Sustainability Reports
Reporting progress in a transparent manner is an imperative part of communicating University-wide efforts, goals, and achievements. The University of Pittsburgh regularly produces a number of publications related to campus-wide sustainability, greenhouse gas inventories, LEED building certifications, and more. Additionally, Pitt participates in a number of external sustainability programs, most notably AASHE STARS and the Pittsburgh 2030 District. Read more about Pitt and Pittsburgh’s achievements and aspirations!
PITT SUSTAINABILITY REPORTS
The University of Pittsburgh Sustainability Reports are created to fully outline the institution’s sustainability efforts on campus and in the greater community. This publication includes information related to sustainable campus operations, education and research, and community outreach and leadership. These reports also inspired the development of the University Sustainability Committee and the ongoing efforts for a university-wide sustainability plan.
GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORIES
Pitt is actively working towards reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 50% below 2008 levels by 2030 — and our 2017 inventory indicates we’ve already reduced GHGs 24.2% . Learn more about how Pitt has been tracking and reducing our GHG impact over time through inventories published triennially since 2008.
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine (Gold, 2005)
- Benedum Hall - Phase I Renovations (Gold, 2011)
- Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation (Gold, 2012)
- Chevron Science Center Annex (Gold, 2013)
- Biomedical Science Tower - 12th Floor Renovation (Gold, 2013)
- Mark A. Nordenberg Hall (Silver, 2014)
- Mid-Campus Research Complex - Nuclear Physics Laboratory Renovation (Silver, 2014)
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, Cassell Hall (Gold, 2014)
- University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Nursing and Health Sciences Building (Gold, 2015)
- Benedum Hall - Phase 2a Renovation (Silver, 2016)
- Salk Hall Pavilion (Silver, 2016)
- Graduate School of Public Health Addition (Certified, 2018)
AASHE STARS CERTIFICATION
The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS) is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance created by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The University of Pittsburgh has long-used AASHE STARS as a tracking mechanism, but first achieved certification in 20018. Pitt’s AASHE STARS documentation is public online and the university must re-certify every 3 years.
PITTSBURGH 2030 DISTRICT REPORTS
In 2014, the University of Pittsburgh was a Founding Property Partner of the Pittsburgh 2030 District‘s Oakland boundary. Since then, Pitt has worked closely with Green Building Alliance and other Pittsburgh 2030 District Partners towards achieving 50% reductions in energy use, water use, and transportation emissions (below baselines) by the year 2030. In 2018, Pitt embraced the 2030 Challenge goals University-wide, contributing towards short- and long-term successes improved indoor and air quality, increased returns on investment, and growing campus and regional success.
