What Pitt is Doing | Pitt Sustainability

48000

METRIC TONS

annual CO2 emissions reduced by Carrillo Street Steam plant

22.2%

GHG EMISSIONS

reduced between
2008 and 2017

827000

GSF

increase of campus
building footprint

What Pitt is Doing

Pitt has a long history of implementing sustainable practices, believing that through investments in sustainability, there will be long-term positive impacts on social, environmental, and economic patterns on campus, in the region, and around the world.

1990

Pitt signed the Talloires Declaration, which supports mobilizing the resources of higher education for sustainability.

2003

University established the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation, which now spearheads University-wide sustainability research and education programs.

2008

Pitt's University Senate issued the "Statement on Sustainability."

2010

First Pitt Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory published, setting fiscal year 2008 as baseline year, along with emissions reductions goals. The GHG inventory has been updated for FY2011, 2014, 2017, & 2019; it will be updated annually afterwards.

2013

The University published its inaugural "Report on Sustainability" to highlight sustainability efforts and achievements across campus.

2014

Pitt launched the Student Office of Sustainability, which is an active voice in fostering awareness of sustainability throughout the Pitt community.

2016

Pitt's "University Sustainability Committee" re-created to establish cross-functional representation among faculty, staff, and students who serve as sustainability advocates and implementers across the University.

2018

First "Pitt Sustainability Plan" is unveiled. Office of Sustainability founded, with the University’s first Director of Sustainability hired to oversee Plan implementation. Pitt achieved AASHE STARS Silver, Bike Friendly University Bronze, & joins the EPA Green Power Partner list.

2020

University of Pittsburgh committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2037, Pitt’s 250th anniversary. Chancellor's Advisory Council on Sustainability becomes new name for university-wide sustainability committee. Pitt adopts ESG criteria for investments.

Click through the years