University Sustainability Recognition
AASHE STARS Gold
The University of Pittsburgh is very proud to have an AASHE STARS Gold rating for both 2021 and 2024. The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (AASHE STARS) is a transparent framework for colleges and universities to measure and benchmark their
QS World University – Sustainability Rankings
Released for the first time for 2023, the QS World University Rankings in Sustainability are focused on the social and environmental sustainability performance in higher education institutions globally. In 2023, the University of Pittsburgh was proud to rank #34 of U.S. institutions and #126 globally in the inaugural rankings (out
Princeton Review Green Schools
The University of Pittsburgh has been listed in The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges since 2012. This listing uses data Pitt reports via our triennial AASHE STARS certification, with weightings across more than 25 data points, which evolve over time.
Bicycle Friendly University (Silver)
The University of Pittsburgh achieved Silver Bike Friendly University designation in 2021, building on our 2018 Bike Friendly University Bronze designation. Our Pitt Sustainability Plan goal is Gold Bike Friendly University by 2025.
Bee Campus USA
The University of Pittsburgh first became a Bee Campus USA in 2020 -- an honor we renew annually. Pitt is proud to be one of over 175 Bee Campus USA affiliates in the U.S., with 2020, 2021, and 2022 designations. Read our 2022 Bee Campus Renewal Report. The Bee Campus
Better Climate Challenge (U.S. Department of Energy)
In 2023, Pitt joined the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Better Climate Challenge, joining other businesses, universities, and organizations in pursuing bold, measurable action against climate change. In doing so, Pitt reaffirmed its own commitment to carbon neutrality by 2037 and support for broader national climate action. As part of the
EPA Green Power Partner
In 2019, Pitt joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Green Power Partnership, joining other universities, businesses, and organizations working to reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional electricity use. In 2020, Pitt was ranked #30 on the U.S. EPA’s Top Green Powered Universities list. Explore Pitt and other Green Power
Food Recovery Verified Campus
The University of Pittsburgh has been a Food Recovery Verified Campus since 2017 -- when we were the first campus in the ACC to become so. Follow along on our food recovery journey via our dashboard! Food Recovery Network (FRN) recognizes food businesses and events that are working to fight
Live Well Allegheny
In 2021, the University of Pittsburgh has achieved distinction for 6 dining locations as Live Well Allegheny Restaurants, an initiative to make Allegheny County a healthier place. Those locations include The Eatery, the Perch at Sutherland, Schenley Cafe, and the Cathedral of Learning, plus Pitt Subs and Shake Smart at
Tree Campus
In recognition of the University of Pittsburgh’s outstanding commitment to protecting and enhancing local tree canopy, the Arbor Day Foundation designated the University’s Pittsburgh campus as a Tree Campus for the first time in 2021! We were recertified in 2022 and will do so annually moving forward. This certification program
Sustainable Pittsburgh Workplace
The University of Pittsburgh is a Platinum Sustainable Pittsburgh Workplace, a designation that recognizes the commitment we have to our community, our economy, and our planet. Designated by local nonprofit Sustainable Pittsburgh, a Sustainable Pittsburgh Workplace is a business, nonprofit, or other organization that has demonstrated a commitment to socially
Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurants
In 2021, the University of Pittsburgh’s two main dining halls (The Eatery and The Perch at Sutherland) renewed their Gold designations under the Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurants program! Additionally, both the Cathedral Cafe and Schenley Cafe earned Silver Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant designations for the first time in 2021! The University of
Sierra Magazine’s Cool Schools
In 2021, the University of Pittsburgh moved up 120 places to rank in Sierra Magazine’s Top 125 Cool Schools nationwide, based on continued sustainability advancements and our 2021 AASHE STARS Gold rating. Published by Sierra Club, Sierra magazine was a ranking of America’s most sustainable colleges and universities since 2011.