The Sustainability Professional Certificate Program (SUST) is designed to reinforce the University’s commitment to sustainability with a series of workshops open to all employees. The workshops address both individual behaviors and University programs that impact local, national, and global efforts to become more sustainable (balancing equity, environment, and economics). Participants will leave these workshops with a deeper understanding of sustainability principles and the important role they play in helping Pitt succeed in achieving the goals set forth in the Pitt Sustainability Plan. Participants will also have an increased awareness of how Pitt’s actions contribute to Pittsburgh, U.S., and global sustainability endeavors. All workshops required to earn the SUST certificate will be offered on a rotating basis each fall and spring through the Faculty and Staff Development Program (FSDP).
Participants should track their own progress offline and submit the online SUST Completion Form once all six workshops have been completed.
The Sustainability Professional Certificate Program consists of the following four required workshops and two elective workshops:
Four required core workshops:
- Sustainability Foundations: Balancing the Three E's
- Sustainability: Circular, Regenerative, & Just Economies
- Sustainability: Environment, Ecosystems, and You
- Sustainability: Building an Equitable Future
Two elective workshops:
- One Diversity & Inclusion workshop: Choose one Diversity & Inclusion course offered through the Faculty & Staff Development Program
- Pitt Blue & Gold = Green
- Recycling: How to Reduce Waste at Pitt & Beyond
- Sustainable Investments
- Sustainable Landscapes
- Sustainable Food Systems
- Sustainable Community Development
(New!) Recycling: How to Reduce Waste at Pitt & Beyond
Presenters: Emily Potoczny, Sustainability Engagement Manager
Office of Sustainability
Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Virtual
Who Should Attend: All faculty and staff
Heard about Pitt's many sustainability commitments and wondering how you as a Pitt employee can contribute in your everyday activities and decisions for Pitt? Learn how you can engage professionally to help us achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 or engage in our Pitt Green program for labs, offices, event hosts, or even by becoming one of the first Pitt Green Ambassadors. We'll also cover Pitt's many sustainability benefits and commitments, including Healthy Ride bike share, electric vehicles, the Cool Food and Real Food pledges, community partnerships, pollinator gardens, LEED buildings, and so much more!
Sustainable Food Systems
Presenters: Nicholas Goodfellow, Sustainability Manager
Business and Auxiliary Services
Jose Perez Vela, Sustainability Director
Pitt Eats by Compass
Date: Friday, November 17, 2023
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: 342 Craig Hall, In-Person
Note: remote access provided for those who cannot make it to campus
Who Should Attend: All faculty and staff
Have you ever wondered about the impact of food on society and the planet? In this class learn about how Pitt is eating its way to a more sustainable future for all! Dive deeper into our food system and find out the impact each of us can make with our food choices and about topics such as food sovereignty, food deserts, GMOs, fair trade, organics, and food waste.
Sustainability: Circular, Regenerative, and Just Economies
Presenters: Jennifer Barnes, Supplier Diversity & Sustainability Manager
Chris Gassman, Senior Associate Director, Center for Sustainable Business
Office of Sustainability / Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation
Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: 342 Craig Hall, in-person
Note: remote access provided for those who cannot make it to campus
Who Should Attend: All faculty and staff
Hearing a lot of acronyms about investments and the economy, but wondering what CSR, ESG, and SRI really mean? This workshop will provide foundational knowledge on sustainable business practices. Participants will learn about sustainable purchasing, supply chain management, the circular economy, and best business practices that create positive social and environmental outcomes. This workshop will give participants the tools to tap into the wealth of Pitt resources (e.g., Center for Sustainable Business) to become more responsible consumers and help create and support regenerative and just economies.
Sustainability: Environment, Ecosystems, and You
Presenters: Samantha Chan, Assistant Director of Sustainability
Ellie Cadden, Sustainability Academic Programs Manager
Office of Sustainability
Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Virtual
Who Should Attend: All faculty and staff
Have you heard about Pitt’s commitment to carbon neutrality, renewable energy, alternative transportation, pollinators, and protecting our local ecosystems? Participants in this workshop will learn about environmental stewardship, Pitt’s related goals, and how individuals & departments can help us improve our local and global environment. Learn about our recycling, composting, and specialty waste diversion efforts, while diving deeper into understanding climate change, ecologically friendly landscapes, and how you and Pitt can help build a resilient future for our region.
Sustainability Foundations: Balancing the Three E's
Presenters: Samantha Chan, Assistant Director of Sustainability
Ellie Cadden, Sustainability Academic Programs Manager
Office of Sustainability
Date: Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Location: 342 Craig Hall, in-person
Note: remote access provided for those who cannot make it to campus
Who Should Attend: All faculty and staff
Hearing a lot about "sustainability" at Pitt and elsewhere? This workshop provides foundational knowledge of the three dimensions of sustainability: economics, environment, and equity. Participants will learn how these disciplines relate to the challenges of climate change, food security, and racial justice and how they can contribute to solutions in the local, national, and global community. Discussion of solutions will start with opportunities and innovation at Pitt and in Pittsburgh.