Pitt Professional
Development in
Sustainability
The Pitt Sustainability Professional Certificate reinforces the University’s commitment to sustainability with a series of professional development workshops open to all employees.
Workshops address both individual behaviors and University programs that impact local, national, and global efforts to become more sustainable (balancing equity, environment, and economics), while empowering Pitt community members with knowledge about sustainability,
Through workshops created and taught by the Pitt Sustainability team, employees gain the knowledge needed to apply core sustainability principles to create solutions throughout their career that allow all to thrive by balancing equity, environment, and economy.
To complete the Pitt Sustainability Professional Certificate, employees must take all 4 core courses and 2 electives (1 existing Diversity & Inclusion course can count toward electives).
Employees completing the Certificate become eligible to become a Pitt Green Ambassador.
Classes
Hearing a lot about “sustainability” at Pitt and elsewhere? This workshop provides foundational knowledge of the three dimensions of sustainability: economics, environment, and equity. Participants will learn how these disciplines relate to the challenges of climate change, food security, and racial justice and how they can contribute to solutions in the local, national, and global community. Discussion of solutions will start with opportunities and innovation at Pitt and in Pittsburgh.
Hearing a lot of acronyms about investments and the economy, but wondering what CSR, ESG, and SRI really mean? This workshop will provide foundational knowledge on sustainable business practices. Participants will learn about sustainable purchasing, supply chain management, the circular economy, and best business practices that create positive social and environmental outcomes. This workshop will give participants the tools to tap into the wealth of Pitt resources (e.g., Center for Sustainable Business) to become more responsible consumers and help create and support regenerative and just economies.
Did you know that equity is 1 of 3 pillars of sustainability? This workshop will explore how equity and sustainability go hand-in-hand. Participants will learn about environmental justice, community development, and inclusion initiatives at Pitt and in Pittsburgh – and how that they and their departments can help contribute to. Professionals will be able to clearly define equity principles, identify systemic issues and systems, and become aware of the role we all play in building a sustainable future for all to thrive.
Heard about Pitt’s commitment to carbon neutrality, renewable energy, alternative transportation, pollinators, and protecting our local ecosystems? This workshop will teach attendees about environmental stewardship, Pitt’s related goals, and how individuals & departments can help us improve our local and global environment. Learn about our recycling, composting, and specialty waste diversion efforts, while diving deeper into understanding climate change, ecologically friendly landscapes, and the how you and Pitt can help build a resilient future for our region.
Heard about Pitt’s many sustainability commitments and wondering how you as a Pitt employee can contribute in your everyday activities and decisions for Pitt? Learn how you can engage professionally to help us achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 or engage in our Pitt Green program for labs, offices, event hosts, or even by becoming one of the first Pitt Green Ambassadors. We’ll also cover Pitt’s many sustainability benefits and commitments, including Healthy Ride bike share, electric vehicles, the Cool Food and Real Food pledges, community partnerships, pollinator gardens, LEED buildings, and so much more!
Have you ever wondered about the impact of food on society and the planet? In this class learn about how Pitt is eating its way to a more sustainable future for all! Dive deeper into our food system and find out the impact each of us can make with our food choices and about topics such as food sovereignty, food deserts, GMOs, fair trade, organics, and food waste.
Curious about how the University protects and advocates for pollinators, trees, and rivers? In this class you will learn about how Pitt is caring for our beautiful campus using sustainable practices. You will learn about and engage with Pitt’s efforts to protect native pollinators, increase tree canopy, and reduce stormwater runoff. You will also gain understanding about how nature helps promote our wellbeing both physically and mentally. Participants will get explore campus gardens and learn how to help keep our waterways healthy.
Diverting materials from landfill can be confusing, especially understanding what can be reused or recycled. For instance, what materials can be recycled indefinitely? Why do recycling guidelines sometimes change? What plastics are recyclable — and why or why not? Learn the ins and outs of recycling, including the history recycling system in the U.S., the true value of recyclables, and how the local recycling sector impacts what you can put in the recycling bin both on-campus and off. We’ll use Pitt’s own single-stream and specialty recycling programs as examples to help you reduce, reuse, and recycle here at Pitt and at home.
Register for Upcoming Classes
Classes are taught in a rotating order between semesters and new electives are being developed by the Sustainability Team. Register today for upcoming classes that count towards your Sustainability Professional Certificate!