Pollinator Month 2025
Pitt celebrates Pollinator Month with events and workshops to support native pollinators and promote sustainability on campus, and beyond.
Growing Our Urban Tree Canopy
In FY25, Pitt reinforced its commitment to the urban tree canopy through hands-on events, tree care workshops, and the planting of 82 new trees. These efforts enhanced community engagement and supported greening efforts on campus and in the Oakland neighborhood.
2025-26 MCSI Sustainability Research Grant & Faculty Award Recipients
Congratulations to the research grant recipients and faculty fellows of the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation’s 2025-26 awards, which help faculty engage in sustainability research at Pitt.
First Ecotone Renewables Anaerobic Digester on Pitt Campus Operational
After winning the Pitt Sustainability Challenge in 2023, Ecotone Renewables launched the first of 5 anaerobic food digesters at Pitt in late 2024 at Posvar Hall. Co-founded by Pitt alum Kyle Wyche, Ecotone Renewables will install additional organic recycling unit across Pitt campuses.
Pitt Green Spotlight: Natasha Tokowicz (May 2025)
The Pitt Green Spotlight is a monthly series highlighting people advancing sustainability, including Pitt Green Ambassadors and Pitt’s Green Offices & Labs!
Summer 2025 Student Sustainability Research Projects & Pairings
The University of Pittsburgh’s Summer 2025 student sustainability research projects are funded by the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation. Special thanks to each of the faculty advisors who help to make this program happen.
Save the date for the Summer Research Symposium on July 16, 2025.
Advancing Environmental Justice Through Movement-Engaged Participatory Research
Advisor: Fernando Tormos-Aponte, Sociology
Student: Abigail Wolf, Law, Criminal Justice + Society, Anthropology
How 3 Student-Led Initiatives Changed Sustainability at Pitt
Thriftsburgh, the Student Office of Sustainability, and Food Recovery Heroes began in classrooms and clubs 10 years ago. Today, they are foundational Pitt sustainability initiatives.
1.08 MW of Rooftop Solar Springing Up on 4 Pitt Buildings
Multiple rooftop solar power arrays are being installed across the Pittsburgh campus in support of the Pitt Climate Action Plan. These installations contribute to Pitt’s goals of producing or procuring 50% renewable electricity by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2037.
2025 Pitt Sustainability Awards
Meet the 2025 winners of the Pitt Sustainability Awards! Through the University of Pittsburgh, these students, faculty, staff, and groups are determined to build our sustainable future. Read on to explore these vital strides in balancing equity, environment, and economics.
Pitt Powers Up With Solar
Ruskin Hall’s solar panels are now fully operational!
The 240 rooftop photovoltaic panels on Ruskin Hall are providing about 15% of the building’s electricity, covering all common areas (lounge, laundry room, fitness center, & hallways) – and already produced 16,150 kWh this year.
Earth Month 2025
Happy Earth Month!
The University of Pittsburgh is excited to announce our Earth Month theme for this year: “Bring Sustainability Home.” This initiative aims to empower students, faculty, and staff with the tools and knowledge necessary to create sustainable change in their neighborhoods and communities, whether in Oakland or beyond.
Pitt Green Spotlight: Sarah Ross (March 2025)
The Pitt Green Spotlight is a monthly series highlighting people advancing sustainability, including Pitt Green Ambassadors and Pitt’s Green Offices & Labs!
Pitt Sustainability Plan 2025 Amendment
Following the 2018-22 Progress Report on the Pitt Sustainability Plan, the Chancellor’s Advisory Council on Sustainability reviewed all 2018
2023-24 Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory Annual Report
In fiscal year 2024, the University of Pittsburgh’s Water Collaboratory completed a number of impactful projects and partnerships, with research on landslides, drinking water systems, water quality across our rivers and regional tributaries, and the impacts of industrial legacies.
USEFULL Stainless Steel Containers Replace Plastic To-Go Boxes
Stainless steel reusable USEFULL to-go containers are now available at Pitt’s residential dining halls (The Eatery and The Perch), offering a more environmentally friendly way to keep food fresher longer and ensure multiple uses.