Sustainable Pittsburgh "In the Spotlight"
For this week and next week only, get an insider’s look at Sustainable Pittsburgh through The Heinz Endowments' Spotlight. The Spotlight is a regular feature found on the Foundation’s website. The focus is on current grantees and their stories through interviews, blogs, photos, and video. Featured this week is a Q&A with SP Executive Director, Court Gould. Learn about SP’s future goals, the biggest misconceptions about SP, and what a “let’s get it done” attitude means for the organization.
Over the next week, be sure to periodically check out the “In the Spotlight” page to get the latest on Sustainable Pittsburgh’s efforts to accelerate the policy and practice of sustainability in southwestern PA. Also consider following the progress of “In the Spotlight,” and gain greater appreciation for the many ways nonprofit organizations are critical to our region's prosperity.
Sustainability Solutions Consultancy Commences -
Wilkinsburg Sustainability Assessment
Sustainable Pittsburgh is privileged to engage with Wilkinsburg Borough to initiate a Sustainability Assessment of municipal systems. Building on experience gained in working with other clients* in its Sustainable Solutions consultancy, Sustainable Pittsburgh's team will address areas including: Transportation Access; Waste & Recycling; Environmentally Preferable Procurement; Curbside Residential Recycling Collection; Energy; Water; Municipal Street Lights; Land Use Administration and Green Design Guidelines; Vacant Properties; and Sustainability Principles.
*clients include: The Mall at Robinson, Cranberry Township, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh
Through collaboration with the state, county, local businesses and nonprofits, Wilkinsburg is laying the foundation for future prosperity where sustainability is the framework for maximizing social, economic, and environmental wins. The Sustainability Assessment will provide quantified recommendations for practical means Wilkinsburg can take to save money, conserve resources, and integrate sustainability into management systems for the long haul.
The Wilkinsburg project is made possible through the generosity of Sustainable Pittsburgh's funders as well as donations through The Pittsburgh Foundation's Day of Giving.
Learn more about the ways Wilkinsburg is innovating and their green initiatives by visiting www.wilkinsburgpa.gov.
World Environment Day 2010 - Pittsburgh
Yours for the making
Individuals, groups, corporations, churches, small businesses—-everyone—-is encouraged to participate in this year’s World Environment Day (WED) celebration, taking place between Earth Day (40th), April 22, and WED, June 5, 2010. Whether you have an annual event scheduled during this six-week period, plan to announce an accomplishment, or are initiating something new, WED is a platform for you to share the news!
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), has bestowed the prestigious honor of selecting Pittsburgh to serve as North America's Host City for WED 2010. Each year WED is a key global effort to promote environmental awareness and stimulate political action and attention. Pittsburgh’s selection is undoubtedly attributable in part to the region’s recognized story of environmental transformation and commitment to sustainable development.
The six week period extends a rare opportunity to showcase the region’s environmental achievements and to launch new ventures and projects. The WED theme for the Pittsburgh region is Water Matters!, in support of the global WED theme of Biodiversity.
Visit www.pittsburghwed.com to get involved. Already a remarkable range of initiatives are highlighted via the online list of events. Have a look. Be inspired. Sign up for email updates, follow WED tweets, and register your activity with the growing host of regional happenings. Be creative and don't miss this world-class chance to capitalize on the moment and publicity.
Feel free to download the WED logo (found under "Resources" at the WED website) and use it to promote your activities. Be empowered to contribute to and benefit from the momentum generated by WED. It is yours for the making.
Thanks to our 2010 members and supporters!
Community support for the mission of Sustainable Pittsburgh is coming on strong already in 2010. Won't you join us? Also, check out our profile at The Pittsburgh Foundation's PittsburghGives Web site (which also accepts donations on behalf of SP).