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Events

6th Annual Public Officials Design Charrette (PODC)

First call for municipalities

Municipalities in SWPA, this is for you:
Free expert consultation on pressing sustainable community design challenges and opportunities.

Sustainable Pittsburgh's Sustainable Community Development Network, AIA Pittsburgh, and the Local Government Academy are now welcoming interested municipalities to propose to be "clients" for this free, half-day, hands-on, charrette-style consultation.

How it works: Up to five municipalities will be selected to benefit from the assistance of a team of pro bono experts. The municipality identifies a pressing sustainability challenge or opportunity and we assemble a team of experts to be on hand to work through the issue and generate practical solutions. Issues may relate to: main street revitalization, infill development, transportation access, energy efficiency or resource conservation, community development, a social or human service concern, community or green space, etc.

The 2008 PODC will be held on Monday,  November 17, 8:30 - 12:30 at the Greentree Municipal Building. There is no fee to participate; lunch will be provided.

Interested? Please call 412-258-6643. We'll discuss your needs and determine if there's a good fit. All that is required is attendance from your municipality to include at least one elected official, a municipal staff person, and one community leader.

Events Continued

Resources

Yoga at the Point

Friday, September 5
Noon
City side lawn at Point State Park
Free demonstration

Beginning this Friday and running every Wednesday & Friday until mid-October, the YMCA and Riverlife are hosting yoga at the Point. Pricing will be as follows: 1 class for $8, 5 classes for $35 or 10 classes for $60. For more information or to purchase a pass, contact the YMCA at 412-227-6450 or visit its U.S. Steel Tower or Boulevard of the Allies locations.

cityLIVE! What do the numbers really mean?

Wednesday, September 10
6:30 pm
New Hazlett Theater, North Side
RSVP: rsvp@citylivepgh.org

Pittsburgh cannot know where it ought to go unless it knows where it is.

While we sail towards a new future we hear statistics that are daunting. Not enough immigration. Young people leaving. 50,000 jobs with no-one to fill them. Are these numbers really accurate? Can they be interpreted in different ways? How can we understand them, and use them to know where we ought to go?

At this event you'll learn about John Craig's Indicator Project, and how analysts such as Harold Miller of Future Strategies and Lisa Kuzma of the R.K. Mellon Foundation use the numbers and build on them.

Speakers:
Harold Miller, Future Strategies
Lisa Kuzma, R.K. Mellon Foundation
Moderated by John Craig, President, Pittsburgh Regional Indicators

Cocktails and conversation to follow.

YWCA seeks nominations for 2008 Racial Justice Awards

Deadline for nominations is Friday, September 12
Nomination forms are available online at www.ywcapgh.org.
Contact: 412-255-1466 or rja@ywcapgh.org

Do you know an individual, company or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to eliminating racism and promoting racial equity? The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s Office of Racial Diversity and Inclusion is currently seeking nominations for the 2008 Racial Justice Awards. This year’s Awards will include the following categories: Community Engagement, Company/Business, Education, Faith-Based, Government, Legal, Public Safety, and Youth Leadership. Awards will be presented at the 17th annual Racial Justice Awards Dinner, which will take place on Wednesday, November 19, at the Westin Hotel, downtown Pittsburgh. Sponsorship opportunities are available by calling 412-255-1258.

Energy Conservation Town Hall Meeting: Allegheny County

Friday, September 12
11:30 am - 1:30 pm (Lunch will be provided)
Dormont Borough Municipal Building
More Information

PennFuture is hosting a series of House Bill 2200 Spells Relief town meetings to get the word out on this vital legislation and urge the Senate to pass the bill. Learn how energy conservation will provide Pennsylvania families and businesses with important relief from high electricity costs. With presentations by representatives from local energy efficiency companies, organizations, and elected officials. An important bill before the State Senate, the Energy Savings Bill (House Bill 2200) would give families and businesses the tools and information they need to cut costs and their energy bills, fight global warming, and create Great Green Jobs in Pennsylvania. Come to this town hall meeting to find out how you can be part of the solution!

“Get to Know CommuteInfo Webinar”

Friday, September 12
Noon – 1:00 pm
To register, contact Lisa Kay Schweyer at lkschweyer@spcregion.org

With the increased interest in commuting alternatives, CommuteInfo is hosting its first ever webinar. Employers, commuters, etc. can log in from anywhere and view the presentation and then ask questions. The “formal” overview part of the program will last about 20 - 30 minutes. The rest of the time is reserved for answering questions from those in attendance. This webinar is tailored more for employers but is open to all. The webinar will be recorded and then posted on the CommuteInfo website.

Putting Intergovernmental Cooperation to Work: Employing Multi-municipal Planning to Link Communities and Conserve Costs

Friday, September 19
8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Sheraton Station Square
Free, but pre-registration is required.
More information

Development patterns of the last 20 years have resulted in the spreading of residential, commercial, and office development over a wide auto-dependant area. A significant consequence of this trend is to largely separate where people live and where people work. In an era of rising fuel costs, this produces a dilemma for both employers and employees.

Local governments have a key role in responding to this situation. By moving from existing systems of intergovernmental cooperation to vital systems of intergovernmental coordination, local governments can help citizens save money, improve the quality of life and shore up their municipal budgets.

Sponsored by Comcast, and in partnership with the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board, the 2008 Road to Excellence Conference will focus on access to employment, multi-municipal planning, developments of regional impact and tools currently available that expand intermunicipal coordination.

2008 National Park(ing) Day

Friday, September 19
For more information, visit tpl.org/parkingday.
Local Contact: 412-258-6636

Join this annual celebration of transforming parking spaces into temporary public parks: Build your own park :: Help others build parks :: Visit Park(ing) Day parks near you. The local effort is being organized by Riverlife, along with the Land Trust Alliance and City Parks Alliance.

2008 Rachel Carson Legacy Conference

Green Chemistry: Solutions for a Healthy Economy
Saturday, September 20
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Powers Conference Center, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh PA
Registration: Adults $25.00; Students $10.00
Act 48 credit will be available for teachers.
Register online

The Rachel Carson Legacy Conference: “Green Chemistry: Solutions for a Healthy Economy” addresses the underlying need to design the toxicity and hazardous component out of consumer products and the processes that make them. The conference draws together 15 outstanding speakers including Dr. Paul Anastas, the founder of the principles of green chemistry, Dr. Terry Collins, Thomas Lord Professor of Green Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh recipients of the EPA Green Chemistry Awards, and entrepreneurial companies who are using green chemistry to solve problems. Dr. Ruth Etzel and Dr. Bruce Lanphear will address the epidemiology and the pediatric implications of significant environmental contaminants, with an emphasis on how designing them out of the system can improve the prognosis.

Future Leaders Initiative for Students

September 21-24
David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown
Special Student Rate: $15-$30 per day. Special form must be completed by September 12th to get this deal (thereafter the discounted rate is $20-$40 per day)
More information

The National Recycling Coalition (NRC) and the College and University Recycling Council (CURC) are pleased to partner with Novelis to introduce the Future Leaders Initiative at its 2008 Congress in Pittsburgh September 21-24. NRC is offering a special discounted student rate. The initiative opens the door for student leaders to interact with recycling professionals and learn about industry trends and best practices, while exploring how you can translate your campus experience into careers in the field. In addition to discounted registration, special sessions and networking opportunities for students have been added to this year's program.

"Working Towards Zero Waste"

College and University Recycling Council (CURC)
Workshop: "Working Towards Zero Waste"
Sunday, September 21
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Carnegie Mellon University
Fee: $80.00 -- includes a tour, speakers, round table discussions, and lunch.

Spend the day learning about recycling programs at colleges and universities from all over the country. For general NRC conference sign up information visit www.nrc-recycle.org.

League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh Fall Public Meeting

Tuesday, September 23
4:30 Reception - Light refreshments - 2501 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
5:00 Lecture - 2700 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
University of Pittsburgh, Wesley W.Posvar Hall, 230 S. Bouquet St., Oakland
Parking available: The Soldiers and Sailors Garage, The Carnegie Museum Lot as well as on-street parking.

You are invited to attend a presentation by University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg, Chair of The Citizen’s Advisory Committee on the Efficiency and Effectiveness of City-County Government. This presentation is a follow-up to the report issued on April 3, 2008 and endorsed by both Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and County Executive Dan Onorato.

The League’s positions on a possible city/county merger include addressing impartial apportionment of legislative districts, minority representation, employee rights and benefits, equitable tax burdens, resolution of legacy costs, and providing the ability for other municipalities to join the merged government if they so desire.

European Union Day

Thursday, September 25
Noon - 4:00 pm
Duquesne University, Uptown
Fee: $45; Students pay $25 with ID
www.sbdc.duq.edu

Duquesne University's Center for International Regulatory Assistance and Small Business Development Center present a forum to showcase European business, academic and cultural developments and collaborative opporunities for the United States.

In Celebration of Wild Places: Connecting People to Nature

Wednesday, October 8
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Carnegie Library Lecture Hall, Oakland
Tickets: $15 for adults; $5 for those under 18
More information

The Sierra Club, Allegheny Group and six other groups are sponsoring a slide lecture by African-American nature photographer Dudley Edmondson, who has spoken on this theme across the country at the invitation of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The slide program will be followed by a panel discussion of the challenges and benefits to the minority community of expanding participation in outdoor activities. Panelists include:
•Bill Strickland, president and founder of the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
•Mamie Parker, former asst. secretary, US Fish and Wildlife Service
•Mario Browne, Center for Minority Health, University of Pittsburgh
•Sarah Jamella Martin, Wilderness Educator, Pittsburgh Public Schools
•and Dudley Edmondson.

Get Energy Smarter Community Expo

Sunday, October 12
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
64 South 14th Street (at East Caroson), South Side
Free
Contact: 412-431-4449

Hosted by Conservation Consultants, this family friendly expo will feature numerous exhibitors, giveaways, and contests! Get energy saving tips for the home, register to win a free home insulation package and trade in 3 of your old bulbs for 3 new energy saving bulbs. For more information visit www.getenergysmarter.com. And don't worry - Sunday the 12th is a Steelers bye-week!

Resources

Kaplan Releases New 2009 College Guide Featuring 25 Green Colleges and 10 Hot Green Careers

Released today, the Guide, produced by Kaplan Publishing, features 25 green private and public colleges from across the nation. The section provides students with a look inside the classroom, around campus, and at student life, while shining a spotlight on what’s good for the globe at each college. The Guide also profiles 10 hot green careers — from environmental engineering to geothermal development — and includes interviews with professionals from each.

Mascaro Center Undergraduate Design Competition

The Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation at the University of Pittsburgh is collaborating with the Heinz Endowments to sponsor an undergraduate design competition titled “The 2008 Energy Efficient Building Technologies Challenge”. The challenge is open to all undergraduate students enrolled at any University/College in Allegheny, Butler, Westmoreland or Washington Counties and asks students to design a product or system that could be incorporated into an existing building that would reduce annual demand from the electrical grid such that the design would pay for itself in one year or less.

More

Lawrenceville store supplies demand for building 'green'

One of Artemis' biggest selling points is that it offers one-stop shopping for the ecologically sensitive, with numerous items for floors, walls, countertops, windows and bath. Perhaps even more importantly, it showcases "green" not just as smart or responsible, but beautiful. "People might not think it, but sustainable materials are gorgeous," she proclaims.

Regional Traffic Signal Program

SPC has developed a regional traffic signal program that includes technical assistance to municipalities as well as potential funding to assist in upgrading signal systems in the region. . .The goals and objectives of the Regional Traffic Signal Program are to provide the necessary funding, high quality training, technical assistance and streamlined management in order to facilitate implementation of optimized traffic signal systems through traffic signal improvements along corridors in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. The results of these corridor improvements would be improved safety, reduced fuel consumption, reduced vehicle stops, and reduced emissions.

China approves law to promote sustainable economy

China's legislature passed a law calling for fiscal spending, tax breaks and other measures to promote sustainable economic growth via resource conservation and pollution control, official media said on Saturday.

New era for sustainable investing

“Successful entrepreneurs of today are not the industrialists of yesterday,” said one survey respondent. “They are younger and more interested in sustainable investments.”

City Curbs on Cars: Now Accelerating

For close to a century, the automobile has so boldly seized Americans’ imagination — sparking the economy, paving the continent, designing our neighborhoods — that even the thought of curbing its dominion seems unnatural. But check what’s happening right now.

Manufacturers Poised for Energy Efficiency Opportunity

The industrial sector is close to reaching capacity at a time when shipping costs are making domestic production more attractive. This leaves the door open for manufacturers to shift energy use patterns toward efficiency when they make future capacity investments, according to a new report from the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

Public Transit Fact Finder's Report

The 22-page report by state "fact-finder" Jane Rigler offers potential solutions to the labor dispute between the [Port Authority] and the 2,200 members represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85.

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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 in 2008 from:

Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
Dollar Bank
The Giant Eagle Foundation
The Heinz Endowments
Elsie H. Hillman Foundation
Roy A. Hunt Foundation
Richard King Mellon Foundation
University of Pittsburgh



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