The University of Pittsburgh is a state-related research university and a member of the Association of American Universities (the 64 preeminent doctorate-granting research institutions in North America). On its 145-acre Pittsburgh campus in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Oakland, Pitt’s 28,000 students pursue 646 degree and certificate programs across 17 academic schools.

The fourth largest regional employer, Pitt’s sustainability journey dates back to the 1970s. The 2018 Pitt Sustainability Plan set the tone and strategy for Pitt to balance equity, environment, and economics so current and future generations can thrive – and the Plan for Pitt emphasizes that our values shape who we are and where we are going next; these values include: Academic Excellence, Collaboration, Community, Inclusion, Innovation, Sustainability.  Committed to carbon neutrality by 2037, Pitt has been steadily reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its 2008 baseline by reducing demand, cleaning supply, and making low carbon connections. 

Pitt Fun Carbon Facts

Between 2008 and 2019, Pitt reduced its GHG emissions by 21%. The pandemic-impacted 2020 inventory shows a 32% reduction over 2019.

For calendar year 2021, 16.75% of the Pitt’s electricity originated from renewable energy sources, on track to meet or beat its goals of 50% renewables by 2030 and 100% by 2037.

HECC Representative

Aurora Sharrard, PhD, LEED AP BD+C (she/her)
Director of Sustainability, Office of Sustainability
University of Pittsburgh
153 Benedum Hall, 3700 O’Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA 15261
asharrard@pitt.edu | 412-624-5122