the private sector in harnessing smart growth market opportunity
- explore innovative means of ensuring financial feasibility of sustainable development
- channel the pattern and character of growth and development to improve productivity and hasten regional sustainability that protects and enhances business investments
- opportunities to have an impact on state, regional, and local planning and programming
- incentives to level the field for development and redevelopment to revitalize our existing communities
- the new economics nexus of land use, transportation, housing, and development

Keynote speaker Henry Cisneros is the executive chairman of CityView, an urban institutional investment firm which finances commercial and residential developers. His governmental experience and dedication to America's cities are important features of CityView's "Smart Capital for Smart Growth" strategy focused on urban solutions. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in New York, Dallas and San Antonio, CityView has invested in and developed more than $2 billion in real estate assets for 45 projects in 30 markets across 13 states since 2003. CityView is one of the nation's premier institutional investment firms focused on urban real estate, incity housing, and metropolitan infrastructure and is a fully-integrated operating company with an active management approach. Prior to establishing CityView, Henry Cisneros served as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and was the four-term Mayor of San Antonio, Texas.

The 11th Annual SWPA Smart Growth Conference is presented by:
Allegheny Conference on Community Development; Green Building Alliance; NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, Pittsburgh Chapter; Pittsburgh Technology Council; Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission; Sustainable Pittsburgh; Urban Land Institute Pittsburgh District Council

Creating Sustainable Communities Conference

Thursday, November 3
7:30 am — 4:00 pm
Point Park University
Registration: $30
Questions? Contact Hannah Hardy at (412) 481–9400 or hhardy@pecpa.org Registration information and conference schedule will be available in late August at:
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/conservationscience/sustainablelands/conferences/index.htm
This conference qualifies for 5 recertification credits for the PLNA Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturist and the PLANET Landscape Industry Certified Technician, as well as 5 continuing education credits through ASLA.

Join conference organizers at Point Park University in downtown Pittsburgh for a conference that promotes green infrastructure, healthy communities and low-cost land management practices for government officials, park managers, landscape architects, planners and anyone else interested in balancing human needs with natural resource protection.

EVENT ORGANIZERS: Allegheny County, Allegheny County Conservation District, City of Pittsburgh, Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources, Friends of the Riverfront, Pa. Environmental Council, Penn State Cooperative Extension, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Sustainable Pittsburgh, Western Pa. Conservancy

Transforming Transportation: The Role of Intelligent Transportation Systems

August 18 – 19
Alumni Hall, University of Pittsburgh, Oakland
Registration and Agendas for both days

The University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics Infrastructure Policy Committee and Traffic21, a transportation research initiative of Carnegie Mellon University, invite you to attend this two day workshop on Intelligent Transportation Systems.

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) offer many ways to make transportation systems work smarter, with fewer accidents, less congestion, reduced energy use, and without more dollars. ITS enables vehicles, transit riders, roads, traffic lights, and message signs, to name a few, to communicate with each other by utilizing wireless technology. Around the world, ITS has already been shown to significantly improve transportation system performance by reducing congested roadways, improving commute times and vehicle safety, as well as allowing motorists and transit riders to feel more confident traveling based on the real-time information they are able to receive through these systems.

Both days of this unique program offer participants the chance to hear from a variety of dynamic speakers working with transportation and infrastructure policy and intelligent transportation systems, globally, nationally, and locally. The Thursday evening component will highlight a variety of ITS demonstration projects from the region and will also feature a discussion about the status of ITS around the United States and across the globe. On Friday, the forum’s focus will shift to what is happening locally and statewide and what policies need to be in place for ITS to become a reality here.

Community health forum on federal air quality regulations

Monday, August 22
9:00 am (registration and continental breakfast begins at 8:30 am)
11 Stanwix St. - Lobby Auditorium, Downtown Pittsburgh 15222
RSVP by Thursday, August 18 to ashley@gspconsulting.com or (412) 697-0339

Please join the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania and the PA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics for a community health forum to discuss federal air quality regulations and their impact on communities and health. The Panel Discussion begins at 9am and the Community Discussion at 9:45am.

Panelists include Judith Focereta of Healthcare Without Harm; Kevin Stewart of the American Lung Association; Dr. John F. Stolz of Duquesne University's Center for Environmental Research and Education. Moderated by John Hanger, former PA Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection.

Invited guests include Congressmen Jason Altmire, Mike Doyle and Tim Murphy.

State Transportation Commission Hearings

Thursday, August 25
8:30 am
Marriott Pittsburgh North, 100 Cranberry Woods Drive, Cranberry Township 16006
Questions? Contact: Ms. Jessica Clark or Mr. Nolan Ritchie.
Review the Public Participation Guidelines here

Act 120 of 1970, as amended, requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to prepare and submit to the State Transportation Commission every two years, a program of transportation improvements which it recommends be undertaken during the next 12 years. This program is to address all transportation modes and be fiscally constrained; that is, listing only projects and project phases that can reasonably be expected to be funded over the ensuing 12-year period.

The Commission sets policy direction with respect to the development of the Commonwealth’s Twelve Year Transportation Program. Input is solicited from the public and interested parties. The Twelve Year Transportation Program is biennially adopted by the Commission as the blueprint for improving Pennsylvania’s transportation system. This program is then submitted to the Governor, the General Assembly and the Secretary of Transportation.

If you would like to offer Oral Testimony, submissions must be made at least one (1) week prior to the event. Oral testimony will be accepted the day of the event, but those individuals will be taken in order of registration after pre-registered presenters.

If you would like to submit Written Testimony only, submissions can be made until September 30, 2011.

Green Drinks: Get rolling with Envirobikes, LLC

Thursday, August 25
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Penn Brewery, 800 Vinial Street, Pittsburgh 15212
More information

Come find out about the bike that will power you up Pittsburgh's legendary hills!

William F. Statler is General Partner of Envirobikes, LLC and distributor of Electric Bikes, LEV's (Lightweight Electric Vehicles) and Electric Scooters. A life long resident of Pittsburgh, William also holds two US Patents for Lite weight plywoods used in RV's, cabinetry, window construction and ship building. These plywoods are used to reduce weight and save energy for the transportation industry.

Envirobikes, LLC was established in 2007, and has made it their mission to provide their clients with the greatest selection of quality electric powered bicycles, E-bikes, and electric scooters at reasonable prices. Envirobikes virtually eliminates all of the headaches associated with owning an auto. To sweeten the deal, pedal assisted bikes are environmentally friendly, fun to ride, and a great way to get a little exercise. In 2011, ten different pedal assisted models of E-bikes and E-Scooters ranging from traditional pedal assisted bicycles with a little boost to street ready LEV's are available.

Hard to Recycling Collection at Pittsburgh Mills

Saturday, September 17
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Pittsburgh Mills, 590 Pittsburgh Mills Circle, Tarentum 15084
Some fees apply to drop off items. See website for complete details.
More information

The average American generates 4.6 pounds of trash PER DAY – but most Americans only recycle 1.5 lbs of such waste.

The Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) in partnership with the Allegheny County Health Department and Colcom Foundation is providing opportunities for area residents to properly dispose of a wide variety of materials at “hard to recycle” collection events scheduled in 2011. At these events, individuals can drop off televisions, e-waste, cell phones, printer/toner cartridges, compact fluorescent bulbs, alkaline batteries and tires without rims for recycling.

PRC is partnering once again with Global Links which will enable area residents to drop off medical equipment and supplies – such as crutches, canes, and walkers – at PRC collection events at no cost and Construction Junction will be present at every event collecting usable building material for reuse. NEW THIS YEAR – PRC welcomes partner Off the Floor. Off the Floor is a local organization who works to get gently used furniture into the hands of in need families in the region. Off the Floor will be collecting gently used furniture at all Hard to Recycle Events in 2011!

Ohiopyle Sustainable Energy Fair

Saturday, October 8
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Ohiopyle-Stewart Community Center, Ohiopyle, PA
For more information, or to sign-up as an exhibitor, please contact Lindsay Baxter at (412) 481-9400 or lbaxter@pecpa.org.
More information

Before cold weather returns, enjoy an autumn day in the Laurel Highlands and join the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) to learn more about how you can be a wise energy user! Exhibitors from clean energy businesses and non-profits will be on hand to provide information about energy conservation, energy efficiency, and sources of renewable energy, including biomass, solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower. This event builds on interest generated through the successful completion of multiple environmental initiatives in Ohiopyle, such as the Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape Initiative (CLI) and the green streets stormwater management project. It also helps to implement the Ohiopyle Joint Master Plan, completed in March 2010, which includes a brief overview of opportunities for alternative energy production. The energy fair is sponsored by the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund and jointly planned by the Borough of Ohiopyle, Ohiopyle State Park, DCNR, Backyard Gardens, Student Conservation Association, Trail Towns Corps, National Historic Road, the Fayette County Redevelopment Authority, and PEC.

Get Involved! Building Change Conference

Building Change: a convergence for social justice
October 13-15, 2011
Senator John Heinz Regional History Center
More information

Join the Three Rivers Community Foundation (TRCF) for a conference like no other: skill-building workshops, panel discussions, community dialogues on key issues, speakers, actions, art, films, roundtable talks, networking, entertainment, and more!

Key issues being discussed: Disability Rights, Economic Justice, Environmental Justice, LGBTO Rights, Peace/Human Rights, Racial Justice, and Women, Youth and Families Issues.

TRCF is looking for more co-sponsors for the Convergence! Please spread the word to organizations and individuals working for social change. Direct interested parties to trcf@trcfwpa.org or (412) 243-9250.

Deadline for Arts, Films, and Performances has been extended to July 15th.

Resources

Green Workplace Challenge Ready to Launch

Demonstrate your company's commitment to sustainable practices. Be part of the Pittsburgh Green Workplace Challenge.

Our region's business leadership has called for, led the design of, and is working with Sustainable Pittsburgh to launch the Green Workplace Challenge (GWC). The purpose is to demonstrate the triple bottom line business case for sustainable business practice. GWC enables participating businesses to receive due recognition for their sustainable actions in the form of a friendly challenge.

By participating in the GWC, companies can:
o Improve performance
o Sustain a competitive edge
o Better manage utility expenses
o Capitalize on processes to save money by reducing waste, energy, and water use
o Create a positive work environment
o Gain public recognition for positive achievements

After all, businesses that better manage their resources thrive in difficult economic times, right?

Get ready. More details to come next week.

On the Allegheny Front this week: Grocery Stories: Food Access And Sustainable Communities

US Department of Agriculture has just identified thousands of "food deserts" across the country. Here in Pennsylvania, Allegheny County leads the state in the number of people who don't have nearby full service grocery stores and markets. The Allegheny Front's Ann Murray looks at how access to healthy food shapes the sustainability of Pennsylvania neighborhoods.

Disclose fracking dangers, federal panel urges

The committee, reporting to Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and President Barack Obama, examined best practices in shale plays across the country, including the Marcellus Shale that underlies much of Appalachia. . . The panel recommends implementing a "green completion" process that traps methane and other air contaminants before they're released. An overall examination of the greenhouse gas effect of shale drilling should assess the industry's own carbon footprint, the report said, and drillers should work toward weaning companies off diesel-fueled machinery. State and local authorities should also develop systems that measure water quality before drilling occurs so any change in contamination levels as a result of the process is recorded, the report said.

Senate EPW Committee releases bipartisan transportation bill outline ahead of Thursday hearing

While the devil truly is in the legislative details, the Senate outline is already more promising than the House proposal, unveiled by T&I committee Chair John Mica (R-FL). Mica deserves credit for moving the ball forward on authorization, but his six-year proposal fails to articulate a vision or set the right priorities for a 21st century transportation system, and the 35 percent across-the-board spending cut mandated by his caucus leaders would severely strain our existing infrastructure and transit systems. Doing more of the same, with less money, on a faster treadmill is insufficient and a non-starter. . . However, MAP-21 makes no mention of the dedicated funding for biking and walking included in the existing Transportation Enhancements program, a point of deep concern for bicycle and pedestrian advocates. The League of American Bicyclists has warned supporters to stand by should a more detailed vision of MAP-21 be released without support for biking and walking. The House proposal would eliminate any dedicated funding for these programs.

More

Remembering Ray Anderson: A Tribute to a True Green Giant

Yesterday we lost a true giant, a green pioneer, dear friend, and mentor to so many: Ray Anderson. To him, it was plain and simple: there was no other way to create a product and hold out any hope for a future for our children. So he set his sights high -- aiming to run a zero-footprint business, if not a restorative enterprise -- and set the best possible example for other businesses, big and small, to follow his lead. That is his legacy: hope for the future. Ray believed in humanity, despite our plundering of the Earth.

Port Authority In Peril?

PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) – Robert Mangino hosts Steve Bland, CEO of the Pittsburgh Port Authority, about the state of the Port Authority in the wake of service cuts, budget shortfalls, and prolonged contract negotiations with drivers. Listen in as Bland answers your questions about where the Port Authority stands, including how Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget will impact public transit in Pittsburgh.

Up on the Roof: Pittsburgh’s Scalo Solar Showcases Energy-efficient Technologies with Mid-Atlantic’s “Most Unique Solar & Sustainability Project”

Striking environmental benefits resulting from the demonstration project include a 5 million pound reduction in output of carbon dioxide or CO2, the fossil fuel byproduct that is a major contributor to global warming. The project also lowers energy costs by 38.5 percent and results in one million fewer gallons of storm water run-off. The potential economic impact of the project is equally impressive. Scalo Solar anticipates sales approaching $60 million over the next five years. Hundreds of job opportunities and millions of dollars in sales and income tax revenues are also projected to result from the Sunscape project.

Penn Forest Natural Burial Park now open

Penn Forest Natural Burial Park is Pennsylvania’s first “green burial only” cemetery and is committed to creating a beautiful burial park where nature is at the forefront. Green (or natural) burial supports the earth’s ecosystem. For example, green burial grounds are naturally wooded with walking trails to allow gravesite visitation in a peaceful, lightly forested setting. Also, embalming with toxic chemicals is prohibited. Instead, refrigeration or nontoxic embalming methods preserve the body from death until burial. Penn Forest Natural Burial Park is located in the community of Penn Hills, close to Verona and Oakmont, just outside of Pittsburgh. People of all faiths are welcomed.

Keeping Our Children Safe

Throughout our history, the United States has led the world in scientific innovation. It is time we continued that tradition by developing safer, more effective chemicals to use in our clothing, buildings and household products. Making safer chemicals will also help keep U.S. companies competitive in the global marketplace where consumers are demanding safer and greener products, while protecting the health and well being of our children and families.

I urge you to join with me, and contact your Senators and Representatives to tell them to support the Safe Chemicals Act so we can keep toxic chemicals out of our homes and away from our children. Our children and grandchildren are counting on us.

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

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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 ($1,000 and up) in 2011 from:

Allegheny County - Dan Onorato, County Executive
Bayer Corporation
Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
BNY Mellon
Dollar Bank
FedEx Ground
The Heinz Endowments
Highmark
Elsie H. Hillman Foundation
Richard King Mellon Foundation
Pashek Associates LTD
Pittsburgh Quarterly
PNC Financial Services Group
Port Authority of Allegheny County
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