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Events

Announcing:

Leaders in the Pittsburgh business sector have called for, led the design of, and are working with Sustainable Pittsburgh to launch the Green Workplace Challenge (GWC), a friendly competition to demonstrate the triple bottom line business case for sustainable business practices.

The GWC steps beyond national trendsetters in enabling businesses to actively track and receive due recognition and verification for their green achievements in a safe and secure environment.

By participating, companies can:

- Improve performance

- Sustain a competitive edge

- Better manage utility expenses

- Capitalize on processes to save money by reducing waste, energy, and water use

- Create a positive work environment

- Gain public recognition for positive achievements.

SIGN UP NOW!
Learn more at http://greenchallenge.c4spgh.org or email Amanda Virbitsky.

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

Dreaming of a Greener Home? Get Tips This Saturday

Saturday, August 20
2:00 pm
WYEP Community Broadcast Center, South Side
Tickets are $12 for WYEP members; $15 for nonmembers.
Registration required
More information

WYEP and The Allegheny Front continue a series of interactive workshops that will give you new ideas for a healthier you and a greener community.

At this month's workshop, get inspired to make your home a better place to live with sustainable materials, energy efficient products and more.

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.

Watch the Pittsburgh Premiere of “Your Environmental Road Trip (YERT)"

Tuesday, September 20
7:00 pm
Eddy Theater, Chatham University
Tickets to the screening are limited, and a donation is requested. Reservations are required, and can be made online.
More information

“Your Environmental Road Trip (YERT),” an award winning documentary from Pittsburgh film maker Mark Dixon and Louisville’s Ben Evans, will have its Pittsburgh premiere on Tuesday, September 20 at 7 p.m. at the Eddy Theater at Chatham University. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the filmmakers.

YERT: Your Environmental Road Trip celebrates the American spirit in the face of adversity, and is a unique docu-comedy profiling the courageous and creative individuals, groups, businesses and leaders of this country who are tackling the greatest environmental threats in history. It features the travels of Mark Dixon, Ben Evans, and Julie Evans as they covered 50 states in one year and virtually every environmental issue coast to coast. With a blend of humor and depth, the film features such luminaries as Bill McKibben, Deepak Chopra, and members of Congress – as well as ordinary citizens from all walks of life.

Inspired by the legacy of hometown environmental hero Rachel Carson, YERT’s adventure launched from the Rachel Carson Homestead just outside of Pittsburgh on July 4, 2007. One year later, Mark, Ben, and Julie (and their new baby Bailey), were joined by supporters for a homecoming party at the Rachel Carson Homestead.

The September 20 screening is hosted by the Rachel Carson Institute in the School of Sustainability and the Environment at Chatham University. Sponsors include Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) and its Black and Gold City Goes Green, Three Rivers Solar Source, and Breathe Easy, Stay Healthy campaigns. Additional sponsors include Tree Pittsburgh, the Allegheny Group of the Sierra Club, the Green Building Alliance, Venture Outdoors, Transition Pittsburgh, 3RiversBioneers, Evolver, Grow Pittsburgh, Sust-Enable, Peaceful Gathering of Hands (P.G.H.), and the Pittsburgh Student Environmental Coalition (PSEC). Parkhurst Dining Services will be providing complimentary light refreshments.

Allegheny Green + Innovation Festival

Saturday, September 24
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hartwood Amphitheater, Middle Road
Rain or shine
More information

Come to the Allegheny Green & Innovation Festival at Hartwood Acres and learn about sustainable living and innovation in all forms. This zero-waste event will include earth-friendly food & product vendors, crafters, green living demonstrations, musical entertainment, children’s activities & much more! NEW FOR 2011 – This event will be held on the same day as the event Hay Day (a family focused event that draws approximately 3,000 attendees).

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 initiative offers employers bragging rights for sustainability

The Pittsburgh Green Workplace Challenge will run through September until October 2012 for businesses in Southwestern Pennsylvania. This year's competition is a pilot program of Sustainable Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Climate Initiative, but program manager Matthew Mehalik, of Sustainable Pittsburgh, hopes it will expand to other businesses and sectors in the future . . . "Any business that participates is going to benefit," says Ginette Walker Vinski, of Sustainable Pittsburgh. "Once a business starts incorporating some of these ideas, they will start to become more efficient, and efficiency equals cost savings."

A Long Hot Summer: Climate Change and Extreme Weather

Despite overwhelming scientific consensus and mounting evidence all around us, why are so many elected officials unwilling to accept that climate change is a serious threat that demands immediate attention? One theory is that climate change is now “part and parcel” of America’s “culture wars”. Similar to abortion, gay rights, school prayer and other social issues, climate change has become a partisan political issue. . . However a new study published in the Spring 2011 issue of Sociological Quarterly suggests another reason. It finds that “conservatives’ failure to acknowledge the real threat of climate change, has more to do with its implications rather than skepticism of scientific facts.”

More

Raising Awareness of Plastic Waste

Most people are familiar with the concept of a carbon footprint. Many may also know there is such a thing as a water footprint. But whoever heard of a plastic footprint? Well, soon, more and more people will have.

With Post-Its and Checklists, Schools Cut Their Energy Bills

Simple yellow Post-it notes with the message “When not in use, turn off the juice,” pointedly left on classroom computers, printers and air-conditioners, have helped the Mount Sinai School District on Long Island save $350,000 annually on utility bills.

Do you pay cash on the PA Turnpike? Take Survey for Chance to Win - $100 gas card

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission launched an online survey to learn how a cashless, All-Electronic Toll (AET) collection system would impact customers and operations. If you are a cash paying customer, visit the website - www.paturnpike.com/AET - to learn how AET works and take the online survey for a chance to win a $100 gas card. Survey ends August 22.

Planning for TOD at the regional scale

Reconnecting America has released the latest in its guidebook series designed to explain the theory of and offer best practices related to transit-oriented development (TOD).

EPA Publishes Guide to Performance Measures for Livability

In the vein of several other recent reports that have highlighted significant transportation reforms that can be made now, with or without a reauthorization bill, the EPA has published guidelines for states and MPOs to make livability plans a reality [PDF]. They illustrate how using performance metrics can lead to better-designed transportation networks, especially when it comes to livability. . . Getting specific about how planning can be used to hold government accountable for its spending – and how those tools can help improve out health, economy, and environment, as well as our traffic throughput – could be a big step forward for transportation reform, even if Congress never passes a reauthorization bill. And by the looks of it, “never” sounds about as reasonable a timeline as anything else.

Pat Howard: Only changing the rules can save Erie, other Pa. cities

"The time has come for Pennsylvania's Legislature to change the rules by which communities finance their local services," it proclaims. "Local governments are forced to operate with a fiscal system that is, at best, irrational and, at worst, dysfunctional."

Prosper or Perish Financing Local Government Services in Pennsylvania

Six actions are needed to avert a financial crisis in Lancaster City and to help rescue those other cities which are now in crisis:
1. Local governments must be given a menu of options for generating revenue.
2. The public safety contract arbitration system must be reformed to establish clear and reasonable standards on which awards are based.
3. City management and bargaining units must engage in meaningful discussions of how health care and pension benefits can be adjusted to accommodate today’s financial realities.
4. Fragmented government at the local level must give way to inter-municipal shared services.
5. Revenue sharing with federal, state, county and tax-exempt property owners must be established so that all consumers of services assume a fair share of the cost of those services.
6. Barriers must be replaced with incentives for investing in community and economic development projects in older cities.

This “case” provides a road map for policy-makers, advocates, community leaders, elected officials, labor unions, and residents who are willing to acknowledge that Lancaster City is at a crossroads where only meaningful reform will determine whether the City prospers or perishes.

Renew Growing Greener Coalition to Pennsylvania Lawmakers:
“Protect Our Economy by Protecting Our Environment”

The Coalition is urging lawmakers to allocate a portion of any severance tax or impact fee on natural gas drilling to help fund the bipartisan Growing Greener program, which was established in 1999 under Governor Tom Ridge and later expanded by Governors Schweiker and Rendell. . . To date, more than 225 organizations and groups have announced their support for renewing Growing Greener. In addition, at least 85 Pennsylvania municipalities including 22 counties, representing more than 5 million Pennsylvanians, have passed resolutions urging the Governor and Legislature to renew Growing Greener funding.

U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Battles Anti-Bribery Statute

More than three decades after the United States Congress passed the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act -- striking a major blow against international corruption by criminalizing bribes to foreign officials -- the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is trying to carve out some major exceptions in the law to prevent prosecutors from enforcing it too aggressively. "The proposals by the Chamber are quite dramatic," said Harvard Law School professor David Kennedy, who specializes in international law. "Although presented as modest legislative clarifications, the Chamber's proposals would seriously undermine the enforcement efforts and scale back criminal liability under the FCPA." "I have a hard time figuring out how they justify a push on this law that essentially amounts to, 'We want to make it easier to bribe,'" said Per Olstad, the executive director of Chamberwatch, a labor-backed group. "It's shocking that an organization purporting to represent a mainstream business view would take that position."

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