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Events

Making an Impact

SP engages the community in many ways

Civic Organizations press Port Authority and Transit Union to Settle Contract/Avoid Shut Down

The Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and Sustainable Pittsburgh joined Rep. Jake Wheatley, the African American Chamber of Commerce, the Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development, and dozens of other community groups in issuing a Communitywide Statement on Transit Dispute:
View a list of organizations that have signed on to the Statement
View Post-Gazette article


5th Annual Regional Equitable Development Summit

Being presented by a number of organizations, the December 11 Summit is poised to spark a regional plan of action and campaign to remove barriers and advance practical steps to reduce under and unemployment of person of color as a regional economic imperative.
Get details now


Celebration Of Lights Going Green This Holiday Season - Going Carbon-Neutral For First Time Ever

See coverage from WPXI
Announcement from Allegheny County

Resources

CANCELLED: "The Impacts of the Foreclosure Crisis on Local Government”

CANCELLED: 2008 Wherrett Lecture on Local Government
Friday, November 21
8:30 am
William Pitt Union on the University of Pittsburgh campus
RSVP: GSPIAIC@pitt.edu or 412-648-2282 by November 4
Event Flyer

** A family medical emergency has forced Susan Wachter to cancel her appearance. A new date for the lecture event will be determined. Please accept apologies for this unavoidable late notice. **

Green Drinks

Friday, November 21
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Arsenal Lanes, 212 44th St, Lawrenceville
Hosted by Maureen Guttman, Executive Director of PA Governor's Green Government Council
Pittsburgh Green Drinks

Join Green Drinks organizers at the Arsenal Lanes bar for hors d'oeuvres and bowling from 5:00 to 8:00! Starting this month our host will give attendees the privilege of presenting a 12 minute 34 second talk on their work. This month Maureen Guttman will tell us about PA's Green building and Alternative Energy policies.

As the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Governor's Green Government Council, Maureen Guttman, AIA, is a strong voice for environmentally sustainable practices in planning and policymaking in Pennsylvania government. Appointed to her position in April 2007, Guttman works in partnership with Commonwealth agencies to further sustainable practices in state government, such as energy and resource conservation, environmentally preferred purchasing and green building practices.

Guttman is an active leader in the architecture profession, serving as the Pennsylvania representative to the American Institute of Architects Board of Directors, in addition to her membership on the board of AIA Pennsylvania, where she was President in 2004.

Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2009

Tuesday, December 2
8:00 am - 10:00 am
The Rivers Club, 301 Grant Street, 4th Floor, Downtown
Questions? Call 800-321-5011 or Holly at ULI Pittsburgh 724-625-9953
More information

Emerging Trends in Real Estate® is a trends and forecast publication with a 30-year history, and is the most highly-regarded and widely-read forecast report in the real estate industry. Emerging Trends in Real Estate® 2009, undertaken jointly by ULI and PricewaterhouseCoopers, provides an outlook on U.S. investment and development trends, real estate finance and capital markets, property sectors, metropolitan areas, and other real estate issues. The report draws on formal and informal surveys of real estate executives and market experts around the U.S., including survey responses from over 400 real estate executives and personal interviews with over 150 industry leaders.

Featuring Keynote Speaker: PAT LAERDO
With a response panel of local experts representing key land uses(office, retail, industrial, housing) to comment on Pittsburgh's emerging trends.

The Strategic Implications of Global Warming for Your Business

Breakfast Briefing
Thursday, December 4
7:00 am - 9:30 am (Includes time for registration, breakfast and program)
Westin Convention Center Hotel, 1000 Penn Avenue, Downtown
Fee: $40 Pittsburgh Technology Council Member; $80 Non-Member
Click for more information and to register.
For questions or to register multiple attendees email events@pghtech.org or call 412-918-4229.

“Wall Street” and “the environment” aren’t often used in the same sentence. They are if you’re describing Rick Duke, the National Resources Defense Council’s Director of Center for Market Innovation. They’re part of his resume. In fact, his doctoral work at Princeton University focused on the economics of public investment in clean energy. At the NRDC, Rick focuses his time on working with corporate and government leaders on adopting clean technologies and practices and what that means for business in business terms – not environmental terms. In his prior life as an engagement manager at McKinsey, he developed a strategy on CO2 credits and managing global assessment of greenhouse gas reduction opportunities which was published by McKinsey and the European Union utility Vattenfall. Please join Bayer and the Pittsburgh Technology Council in welcoming Rick Duke to Pittsburgh to hear him speak on the strategic implications of global warming for your business.

“LEED the way to Green Buildings”

Monday, December 8
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Regional Enterprise Tower, 23rd Floor - A.E. Hunt Room, Downtown
Cost: $15.00 Includes lunch and workshop materials
RSVP By: December 5 to 412-392-0610 or information@aaccwp.com

Featuring Robert Kobet, AIA, LEED AP - World Renowned leader & Green Building Pioneer and Stanley Salwocki/Architect - PA Housing and Finance Agency (an agency that provides financing to companies doing restoration in our region).

This workshop, the first of a four-part series, is designed to broaden your understanding about LEED & Green Building Projects. This workshop is developed for:
• Industry contractors
• Professionals services(accountants, attorneys)
• Business consultants & other professionals.

Presented by the African American Chamber of Commerce Business Institute in partnershp with
• PA Department of General Services
• PA Housing and Finance Agency
• U.S. Small Business Administration
• Minority and Women Educational Labor Agency

The Sustainable Workplace: Efficient, Healthier, Innovative and Cost-Effective.

Wednesday, December 10
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Fee: $40 ($30 if paid by Dec.3)
For information or to register call Ivana Spehar at 412-397-6009 or e-mail spehar@rmu.edu.
You may also register online here.

Learn how you can apply sustainability policies and practices in your day-to-day decision making and office to accelerate innovation.

5th Annual Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Equitable Development Summit

"The Employment Priority - Inclusion in the Workforce: Positioning Our Region to Prosper and Compete"
Thursday, December 11
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
Register online
More information: info@sustainablepittsburgh.org or 412-258-6642
Keynote: Dr. Chris Benner, Associate Professor of Community and Regional Development and Chair of the Community Development Graduate Group at the University of California, Davis
Reaction by Dr. Larry Davis, Dean, School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh

Deploying talents of all residents and unleashing the benefits and innovation that come from diversity in the workforce are essential for a region and businesses that strive to secure a competitive edge. Our region, with its stagnant population growth, can ill-afford to leave behind anyone not working to his or her potential.

This year's Summit builds on the momentum from last year's discussion from which a leadership group came together to identify actions to address our region's equitable development. Rising to the fore is the regional economic benefit derived from enabling all African-Americans and others of color to participate fully in the workforce and to live to their productive potential. As southwestern Pennsylvania comes together and more than ever acknowledges that prosperity is directly linked to ensuring all residents are contributing through good jobs and opportunity, it is apparent that ongoing disparities in employment in communities of color are incongruous.

During the Summit, Dr. Chris Benner will present a draft of a landmark framing paper, co-authoried with PolicyLink, specific to southwestern PA, that substantiates this reality and economic imperative. This work will illustrate the bottom-line business benefit and productive role a fully employed diverse population stands to play in the economy. It will serve to catalyze much more than a lip service response concerning a targeted employment agenda.

By rotating through choice of two of four facilitated breakout groups, Summit participants will have the opportunity to help shape the paper and to advance partnerships and practical steps the region will take to remove barriers and to seize on inclusion in employment as a vital part of our economic development strategy and success among business and industry.

Breakout Groups and Facilitators:
- Human Resources: Surmounting Barriers
Randy Brockington, Allegheny County Department of Human Services and Candi Castleberry-Singleton, UPMC

- Business Case for Diversity
Victoria Chester, Highmark and Joe Massaro III, Massaro Corporation

- Workforce Training: Goals, Outcomes, Coordination
Ron Painter, Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board

- Outreach Strategy: Community, Media, Political
Allen Kukovich, Southwest Regional Office of the Governor and Bob Oltmanns, Skutski & Oltmanns

Presented by:

African American Chamber of Commerce
Allegheny Conference on Community Development
Allegheny County Department of Human Services
David Berg Center for Ethics and Leadership, University of Pittsburgh, Katz/CBA School of Business
Center on Race and Social Problems, University of Pittsburgh
Coro Center for Civic Leadership
Falk Foundation
Graduate School of Public and International Affairs: Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership
Graduate School of Public and International Affairs: Public and Urban Affairs Program and Innovation Clinic
Heritage Health Foundation, Inc.
Local Government Academy
Mon Valley Initiative
Remaking Cities Institute
Sustainable Pittsburgh's Sustainable Community Development Network
The Black Political Empowerment Project and Coalition Against Violence
Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board
Urban League of Pittsburgh, Inc.
Welcome Center for Immigrants & Internationals
Western Pennsylvania Diversity Initiative
Women and Girls Foundation

Sponsored by:

Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
The Heinz Endowments
Richard King Mellon Foundation

A+ Schools' 2008 Report to the Community: A Closer Look

Lunch and Learn
Monday, December 15
11:30 am - Doors open; Presentation begins at Noon
Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group conference room, 1901 Centre Ave, Suite 200, Uptown
Fee: PCRG Members - FREE; Government and Bank Partners - $12; Non-members - $15
Flyer
RSVP by Thursday, December 11th: sstutts@pcrg.org or 412-391-6732 x210

Please join Carey Harris, Executive Director of A+ Schools, and PCRG for an in-depth look at the 2008 Report to the Community. The report examines student achievement as well as contextual indicators at 59 Pittsburgh Public Schools. The report also contains illustrative charts to compare district schools to each other. Come learn more about how community groups can use this report to engage with schools and develop strategies for helping students achieve greater academic success. Lunch will be provided.

Contemplating Governing: A Course for Potential Candidates for Local Office

January 2009
3 locations in SWPA: Green Tree Borough, Butler Township, Donohoe Center (Greensburg)
All sessions held at 6:00 pm
Program Fee: $45 per person
Pre-registration is required.
For more information call 412-237-3171 or visit www.localgovernmentacademy.org

Contemplating Governing is an introduction to serving in local government. These sessions will help individuals decide if local government service is right for them and encourage responsible campaigning. This program will provide citizens the opportunity to consider the challenges, requirements, opportunities, and reasons to serve in local elected office. The course seeks to inform the office seeker as they embark on the campaign process.

This 3-part program will include information on:
• Overcoming obstacles to running and meeting legal requirements
• Understanding the Pennsylvania local government environment including powers and duties of various boards and commissions such as City and Borough Councils, Township Commissioners or Supervisors, School Directors
• Measuring board effectiveness
• Determining what is a responsible campaign pledge
• Understanding local government taxation and services
• Local government’s important role in community sustainability

These sessions are being held prior to the first day to circulate and file nomination petitions on February 17, 2009. Upon successful election, the program fee will be credited towards the tuition of the 2009 - 2010 Newly Elected Officials Course.

Resources

Groups press Port Authority, union to settle contract

The request to settle the impasse and avoid a transit crisis came from 37 sources, including the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, an affiliate of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development; Sustainable Pittsburgh; the African American Chamber of Commerce; and the Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development.

More
View a list of organizations that have signed on to the Statement

Downtown Pittsburgh businesses brace for possible transit strike

Downtown and Oakland are the neighborhoods that stand to suffer the worst congestion in the event of a strike, said Lucinda Beattie, vice president of transportation with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. . .“If you remove one bus, it is replaced by 40 cars,” she said. “That gives you a sense of the magnitude of the issue.”

More

The missing link: Officials unveil plans for $8.5 million riverfront trail connecting Point to Strip

City-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority officials are hoping to start construction this summer of an $8.5 million riverfront park at the convention center, the last piece needed to provide a continuous trail along the Allegheny from the Strip District to Point State Park, Downtown. . . Authority Executive Director Mary Conturo said the goal in designing the park was to create a green area, offer docking and walking space, and provide a gathering point.

DCNR, Partners Sign Pennsylvania Water Trail Agreement

An agreement to encourage the development and enhancement of Pennsylvania Water Trails was signed recently by officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Fish and Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the National Park Service. Water trails are boat routes suitable for canoes, kayaks and small motorized crafts. Pennsylvania has 21 water trails totaling more than 2,000 miles that have been mapped or are under development.

Revamped LEED ratings emphasize climate, energy conservation

Key changes to LEED include higher baseline requirements for reducing energy use, language that addresses mixed-use projects, and expanded options for using roof materials that reduce the urban heat-island effect. Developers may also earn certification points for building dense, transit-oriented projects with on-site renewable energy.

Betting on a Green New Deal

With Europe and the United States staring recession in the face, a growing chorus is calling for heavy public investment in clean, green energy to revive economic growth while fighting climate change. . .Britain has spent public money on insulating homes of the elderly. Such actions as filling wall cavities and insulating roofs cut retirees' fuel bills, reduce energy consumption, curb carbon dioxide emissions and create jobs. France has created tax incentives to buy low-emission cars, with corresponding tax increases on gas guzzlers, that are changing driving habits and have prompted automakers to advertise their vehicles' green performance rather than acceleration or power.

Nike, Sun, Starbucks, Timberland and Levi Strauss Team For Strong Climate Laws

The group, dubbed Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy, (BICEP) plans to flex its muscles for aggressive new environmental policies based on a set of eight principles ranging from renewable energy requirements, a national greenhouse gas cap-and-trade system and the elimination of federal subsidies for fossil fuels. . ."We really felt strongly that the consumer facing brands' voice was missing from this dialogue," said Sarah Severn, director of Horizons, corporate responsibility at Nike. "A lot of us have been working consistently on climate change efforts over the years. Our consumers are familiar with it, our legislators less so, and we felt that was important voice."

Recycled building materials trim waste and are cheaper, too

It’s a familiar scenario for salvage and supply outfits across the country. In interviews this week with the Monitor, directors of organizations from Berkeley, Calif., to Astoria, Queens, reported a surge in sales volume and revenue. “We’ve been around for about nine years now, and the number of purchases in [October] were the highest we’ve ever had in a single month,” says Mike Gable, the executive director of Construction Junction, a nonprofit “building material reuse retailer” based in Pittsburgh. . .Justin Green, the program director of Build It Green!, says that reuse organizations also help cut down on the byproducts of traditional landfill use. “Let’s say you have some debris that’s getting hauled out of a demolition site in New York,” Mr. Green says. “That material is going to get ground up in New Jersey, and then shipped out to Pennsylvania or Ohio, where the dumping fees are cheaper. Think about the amount of energy that’s expended there.”

A green car push from abroad

A German solar energy company wants to buy General Motors' Opel unit for $1.25 billion. GM says Opel isn't for sale, but Sam Eaton reports it may just be a matter of time before innovation is delivered from the outside.

Celebration Of Lights Going Green This Holiday Season

"The business of carbon offsetting is where one simply calculates how much carbon dioxide is contributed by their activities -- whether it's driving their car, heating their house, or lighting the lights here at Hartwood Acres -- and then matching those emissions with an offset that comes from bringing new, clean, renewable energy online," said Court Gould of Sustainable Pittsburgh.

Fayette should benefit from wind energy

So if our community is going to allow these structures to be built, we should benefit from them by more than just taxes, permit fees and a few land owner leases. Fayette County should not let its local resources be used as it has in the past with little to show for it. . .If we do things right, our Fayette County is one of the few areas that has the potential to become significantly energy self-sufficient.

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

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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 2008 from:

Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
Dollar Bank
The Giant Eagle Foundation
The Heinz Endowments
Highmark
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