| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 49.76 |
| Liaison | Aurora Sharrard |
| Submission Date | Feb. 28, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Pittsburgh
EN-4: Outreach Materials and Publications
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Erika
Ninos Sustainability Program Coordinator PittServes |
Does the institution have a central sustainability website that consolidates information about the institution's sustainability efforts?:
A brief description of the central sustainability website (optional):
Our central sustainability website, SustainablePitt, provides a comprehensive overview of the University's sustainable happenings in areas such as education, research, community, and campus.
The website URL for the central sustainability website:
Does the institution have a sustainability newsletter?:
A brief description of the sustainability newsletter:
The Student Office of Sustainability and the SOOS Council publish a calendar and monthly updates about various sustainability events and opportunities.
The website URL for the sustainability newsletter:
Does the institution have social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, interactive blogs) that focus specifically on campus sustainability?:
A brief description of the social media platforms that focus on sustainability:
Twitter:
@PittMCSI - Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation
@ESWPitt - Engineers for a Sustainable World (student group)
@Pitt_EWB - Engineers Without Borders (student group)
@Pitt_SGD - Sustainability and Green Design research group (Civil & Environmental Engineering)
Facebook:
Pitt Environmental Studies Department - https://www.facebook.com/PittEnvSt
Student Office of Sustainability- https://www.facebook.com/PittSOOS/
Free the Planet- https://www.facebook.com/PittFreeThePlanet
University of Thriftsburgh- https://www.facebook.com/universityofthriftsburgh
Pitt's chapter of Engineers for a Sustainable World - https://www.facebook.com/ESWPitt
Plant to Plate: Pitt's Urban Garden - https://www.facebook.com/groups/683799488334130/
Pitt Green Fund: https://www.facebook.com/pittgreenfund
The website URL of the primary social media platform focused on sustainability:
Does the institution have regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper, either through a regular column or a reporter assigned to the sustainability beat?:
A brief description of the regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper:
The Pitt News regularly covers sustainability events and initiatives. Recent topics have included the Student Sustainability Symposium, the Pitt Pantry, the Real Food Challenge, the BYO Bag and mug program, the Pitt Divestment campaign and Socially Responsible Investment committee and the University of Thriftsburgh.
The website URL for regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper:
Does the institution produce a vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability?:
A brief description of the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:
The Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation supports an annual seed grant program aimed at engaging a core team of researchers who are passionate about sustainability. Seed grants support graduate student and post-doctoral fellows on one-year research projects. The Mascaro Center also offers a 12-week summer undergraduate research program aimed at providing talented undergraduate students with opportunities for hands-on research projects in sustainable engineering.
The annual Student Sustainability Symposium features project based work by Pitt undergraduates in all areas of sustainability- environmental, economic and social equity.
The website URL for the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:
Does the institution have building signage that highlights green building features?:
A brief description of building signage that highlights green building features :
Electronic building signage is incorporated into green construction projects in the form of informational slide shows to educate visitors and building occupants on the sustainable features of the facility. Bronze display plaques are also installed in all LEED certified facilities.
Sustainability-focused bulletin boards have been designed to promote environmental initiatives in residence halls. These designs and materials are available to all Resident Assistants for use in their assigned areas.
Student sustainability initiatives and events are highlighted on Student Affairs electronic signage across campus, with one electronic sign devoted entirely to sustainability messaging in the main first year student residence hall.
The website URL for building signage that highlights green building features :
Does the institution have signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems?:
A brief description of the signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:
Pitt Dining Services offers signage throughout the various dining halls and eating establishments with information on the Real Food Challenge, Grounds for Growth, the BYO Bag program, Beat the Receipt, Vegan and Vegetarian dining options and countless other sustainability initiatives.
The website URL for food service area signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:
Does the institution have signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed?:
A brief description of the signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed:
Untreated water from an underground aquifer is used to water gardens and hanging flower baskets on campus. A university vehicle has been fitted with a tank to transport the water around campus, and this tank is fitted with informational signage. Use of water from the aquifer reduces Pitt's impact on the City of Pittsburgh's water treatment and distribution facilities.
The newest addition to Pitt's sustainable landscape is the "Marlie Garden" a permaculture inspired garden project, designed and implemented by students. The garden features permanent signage about plant biodiversity.
The website URL for the signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed:
Does the institution produce a sustainability walking map or tour?:
A brief description of the sustainability walking map or tour:
The University's website offers multiple on-line tours of campus. One of these tours is dedicated to sustainability at Pitt, and features photos and descriptions of green buildings, the University's ultra-low emission steam plant, dining hall composting, student rain garden, and other highlights.
In addition, a sustainability walking tour is conducted as part of the "Discover U" program during Freshman orientation week. Students are given the change to visit a garden, a green roof, a rain garden, grey water system and the Student Office of Sustainability.
The website URL of the sustainability walking map or tour:
Does the institution produce a guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation?:
A brief description of the guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation:
This online guide for commuters effectively outlines the numerous savings and benefits of carpooling, vanpooling, and bicycling. An additional URL that highlights even more alternative transportation can be found here: http://www.commuter.pitt.edu/tool-kit/
The website URL for the guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation:
Does the institution produce navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians (e.g. covering routes, inter-modal connections, policies, services, and safety)? :
A brief description of the navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:
Pitt's Department of Parking, Transportation, and Services includes several pages dedicated to commuting alternatives, including bicycling. The bicycling page includes information on bike trails, biking safety tips, cycling organizations, bike rental, and much more. The Department also employees an Alternative Transportation program coordinator to help direct programmatic activities related to alternative transportation on campus- specifically bike and pedestrian usage.
The Pitt Bike Co-Op (Bike Cave) offer educational programs, workshops and rides for members of the University cycling community.
The website URL for navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:
Does the institution produce a guide for green living and/or incorporating sustainability into the residential experience?:
A brief description of the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:
Blue and gold make green, and The University of Pittsburgh is proud to support an environment that values sustainability and innovation across all disciplines. Rain gardens and green roofs dot the campus, and local food is served in the dining halls. Research opportunities and interdisciplinary courses provide the option to integrate sustainability into every academic field. Environmentally conscious student organizations also allow students to pursue green initiatives outside the classroom. With these opportunities, Pitt is proud to present the Green Guide to answer all of your sustainability questions. Take a look at some of the ways you can reduce your environmental impact and get involved!
The website URL for the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:
Does the institution produce other sustainability outreach materials or publications not covered above?:
A brief description of these materials or publications:
The "University of Pittsburgh: 2013 Report on Sustainability" fully outlines the institutions sustainability efforts on campus and in the greater community. This publication is the first of its kind at Pitt, and includes information related to sustainable campus operations, education and research, and community outreach and leadership. The report was released in January, 2014. The report also inspired the development of the University Sustainability Committee and the recent completion of the first University wide sustainability plan.
The website URL for these materials or publications:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.