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Events

Sustainable Pittsburgh submits comments regarding PA Climate Action Plan

Pennsylvania is responsible for 1% of the planet’s man-made greenhouse emissions. On July 9, 2008, Governor Rendell signed the Climate Change Act (Act 70), which included a number of goals, including the preparation of an action plan detailing measures Pennsylvania could take to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Working with the Climate Change Advisory Committee, the Department has prepared this Climate Change Action Report, which identifies 52 specific actions to reduce heat-trapping emissions in the Commonwealth.

Sustainable Pittsburgh applauds the Commonwealth's leadership in preparing the Climate Action Plan. Full implementation of the Plan's recommendations will both reduce the state's climate footprint and consumption of fossil fuels while increasing efficiencies and advancing smart growth. In addition, the plan will serve to stimulate the economy, improve the environment, and increase social equity, i.e., hastening the process of sustainable development.

Sustainable Pittsburgh's comments concentrate on Chapter 6 - Land Use and Transportation Sector. Suggestions include the creation of a transit vision that would provide ubiquitous and frequent (low carbon modality) service similar to that in some European cities. Having this vision may encourage more public support for funding. Another primary area for improvement is enhanced quality control of comprehensive plans and zoning/subdivision-land development ordinances created under the Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP).

View Sustainable Pittsburgh's comments.

Businesses gained resources on saving money through energy efficiency

On October 29, 2009, Sustainable Pittsburgh's Champions for Sustainability (C4S) and the Business Climate Coalition (BCC) of the Pittsburgh Climate Initiative hosted Actions for Businesses: Resources to Reduce Energy Use, Costs, and Climate Impacts at the Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. The focus of this event was on what businesses can do to achieve energy and cost savings. In short, energy efficiency is first and foremost the most accessible way to reduce costs and energy usage. Resources were presented for how businesses can take advantage of current energy incentives, what they need to know, and what are challenges and benefits to becoming more energy efficient.

Read the full summary here.

Resources

6th Annual Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Equitable Development Summit
"Going Regional on Addressing Blighted and Abandoned Properties"

Tuesday, December 15
8:30 am - 12:30 pm (8:00 am - Registration and Continental Breakfast)
Twentieth Century Club, 4201 Bigelow Blvd., Oakland
Fee: $10 Sustainable Pittsburgh members; $15 non-members
Registration and details
Contact: info@sustainablepittsburgh.org or Lori Butler at 412-258-6642
Keynote: John Kromer, Sr. Consultant at the Fels Institute, author of Fixing Broken Cities: The Implementation of Urban Development Strategies

The presence of blighted and abandoned properties is among Southwestern Pennsylvania's most pressing threats undermining sustainable communities and regional equitable development. Blight and abandonment is a tip of the iceberg issue that undermines and potentially exacts a downward spiral sentence on quality of life and prosperity across social, economic and environmental essentials for a sustainable community. Without mitigation, this problem will continue to grow and be a drain on the region’s resources. It undercuts the ability of the region's communities to maintain their footing as places of choice. There are real costs. As the Statewide Blight Task Force noted in 2008, “Blight is an “economic crime” costing taxpayers and municipalities millions of dollars annually in lost property tax revenues, sewer and water fees, and increased municipal expenditures.”

Addressing blight and abandonment offers the chance to build assets in a community. It is a win-win strategy that pays in stabilizing neighborhoods, increased revenue, job creation, increase in property values and lower crime. Given the regional nature of this issue, regional approaches are in order. However, at present, there exists no regional plan, decision-making table, nor coordinated regional effort to tackle the growing crisis of abandonment and blight in our communities.

This year's Summit will present findings are recommendations from recent work, specific to our region, on how regional capacity can be developed to address blight and abandonment. Practical strategies and cooperative efforts will be highlighted as ripe for deployment to the benefit of individual communities and the regional as a whole. The Summit will be a key milestone in developing new structures and well-substantiated plans for raising capacity around the region to attack blight and return properties to community benefit and often local tax rolls.

Keynote, John Kromer is Senior Consultant at the Fels Institute of Government and is the author of Fixing Broken Cities: The Implementation of Urban Development Strategies. He is a serving as strategic consultant to Sustainable Pittsburgh's Regional Blighted and Abandoned Properties Solutions Project.

Presented by:
- Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania
- Sustainable Pittsburgh's Sustainable Community Development Network
- University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs: Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership

Sponsored by:
- The Buhl Foundation
- The Heinz Endowments
- Richard King Mellon Foundation

Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) Public Meetings

Thursday, November 12 (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm)
The Union Project - 801 North Negley Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Monday, November 16 (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm)
Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center - 900 Cedar Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15228
North Versailles Library - 1401 Greensburg Avenue, North Versailles, PA 15137

Tuesday, November 17 (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm)
Oakdale Community Room - 104 Seminary Avenue, Oakdale, PA 15071
Hill Top United Methodist Church - 631 E. Warrington Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15210

Wednesday, November 18 (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm)
Sharpsburg Borough Building - 1611 Main Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15215
Avalon Borough Building - 640 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202

Thursday, November 19 (7:00 pm to 8:30 pm)
Courtyard by Marriott at the Waterfront - 401 West Waterfront Drive, West Homestead, PA 15120

ALCOSAN will be hosting Public Meetings in November 2009 in local communities to provide the public with information about sewage overflow issues, planning efforts to address the overflow problem, and what this means to individuals, businesses, neighborhoods, and the region. Light refreshments and children's activities will be available. More information can be found at ALCOSAN’s website: www.alcosan.org or by calling 412-734-8733.

Senator Casey to speak on PA's Clean Energy Economy

Friday, November 13
10:00 am
Carnegie Mellon University, Hillman Center for Future Generation Technologies, Rick Rashid Auditorium, Room 4401, Oakland
Parking is available at the East Campus Garage located off of Forbes Avenue.
CMU campus map
RSVP to Jackie Erickson by Thursday, November 12th at Jackie_erickson@casey.senate.gov

Senator Bob Casey will speak about Pennsylvania’s proud industrial and manufacturing heritage, natural resources, and skilled work force as a backdrop for the state’s transition to a clean energy economy. The Senator will highlight the important role Pennsylvania can play as this nation moves forward to regain control of its economy, national security, and energy future.

Green Technology Event: Doug Arent, Center Director, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Tuesday, November 17
7:30 am - 10:00 am
Rivers Club, 301 Grant Street #411, Downtown Pittsburgh
Cost: $45 Pittsburgh Technology Council Member; $175 Non-Member
More information

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado is the federal government's laboratory for renewable energy, energy efficiency R&D and technology transfer with a 2008 budget of $328 million. Come and hear Doug Arent, NREL's Center Director, speak on the current status and prospects of renewable energy and learn how they identify energy solutions through public and private partnerships.

Online debate: The Business Case for Climate Action and the need for a strong deal in Copenhagen

Wednesday, November 18
1:30 pm EST
Free live streaming of debate online
Pre-registration required.
More information

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Climate Savers & The Economist are organizing an online debate about the business case for climate action and the need for a strong deal in Copenhagen, in partnership with Cisco. This event will include speakers from Climate Savers companies (Nokia, Johnson & Johnson, IBM, JohnsonDiversey, Coke) presenting their business cases as well as their positions just weeks before governments gather in Copenhagen. Kim Carstensen, leader of the Global Deal NI will represent WWF in the debate. You can also post questions to the panelists in advance.

Sustainability Summit

Wednesday, November 18
10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Turkeyfoot Valley Historical Society, Confluence, PA
Cost: $10 (Includes a fresh, local lunch from the Lucky Dog Cafe)
Please register by November 13 and plan to dress comfortably, as we'll be visiting two local businesses.
Contact the Trail Town Outreach Corps for registration, directions, and questions by e-mail at emayes@thesca.org or by phone at 724-603-3151.

Join the Trail Town Program for a half-day summit on sustainable business opportunities. The event is a kick-off for the Great Allegheny Passage Sustainable Business Network (GAP SBN). Anyone interested in learning more about economically viable sustainable business practices, and how they can benefit your business, is encouraged to attend. At the Summit, successful local business owners will be offering their experiences and perspectives on why they operate with sustainable principles and how it helps their businesses. Practical solutions and giveaways will be offered to help you save money and details will be covered on how to become a member of the GAP SBN.

Thanksgiving Local Farmer's Market

Saturday, November 21
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Schwartz Market, 1317 E Carson St., South Side

Featuring local: Root Veggies, Salad Greens, Meats, Eggs, Cheese, Apples, Honey, Prepared Foods, Cider, Crafts made from locally-grown items, Soaps, Baked Goods, Candy, Gift baskets.

Vendors include —
Apoidea Apiary — Local honey and gift baskets
Clarion River Organics — Certified organic vegetables
Green Circle Farm — Pastured, uncertified organic beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, & eggs
Patty Lemer — Sterling silver and bead jewelry
Simple Sugars — All natural, high-quality body scrubs
Sonshine Farm — Beef, lamb, veal, duck, rabbit, wool, yarn, knitted goods, & wool crafts
Slow Cooked — Prepared foods using local ingredients, including holiday items like pumpkin pie, pumpkin seed brittle, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, and fresh soups
River View Dairy — Goat Cheese
Woolf Farms — Apples

There is space available for additional vendors of locally grown or produced items. Vendor fee is $10 per 10’ booth. To become a vendor, contact Erika Peterson at epeterso@comcast.net or 412-427-7549.

The Future of Philanthropy: Making Markets Work to Serve the Poor with Jacqueline Novogratz, Acumen Fund

Tuesday, December 1
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Schenley Lounge, Pittsburgh Athletic Association, 4215 5th Avenue, Oakland
To RSVP, contact: gspiapf@pitt.edu or call 412-648-1336.

Fighting poverty around the globe remains a daunting challenge that Philanthropy and the marketplace are tackling together. The Acumen Fund has pioneered ways to make markets serve the very poor with goods and services that change their quality of life. The path from charity to customer creation through sustainable design, access to capital and the forces of the marketplace will be explored. Ms. Novogratz has recently published her memoir, The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World. The respondent will be Sunil Wadhwani from iGATE Corporation.

The Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership’s Philanthropy Forum is cosponsored by the Swanson School of Engineering, the Center for Global Health, and the International Executive MBA Program, Katz School.

Workshop Explores Wind Energy Manufacturing Opportunities

Wednesday, December 16
8:30 am - Noon
Sewall Center on the Robert Morris University campus, Moon Township
Free to attend
Register by contacting Mickey Denner at mdenner@pittsburghregion.org or by phone at 412-392-4555, ext. 3103.
Registration deadline is December 9, 2009.
More information

This free half-day workshop is for small- to mid-sized manufacturers wanting to explore the business opportunities related to the regional wind energy supply chain. Participants will learn about the structure of the wind energy supply chain and the components that are most in demand globally, what original equipment manufacturers in the wind energy industry look for in their suppliers and how capable regional manufacturers from targeted sectors can take advantage of growing supply chain prosperity in this alternative energy sector. Sectors targeted as potential matches for the wind energy supply chain include metal fabricators and foundries, machine shops and manufacturers of bearings, plastics, coatings, controls and electrical equipment and components (including turbines, generators, motors and fans). A case study from an existing regional manufacturer already involved in the wind energy supply chain will also be presented.

Permaculture Design Course

January 31, 2010 - Introduction Workshop
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Lipp Homestead, West View
Cost: $30

Course Details:
75 hour Permaculture Certification Course (Weekends and 2 evenings)
February 20-21, 9-5 PM
February 15, 6-10 PM
February 27-28, 9-5PM
March 13-14, 9-5 PM
March 17, 6-10 PM
March 20-21, 9-5 PM
Cost: $1200; Early registration by Jan 1, 2010 $1000
To register contact Darrell Frey at defrey@bioshelter.com or call 724-376-2797

Permaculture design is an ecological design system that incorporates principles of ecology, sustainable technologies and earth care ethics. Completion of a Permaculture certificate course entitles the participant to offer goods and services as a Permaculture consultant.

Where: LIPP Homestead is a 1.3 acre site in West View, two miles from the City line and just off of 279N. A 5000 foot organic garden space, stream, and original 1898 farmhouse and dairy house are what remain of the Lipp family farm. Course participants will work to increase the sustainability of the site through the application of ecological design principles and practices. A day will be spent at Three Sisters Farm and Bioshelter. Course leader Darrell Frey has been practicing and teaching Permaculture since 1986. Other guest presenters will participate.

Resources

Sustainable Pittsburgh submits comments regarding PA Climate Action Plan

Sustainable Pittsburgh's comments concentrate on Chapter 6 - Land Use and Transportation Sector. Suggestions include the creation of a transit vision (together with the Transportation Strategic Plan recommended in Chapter 6) that would provide ubiquitous and frequent (low carbon modality) service similar to that in some European cities. Having this vision may encourage more public support for funding. Another primary area for improvement, although there have been some recent indications of a change in DCED’s approach, is enhanced quality control of comprehensive plans and zoning/subdivision-land development ordinances created under the Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program(LUPTAP). Furthermore, existing cities, towns and villages need a program with appropriate incentives to attract development, and address blight and abandonment, within their boundaries whether on brownfield, greyfield or in-fill sites.

Local Zipster makes good

This just in: Zipcar has chosen one of Pittsburgh's own as its Zipster of the Month. Matt Mehalik, the November poster boy, is program manager for Sustainable Pittsburgh. He has been a Zipcar user since February 2008 and "helps spread the Gospel of Zip throughout Pittsburgh in both his personal and professional life," according to the Zipcopy writers. Congratulations Matt!

New Report Highlights Pedestrian Safety Issues

The Transportation For America coalition, Dangerous by Design, has released a new report that assesses America's major metropolitan areas and states according to how safe they are for walking. The report, titled Dangerous by Design, notes that most pedestrian deaths occur on streets that are designed to encourage speeding traffic and that many pedestrian deaths could be prevented with proper protections. Fixing these problems is a matter of will on the part of state departments of transportation and local communities, and of shifting spending priorities. Pennsylvania's metro areas were rated well by the report. Every metro area centered in the state has a pedestrian danger index below the national average. However, with only 2.1% of Pennsylvania's federal transportation dollars being spent on pedestrian projects, there is still room for improvement.

Sewer Improvements Subject of Community Meetings

Infrastructure that carries sewage and storm water into local rivers is slated for a major overhaul in Allegheny County. It will be largest public works project the county has ever seen. Since the public will be picking up the tab -- expected to total billions of dollars -- Allegheny County Sanitary Authority will be visiting communities in coming weeks to tell residents what's on the horizon. The Allegheny Front's Deborah Weisberg has this story.

More

Connections – the Regional Plan for a Sustainable Future

Connections – the Regional Plan for a Sustainable Future, is the Long-Range Plan recently adopted by the Board of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). The Plan calls for protecting 500,000 acres of open space, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by half, and securing an additional $100 million per year in new regional funding to modernize the transportation system. It also focuses on new development and revitalization projects in the region’s 100-plus “livable communities,” pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented neighborhoods throughout the region that blend residential and commercial amenities. A multitude of stakeholders ultimately formed the vision of the Plan – including elected officials, business groups, environmental advocacy groups, and the general public – with the intent to be a truly regional guide for the future growth and development of Greater Philadelphia. Please contact Mike Boyer, Manager of Long-Range Planning at DVRPC (amboyer@dvrpc.org or 215-238-2848) with any comments or questions regarding the Plan.

Solar power keeps runway windsock illuminated

The concept is so new, the county sought bids for the project three times because the first two bids came in too high. . . The solar project began operating about a month ago, and Krupa has been thrilled to see the panel charging its batteries even in miserable weather. He'd like to see a meter installed in the terminal to highlight the project so visitors to the airport, site of 35,000 landings and takeoffs a year, would be aware of it.

Labor Dept: Women in Pa. earn 79 percent of male counterparts

A June study commissioned by the city of Pittsburgh found while there was "no systematic pattern or conclusive evidence of compensation discrimination" among city of Pittsburgh's employees, female employees have "slightly lower" minimum salaries than males. "... (F)emale earnings equal only 79.97 percent of average male earnings or a 20 percent wage gap," the report stated.

A New Bus in Pittsburgh

. . . [I]n May, the Pittsburgh School District laid down the new law to bus contractors: make your bus engines cleaner by 2013, or you're off our list. . .Diesel exhaust has been classified a potential human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since 2002. Humans routinely exposed to years of diesel fumes, such as bus drivers and truckers, have a 20 to 50 percent increase in the risk of lung cancer or mortality. In Pittsburgh, where emergency room visits for uncontrolled childhood asthma are four times the national average, there's a clear connection between air quality and childhood illness.

Bayer and United Nations Environment Programme Launch 19th Annual International Children’s Painting Competition in Pittsburgh-area Elementary and Middle Schools

Bayer Corporation and the United Nations Environment Programme’s Regional Office for North America (UNEP RONA) today called for Pittsburgh-area entries in the 19th annual International Children’s Painting Competition (ICPC). The ICPC is open to 6- to 14-year-olds. Their art is to focus on protecting Earth’s life forms and natural resources in keeping with the competition’s theme – Biodiversity: Connecting with Nature. An exhibition of the children’s artwork will be unveiled in Pittsburgh on World Environment Day, June 5, 2010. Pittsburgh was recently named by UNEP RONA as the 2010 North American Host City for World Environment Day.

Alcoa CEO pushes sustainable business

Klaus Kleinfeld, CEO of Alcoa Inc., looked at the audience of 200 at a daylong conference on sustainability issues and coolly informed them they should be drinking from aluminum cans instead of plastic bottles. "Plastic is recycled and ends up in the bottom of carpet. Aluminum is infinitely recyclable," he said yesterday during Duquesne University's third annual Beard Symposium on Sustainability at the Westin Convention Center Hotel, Downtown. It was a fitting way to plug his business, which generated $27 billion in revenues last year, mostly from aluminum. But the suggestion also helped Mr. Kleinfeld drive home his point that promoting a sustainable culture in businesses has to start at the top.

Businesses gained resources on saving money through energy efficiency

American Businesses for Clean Energy

American Businesses for Clean Energy (ABCE) is an initiative to demonstrate large and small business support for Congressional enactment of clean energy and climate legislation that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ABCE's goal is to create a single place on the web where individual companies and business organizations can register their support for Congressional action, and to demonstrate the depth and breadth of business support for this legislation. That's why the companies listed on this site range from large companies to small, local to multi-national, and from all sectors of the economy.

Mon Wharf riverfront trail nearly complete

"This project has completely changed one of the city's most visible urban edges, and we couldn't be more thrilled for Pittsburghers to experience the Mon Wharf in a completely new way," said Lisa Schroeder, executive director of Riverlife, the project developer. . . Mr. Doyle, Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl are among those scheduled to speak at the 10 a.m. dedication on Monday.

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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 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