Pitt Sustainability Plan

Cathedral of Learning with a blooming pink tree in the foreground
From committing to carbon neutrality to transforming the regional economy with green investments, Earth Day is every day at Pitt. See stories of sustainability champions on campus and peruse events celebrating Earth Day 2021.
A man in a light blue shirt and gray suit jacket
Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management Scott Bernotas’ commitment to sustainability has helped move Pitt closer to its energy reduction goals and earned him a spot on Environment + Energy Leader’s list of 100 professionals making a difference in the field.
A van with a Pitt logo on the side
The partnership will help Pitt reduce costs and upgrade its fleet with alternative energy vehicles, which will further support the University’s commitment to making the campus carbon neutral by 2037.
A hand holding a bowl with various colorful foods inside
Expanded local partnerships are brewing as the University begins the 2020-21 academic year with a new dining services partner and local coffee suppliers. Also on the menu: more flexible meal plans, new dining options and spaces for physically distanced dining.
A row of blue colored bicycles
Pitt students and employees can now access free 30-minute rides on Health Ride bikes around the city.
A green field filled with solar panels
A new solar power deal is moving Pitt closer to its commitment to be a carbon neutral campus by 2037, Pitt’s 250th anniversary.
a bee approaching a purple flower
It’s Pollinator Week 2020, and bees, butterflies, bugs and bats are pollinating on Pennsylvania’s newest Bee Campus USA.
Senior Sam Ressin standing in front of an array of solar panels, with a glowing object in his hands.
The student-led Pitt Green Fund helped launch the campus thrift store and bicycle co-op, but its board also tackles efforts related to equity and social justice.
sunny sidewalk behind the Cathedral, with hydrangeas blooming
The University has already reduced greenhouse gas emissions on the Pittsburgh campus by 22%. Building and infrastructure efficiencies are key to the new goal of carbon neutrality by 2037—Pitt’s 250th anniversary.