The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford convened community stakeholders, students, faculty and staff, as well as representatives from the University of Pittsburgh to announce a new campus sustainability plan during an event Nov. 6.
The gathering highlighted the university’s vision for sustainability and its commitment to building a more sustainable campus and community through practical initiatives, education, innovation and collaboration. The plan emphasizes everyday actions, responsible use of resources, and opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community partners to work together to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
“At Pitt-Bradford, we believe that taking care of our campus and the community is a responsibility we all share,” said Rick Esch, president of Pitt-Bradford. “Our sustainability plan provides a thoughtful roadmap for the future, outlining practical goals and actions to reduce our environmental impact through energy efficiency, waste reduction, responsible use of resources, and community engagement.
“It builds on the great work already happening across campus and in our community and reflects our commitment to making meaningful improvements that will benefit our students, our campus, and the region for generations to come.”
Dr. Aurora Sharrard, assistant vice chancellor for sustainability at the University of Pittsburgh, added, “The launch of Pitt-Bradford’s first Sustainability Plan is a proud moment for the entire university community. For decades, Pitt has implemented a wide range of initiatives that have been designed to balance equity, environment, and economics so current and future generations can thrive. I am extremely excited to have Pitt-Bradford embrace that approach!”
The plan was developed by an interdisciplinary team of faculty and staff, with considerable input and support from community stakeholders and Pitt’s Office of Sustainability. It creates targeted priorities and metrics of success in the areas of energy efficiencies, transportation, food systems, health and wellbeing, and academics and research. The plan builds on Pitt-Bradford’s ongoing efforts to use resources responsibly and encourage sustainable practices, while highlighting the university’s strengths in education, innovation, and community engagement.
“I would like to thank everyone across campus who contributed to this process and drove the ultimate vision of the plan,” said Matt Kropf, associate professor of engineering and chair of the Pitt-Bradford Sustainability Committee. “As a critical anchor institution in this region we have the unique opportunity to drive sustainable growth that will support our campus and the future economic and environmental health of the entire community”
To learn more about Pitt-Bradford’s sustainability efforts and how you can get involved, please visit upb.pitt.edu/sustainability.
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