By DONOVAN HARRELL The University of Pittsburgh’s energy consumption is on track to meet the sustainability goal of a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Pitt’s Director of Sustainability Aurora Sharrard revealed the fiscal year 2020 Greenhouse Gas Inventory to Faculty Assembly members on Jan. 19. The inventory shows, she said, that the University is on
Friday, March 5, 2021
Share
“We’re in a cluster of crisis,” said European Commission Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans, in a March 2 virtual event hosted by Pitt’s European Studies Center. He cited the interlinked challenges of the pandemic, climate change and global relations among others as he continued: “We will need to face this perfect storm with an integrated plan.” Speaking from his home in Brussels, Timmermans, who leads the European Green Deal strategy for transitioning the European Union to a sustainable economy and climate neutrality by 2050, highlighted the need for environmental justice, critical thinking and education in a broad discussion in which he took questions from Pitt students and their peers at other U.S. college campuses.
When the hydropower and solar power facilities are operational, together they will meet about 40 percent of the Pittsburgh campus energy needs. “This is a landmark day for our county,” he said. “This announcement renews our commitment to the environment, our commitment to addressing climate change and is an investment in our future generations.” Construction of the privately-funded $50 million facility at the Emsworth Locks and Dam is expected to begin later this year, creating 150-200 construction jobs, said Rye CEO Paul Jacob. Two full-time workers will be needed to staff the plant, which could begin generating power by 2023. In 2018, Pitt signed a letter of intent to purchase 100 percent of the power from a low-impact hydroelectric plant Rye plans to build on the Allegheny River at the existing Allegheny Lock and Dam No. 2 near the Highland Park Bridge. The University quickly followed up with a formal 20-year power purchase agreement.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Share
The University’s culture of sustainability is fueled not only by individual efforts and grassroots support, but also through institution-wide commitments and the guidance of leaders who are champions for the cause. That commitment has been recognized with a prestigious honor: Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management Scott Bernotas has been named to Environment + Energy Leader’s 2020 E+E 100. The publication’s annual list recognizes the top 100 professionals worldwide who are advancing best practices and making a difference in environment and energy management.
Bernotas oversees the utilities infrastructure and more than 130 buildings on the University of Pittsburgh’s 145-acre main campus, in support of Pitt’s community of more than 42,000 faculty, staff and students.