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 sustainability performance across all aspects of higher education.
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.
Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
The University of Pittsburgh ranked 24 out of 46 U.S. institutions in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which measure global universities’ success in delivering the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
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, 2022, and 2023 designations. Read our 2023 Bee Campus Renewal Report.
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.
EPA Green Power Partner
In 2018, 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.
EVAL Certified Worksites
The University of Pittsburgh is proud to have added 6 Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) certified worksites! Backed by the U.S. Department of Energy, Pitt's EVAL certifications recognizes the University as a workplace that promotes sustainable transportation, offers electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and encourages carpooling, biking, and public transit for employees.
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 waste and feed people through food recovery.
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 Petersen Events Center.
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 have been re-certified annually since and will continue to re-certify annually moving forward.
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 just and environmentally sustainable operations.
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!
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.