Check out videos of a sample of certified sustainable municipalities: youtube.com/user/SustainablePGH

Events

Regional Transportation Alliance Launched to Imagine New Transportation Future for Southwestern Pennsylvania

Yesterday saw the launch of the Regional Transportation Alliance of SWPA (RTA), a new public-private partnership to improve our transportation system. With staff support from the Allegheny Conference, the RTA has started a community crowdsourcing initiative to obtain input across the 10-county region. They are asking organizations to imagine what improvements to our current system would have the biggest impact on the populations and communities you serve. The goal is to get enough input to obtain a broad understanding of the biggest needs in our system and then work regionally to make transformational investments to improve connectivity and mobility.

The RTA is collecting community input until November 18th, at which point they will begin to review the responses and work on putting together a consensus document reflecting the top community priorities that were shared.

This is an important opportunity to start the discussion of how we will move our region beyond its transportation status quo and envision the system we really want for the future. It is important the RTA gets enough representative input from across the region. Sustainable Pittsburgh encourages your organization or business to participate.

Look for a link to the “Imagine Transportation” Community Feedback Form in your organization’s inbox today. If you don’t see a link, you can go to their website at RegionalTransportationAlliance.org to sign up to give feedback. The website also has a Help Guide to help you get started. You can reach out to Carly Dobbins-Bucklad at the Allegheny Conference if you have other questions.

Be part of the change you want for the region. Start pulling together your organization's input today with an eye to transportation for the 3Es of economy, equity, environment.

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Resources

17th Annual 3 Rivers Wet Weather Sewer Conference

October 7-8, 2015
Monroeville Convention Center
Cost: $85
More information
Continuing education opportunities available; see website for details.

More than 400 municipal officials, engineers, managers, public works directors and wet weather experts will gather on October 7-8 to learn, educate and share experiences for overcoming the wet weather problems that have plagued the Pittsburgh region for decades. Scores of exhibitors will share their products and services while local, regional and national speakers will present educational sessions on a variety of wet weather issues.

"Black/White Differences in Intergenerational Economic Mobility in the United States"

Thursday, October 8
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
2017 Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh
Lunch is provided. Registration is not required.
crsp.pitt.edu/events

As part of the Fall 2015 Speaker Series, the Center on Race and Social Problems will host Bhashkar Mazumder, Senior Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, on October 8th from noon until 1:30PM in 2017 Cathedral of Learning.

Bhashkar "Bhash" Mazumder is a senior economist and research advisor in the economic research department and executive director of the Chicago Census Research Data Center at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. As a member of the microeconomic team, Mazumder conducts research in labor economics, education and health. His research has been focused in three areas: intergenerational economic mobility; the long-term effects of poor health early in life; and black-white gaps in human capital development.

Introducer: David DeJong
Executive Vice Provost, University of Pittsburgh

David N. DeJong earned his Bachelor of Arts degree (summa cum laude) from Central College in Iowa in 1985 and his doctorate from the University of Iowa in 1989, both in economics. He joined the University of Pittsburgh as an Assistant Professor in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences' Department of Economics in 1989; he was promoted to Professor in 2001 and served as Department Chair from 2006-2010. He currently serves as Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Resources Management. He has also served as a Visiting Professor at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Vienna, DiTella University in Buenos Aires, and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Kiel, Germany.

In support of the "Burgh Baby Diaper Drive", you are invited to bring diapers or a donation to support the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank. Donations are not required for admittance.

Increasing Women on Boards

Thursday, October 8
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
The Irma Freeman Center of Imagination, 5006 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh 15224
Tickets: $15
More information and registration

Want to give your organization the best possible chance for high performance? Or are you looking for the skills and opportunities to help an organization perform better as a board member?

Women In Leadership Cohort XVIII of Coro Pittsburgh are hosting a special event entitled “Are You On Board?” to provide Women in Leadership alumni, regional board members, and local organizations with a networking, recruiting, and learning opportunity to get more #womenonboard in Southwestern PA.

Women represent only 13.4% of board seats for Pittsburgh’s top 50 companies and many studies show that companies with #womenonboard outperform those without female representation by 5­10%. You can help aid more women and each other in elevating status by contributing to the innovation and success of local business and organizations.

The David Lewis Lecture on Urban Design: Peter Calthorpe

Global Sprawl; Types and Antidotes
Monday, October 12
6:30 pm
Kresge Theatre, College of Fine Arts Building, Carnegie Mellon
Free
More information

Join the CMU School of Architecture for the fall 2015 David Lewis Lecture on Urban Design, underwritten by Urban Design Associates. This October lecture features Peter Calthorpe discussing "Global Sprawl; Types and Antidotes".

In 1983, Peter Calthorpe founded the award-winning firm of Calthorpe Associates devoted to sustainable urban design and planning globally. Metropolis Magazine claims: “The titles of Peter Calthorpe’s books trace the recent history of urban design in its most vital and prescient manifestations, starting in 1986 with Sustainable Communities followed by The Regional City: Planning for the End of Sprawl , and most recently Urbanism in the Age of Climate Change”. In the early 90’s he developed the concept of Transit Oriented Development described in his book The Next American Metropolis: Ecology, Community and the American Dream -- an idea that is now the foundation of many regional policies and city plans around the world. Peter Calthorpe is one of the founders and the first board president of Congress of New Urbanism. For his contribution in redefining the models of urban and suburban growth, Calthorpe was named one of 25 “innovators on the cutting edge” by Newsweek Magazine and was awarded ULI’s prestigious “J.C. Nichols Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development” in 2006.

GPNP Summit 2015: Nonprofit, Private & Public Sectors

Thursday, October 15
12:30 pm - 7:00 pm
David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh 15222
Cost: 15% discount for limited time only: $127.50 GPNP Members, $144.50 Non-Members
Economy Packages Available for GPNP Members and Non-Members
Regular Registration: $150 / GPNP Member, $170 / Non-Member
Contact: Samantha Balbier at (412) 394-4275
More information

"Summit 2015: Our region wins when we work together" is designed to celebrate the resurgence in the city and region while illustrating the indispensable role that partnerships between the nonprofit, public, and private sectors are playing in that success. Through the lens of collaboration, attendees will also examine the community’s condition and address those things that stand in the way of regional ascent to excellence.

Who should attend?
- Nonprofit staff and board members,
- Entrepreneurs and investors,
- Elected officials, local government leaders and staff
- Graduate students,
- Established and emerging leaders

The day will conclude with rooftop reception immediately preceded by a special visit and keynote address from Kimbal Musk, an internationally recognized entrepreneur, investor, nonprofit founder, and restaurateur who recognizes the value of mission-driven enterprise to support the quality of life in communities.

"The Human Experiment"

Friday, October 16
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Carnegie Mellon University - Mellon Institute, Social Room (Enter on Bellefield Avenue)
Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
RSVP requested demarcop6@gmail.com

You are invited! Join the Green Chemistry Roundtable for a screening of the informative documentary about chemicals in our environment and engage in a discussion about action on personal choices and reform of Toxic Substances Control Act efforts in Congress.

“The Human Experiment” – How We Are Guinea Pigs in Our Exposure to Chemicals - Screening of the documentary film produced by Sean Penn with a panel discussion about the effects of exposure to chemicals in our daily lives.

Panel Discussion: Moderator: Patricia DeMarco
• Judith Focareta, Magee Womens Hospital - Health effects of chemicals in our environment
• Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis- Women for a Healthy Environment- TSCA Reform

Audience Q/A

5th Annual Pittsburgh Solar Tour

Saturday, October 17
Noon - 4:00 pm
Location: various homes and businesses in Pittsburgh and throughout the region
After party: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Kingsley Association, 6435 Frankstown Avenue, Pittsburgh 15206
More information and registration

Register for free to tour featured solar installations and open houses. The featured locations will be highlighted in the guidebook and additional activities will be offered during the tour. Visit one or more of the featured locations, plan to stop by a solar open house, or mix it up with stops from both. New this year: Organizers will host an after party for all solar owners and participants at the Kingsley Association. You'll be able to meet and mingle with like-minded folks in the Pittsburgh area over free drinks and food.

PA Chapter of the American Planning Association - 2015 Annual Conference

October 18-20, 2015
Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh, 1000 Penn Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh 15222-3835
More information

With 500 planners expected, 49 classroom sessions, 5 mobile workshops, up to 14.5 CM credits (including law and ethics) and a new "Fast-Fun-Fervent" format showcasing 7 presenters, 7 topics, in 7 minutes, join the PA Chapter of the American Planning Association for this annual conference in Downtown Pittsburgh.

In particular, on Tuesday, from 8:15 am - 9:45 am, check out the "Sustainability: Fad, Fashion or Reality?" session featuring local sustainability experts. Moderated by Ray Gastil, AICP, Director of Pittsburgh City Planning, panelists include:
- James Brasuel, Editor of Planetizen
- Andrew Butcher, CEO-Co-Founder, GTECH
- Beverly Cigler, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Public Administration, Penn State University
- Court Gould, Executive Director, Sustainable Pittsburgh
- Christine Mondor, AIA, LEED AP, Chair, City of Pittsburgh Planning Commission.

Remembering Julian Bond

Tuesday, October 20
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Alumni Hall Connolly Ballroom, Pittsburgh 15260
For more information, contact Penelope Miller at (412) 624-7379 or prm15@pitt.edu.
RSVP here

Please join host Larry E. Davis, faculty and staff of the University of Pittsburgh Center on Race & Social Problems for the Julian Bond Commemoration, "Building on the Bond Legacy: Where Do We Go From Here?". Video of Julian Bond's Race in America keynote address, "The Road to Freedom: From Alabama to Obama," will be shown followed by a panel discussion and Q & A.

"Selling" Stormwater Management: A Webcast & Panel Discussion

Wednesday, October 28
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Online, webcast only OR webcast and panel discussion at Monroeville Council Chambers, 2700 Monroeville Blvd., Monroeville 15146
Cost: $15 for webinar only or webcast and panel discussion
The deadline for registration is October 21.
More information and registration
View flyer

Local governments are considering stormwater authorities and fees to help fund construction and maintenance of stormwater systems and green infrastructure and to help achieve compliance with water quality regulations. Eric Eckl, founder of Water Words That Work, LLC, will discuss his research project regarding Pennsylvanians’ attitudes surrounding stormwater and the creation of stormwater authorities. Eric will discuss how to successfully introduce storm-water fees and the keys to effective communication and outreach techniques. Sample outreach material will be presented and discussed.

Following Eric’s presentation, attendees in Monroeville will hear updates on stormwater fee initiatives in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties and learn about local resources available to help municipalities. Panelists include:
• Tim Dean, Senior Associate, Water, Environment, and Infrastructure, AMEC Foster Wheeler
• Jan Lauer, District Manager, Allegheny County Conservation District
• Bill McCartney, Council President, Borough of Dormont
• Jim Pillsbury, Hydraulic Engineer, Westmoreland Conservation District
Moderator: John Schombert, Executive Director, 3 Rivers Wet Weather

Who should participate? Local elected officials; municipal managers and engineers; and others interested in learning more about successfully implementing stormwater authorities.

Pittsburgh Blight Bootcamp

Saturday, November 7
8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center, 100 Lytton Avenue, Pittsburgh 15213
Cost: $10 (For reduced ticket pricing due to financial limitations please contact Katie McAuley.
More information and registration

The Pittsburgh Blight Working Group, made up of the City of Pittsburgh, Neighborhood Allies, GTECH Strategies, PCRG and Design Center, is proud to present Pittsburgh Blight Bootcamp, a one day event to learn about resources and best practices to increase the impact of community led blight elimination efforts.

The event will include a panel of blight remediation practitioners ranging from local community advocates, government officials, to nonprofit professionals, a keynote address from a regional expert and nine sessions on an array of subjects relating to blight elimination.

Session topics will cover a variety of themes that may include Data Driven Decision Making, Community Arts to Fight Blight, Green Space Solutions to Securing Vacant Properties. Sessions will be accessible to a wide range of skill sets from a resident hoping to learn more about blight remediation to organizations looking to expand their skill sets.

The first 100 registrants will receive a free Pittsburgh Blight Bootcamp t-shirt.

Shale & Public Health - Third Annual Conference

Wednesday, November 18
8:30 am - 5:30 pm
University of Pittsburgh University Club (123 University Place), Oakland
Free to attend conference; there is a $14 charge for lunch
Pre-registration required; space is limited.
More information and registration
Accredited for Nursing CE's, Social Work, CHES and CPHCEU's through Region III Public Health Training Center

Presented by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania’s “Straight Scoop on Shale” initiative and hosted by the Pitt Graduate School of Public Health, this year’s conference will feature important new research on shale and public health impacts.

Speakers include:
Karen Hacker MD MPH Director, Allegheny County Health Department
Bruce Pitt PhD Professor & Dept. Chair, Environmental and Occupational Health, Pitt Graduate School of Public Health – Perinatal Outcomes and Unconventional Natural Gas Development (UNGD) in Southwest Pennsylvania
Wilma Subra MS President Subra Company, Chemist and Microbiologist, Chair of STRONGER Pennsylvania Air Quality Regulations Review Committee, served on many EPA committees and MacArthur Fellow – Ethane crackers, the Louisiana experience, shale and public health issues
Jill Kriesky PhD, Associate Director, SWPA-Environmental Health Project – Establishing Pennsylvania’s Health Registry
Brian Schwartz MD Professor and Associate Chair, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and School of Medicine and Senior Investigator, Geisinger Health System– Public health considerations of Marcellus UNGD, new Geisinger research
Cynthia Richburg PhD CCC-A, FAAA Professor and Clinician, Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Research on hearing loss and health effects near shale gas development sites
Bernard Goldstein MD Emeritus Dean/Professor, Pitt Graduate School of Public Health – Shale Health Policy and Practices in Germany, the EU, and the US

Additional conference highlights:
Round-table Brainstorming Session where the public can interact with experts and civic leaders
Session for Practitioners – Addressing Shale Health Issues in Practice – Ned Ketyer, MD FAAP, pediatrician; Lenore Resick, PhD, CRNP, FNP-BC Family Nurse Practitioner, Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project

Resources

Energy Innovation newsletter

Energy Innovation (EI) is a biweekly newsletter of the Energy for the Power of 32 initiative. It features news and events that are accelerating sustainable development for the power of 32. View the latest edition of EI using the link below.

Subscribe to Energy Innovation.

Shift Happens: Urban materiality and a new network of sustainable cities

One such initiative, Sustainable Pittsburgh, leads Southwestern Pennsylvania in executing a regional sustainability strategy through programs such as the Green Workplace Challenge and Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurants. Through its programs, Sustainable Pittsburgh leverages the expertise of experienced entities, including UPMC, the city of Pittsburgh and Bayer, to educate and empower area local small businesses, nonprofits and regional governments. These programs create a central hub for sustainability in the city and beyond — disseminating knowledge, ideas, best practices, goals and initiatives throughout the region.

Help Wanted: Field Coordinator

Ecova is an energy and sustainability company implementing Act 129 energy efficiency programs for Pennsylvania utilities. The Field Coordinator role provides field support for Ecova’s energy efficiency programs in the Greater Pittsburgh Area.

6 banking giants demand strong COP21 deal, pricing carbon

JP Morgan Chase Bank, Bank of America Corp., Wells Fargo, and Citibank — the four largest commercial banks with assets of $6.5 trillion according to Federal Reserve data — along with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, the largest and second largest investment banks with $1.1 trillion in managed mergers and acquisitions — also committed to provide “significant resources” to finance climate solutions.

More

Major companies join alliance seeking 100 percent green electricity

Companies including Goldman Sachs, Walmart and Starbucks joined an alliance on Wednesday that aims to get 100 percent of electricity from renewable sources to combat climate change. The green electricity campaign, RE100, said its membership had expanded to 36 companies from 12 at a launch a year ago in New York that included IKEA Group, Swiss RE and BT Group.

New federal rules target waste disposal standards

The regulation will eliminate most releases of ash-contaminated wastewater, require treatment of sludge and cut discharges of toxic heavy metals, including mercury, arsenic, lead and selenium by 1.4 billion pounds a year, according to the EPA, producing health benefits totaling $463 million annually. . . “Today’s rule will make a huge dent in the nation’s largest source of toxic water pollution,” said Abel Russ, attorney for the Environmental Integrity Project, a Washington, D.C. environmental organization. “This is a significant step forward, and it will directly benefit human health and the environment.”

More and More Americans Working From Home

In a pattern evident in communities all over the country, U.S. Census data shows more Americans are working from home. Researchers from the Brookings Institution are hoping that planners have noticed the trend.

City leaders from Indy, Raleigh and Nashville get inspired by the secrets to Denver’s transit success

From the very first discussion, the academy participants learned about the unique factors in Denver’s success. One factor was education — Denver succeeded in their ballot campaign by throwing out assumptions about who would and would not support transit. Polling and focus groups revealed who support Denver’s efforts and why. Women over 60 and suburban drivers — groups often assumed to be neutral to or against transit — became key supporters. On the other hand, it could not be assumed that transit riders would support the plan.

In the end, leaders from these three cities saw the possibilities of reaching out to key constituencies who haven’t been engaged in their efforts so far.

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 2015 from:

Alcoa Foundation
Bayer USA Foundation
Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
BNY Mellon
FedEx Ground
The Heinz Endowments
Elsie H. Hillman Foundation
Henry L. Hillman Foundation
Levin Furniture
Richard King Mellon Foundation
Pashek Associates, LTD
PITT OHIO
The PNC Financial Services Group
UPMC


Special thanks to the SP Members

Sustainable Pittsburgh
307 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1500
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 258-6642
fax (412) 258-6645
E-mail SP