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Sustainability

The University is committed to creating, sustaining, and celebrating our built and natural environments through dedication to sustainability initiatives in every stage of planning, design and construction. Our work to transform 145 acres of an established, urban campus into a modern sustainability leader has spanned decades, with ongoing foci on healthy indoor out outdoor places, energy and water use reduction, stormwater and landscapes, materials diversion, innovative equipment and construction, and more. 

In 2018, the Pitt Sustainability Plan was released and identified key impact areas to keep the University focused and track progress on sustainability goals. Campus construction and renovations are important contributors for a large number of these impact areas, in addition to playing a critical role in Pitt’s goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2037.

Sustainable Development and Construction

Recognizing its stewardship and leadership roles, the University seeks to incorporate the environmental, equity, and economic concepts of sustainability into the design, construction, operations, and maintenance of its buildings and landscapes, while maintaining safety and preserving comfort.

All major renovation and new construction building projects at Pitt pursue LEED certification or better—adhering to rigorous standards for utility usage, waste production, and indoor environmental quality. Pitt boasts 18 LEED certified spaces covering over 1.3 million square feet of space across the Pittsburgh and regional campuses.
 
Specific to design and construction, the University design manual is regularly updated with sustainable, healthy, and efficient guidelines that apply to all campus construction and renovations.