Blue Gold and Green l University of Pittsburgh

Speaker Symposium

All registrants are automatically entered into a prize drawing . Prizes include a bicycle, gift card to attend a composting class, mini fridge, microwave, DVD player and more . You must be in attendance to win.

Session 1A Lower Lounge - William Pitt Union 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Designing, Building, and Maintaining Highly Used Green Spaces

Philip J. Gruszka, Director of Park Management and Maintenance of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Creating a vibrant green space in an urban setting starts with the planning and design phase of a project. Knowing how the space will be programmed and utilized allows the architects, soil scientists, horticulturists, managers, and other team members to incorporate elements that provide long-term sustainability. These vibrant green spaces attract more than just people and are readily colonized by songbirds, rabbits, bees, and others.

Key steps to building sustainable places include:

Selecting specific soil types

Constructing soil profiles

Knowing the site's underlying geology

Selecting trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses that are aesthetically pleasing, environmentally friendly, not invasive, and not in need of pesticide application

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is a non-profit organization that works with the City of Pittsburgh to restore the park system to excellence. Since its founding in 1996, it has completed nine major capital projects in the parks, including the 2006 conversion of the Schenley Plaza parking lot into a five-acre grand entrance to Schenley Park. This presentation will cover the process of restoring this piece of parkland to its intended use, focusing specifically on the incorporation of green design techniques to make the Plaza sustainable. From a landmark study of the Plaza’s historic London plane tree population to underground irrigation systems, Schenley Plaza seeks to be a model for sustainable site design.

Session 1B Dining Room B - William Pitt Union 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Sustainability and Green Initiatives at the University of Pittsburgh

Laura Zullo, Sr. Manager of Capital and Special Projects, University of Pittsburgh's Facilities Management

The University of Pittsburgh’s Facilities Management Division has long been committed to advancements in sustainability and green initiatives. Significant strides have been made in sustainable design and construction, energy conservation, pollution/emissions reduction, recycling, and greening of the campus. This presentation will provide examples of the University’s commitment and highlight some exciting new projects.

Sustainable Design and Construction:

The University has developed and consistently implements many sustainable design standards in all new construction and renovation projects. Several current projects will be discussed, including the Benedum Hall renovation, the addition and renovation to Benedum Hall for the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation, and the planned Chevron Science Center Addition, all expected to receive LEED silver or gold certification.

Other recent projects to be highlighted include the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine (LEED Gold) and the Biomedical Science Tower 3.

Session 2A Lower Lounge - William Pitt Union 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Joint Session

Latest Trends in Sustainable Business

Matthew M. Mehalik, Ph.D., Program Manager of Sustainable Pittsburgh

Sustainability involves making strategic decisions and building adaptive capacities so that, as changes to pertinent economic, social, and environmental factors occur, businesses and communities have the agility to anticipate and meet the challenges of the day. This capacity must be present no matter the “stage” a company may find itself in—whether a startup, in the stage of figuring out how to maintain a current trajectory, or in the stage to manage growth in smart ways.

This session will present an overview of what trends are occurring in the area of sustainable business and what factors and forces are driving these trends. The presentation will cover topical areas such as smart grids, zero-energy houses, products powered by alternative energy sources, biofuels, sustainable neighborhood design, and many other emergent trends. The talk will also address some of the latest challenges to sustainable business, and will ask the question, what needs to be the greatest innovation of the 21st century?

Practicing Sustainability: Green Chemistry Initiatives in Pittsburgh

Patricia M. DeMarco, Ph.D., Executive Director of Rachel Carson Homestead Association

One important aspect of sustainability is the need to preserve our biosphere as a habitat for humans and other living plants and animals. As the modern human activities accumulate synthetic compounds in the biosphere, we see signs of stress in the natural world, including the human habitat. A new born child in America has a body burden of over 300 synthetic chemicals received through the placenta during gestation. The practice of “green chemistry” involves designing products and processes to avoid toxic or potentially hazardous compounds. There are several innovative companies and institutions in Pittsburgh pursuing this essential discipline, and working to make green chemistry practices a mainstream way of doing business. The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is most appropriate here, because many of the compounds of concern are not eliminated by water treatment processes, and residues are found in common water sources as unintended consequences of modern convenience.

Session 2B Dining Room B - William Pitt Union 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Joint Session

Bike Commuting 101

Louis Fineberg , Program Manager of BikePGH and Stephen Patchan, City of Pittsburgh Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator

Bike commuting is on the rise nationwide and the increase is remarkable on our streets right here in Pittsburgh. With more people looking for both cost-saving measures and ways to make a difference environmentally, bicycling is sure to play a significant role.

Recognizing the importance of cycling in enhancing quality of life, the City's political leadership and leading cycling advocacy group, BikePGH have embarked on several projects to encourage more residents to downsize from four wheels to two.

Co-presented by the City of Pittsburgh's City Planning Department and BikePGH, the presentation will include a brief overview of cycling's eco footprint and a workshop for everyday cycling around Pittsburgh. Louis and Stephen will provide tips for commuting to work, school and errand as they cover safety checks, safe riding techniques and gear.

Session 3A Lower Lounge - William Pitt Union 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Joint Session

Go Green Oakland: A Sustainable Community Campaign

Georgia S. Petropoulos, Executive Director of Oakland Business Improvement District

What is a sustainable community? Where does Oakland stand in its efforts towards becoming a sustainable community of the 21st century? Oakland has already started on the path to becoming a green community. Local stakeholder organizations can boast a variety of community efforts from comprehensive recycling programs to green building initiatives, from hazardous material remediation, to a community farmers market. Learn how Go Green Oakland has built momentum for an increase in environmental stewardship.

Sustainable Communities

Jason Kambitsis, Senior Planner from the Department of City Planning

Sustainability and how it relates to the building environments we all live in will be discussed. Topics for this presentation will focus on sustainability issues including land use, transportation, and green buildings. The presentation will address the movement toward sustainability and how we in Pittsburgh are relating it to future expansion opportunities.

Session 3B Dining Room B - William Pitt Union 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Conservation Tools: Rain Barrels & Compost Bins

Lauren Seiple, Composting Coordinator of Pennsylvania Resources Council

Learn how to harvest rainwater from your roof and divert it for on-site usage in the landscape. Find out how to convert kitchen scraps into a rich organic fertilizer. This workshop hosted by the Pennsylvania Resources Council will cover the conservation practices of composting and rain water harvesting. Participants will learn how they can build their own rain barrel and construct their own backyard or vermicomposting bin. They will also be informed on the importance of watershed awareness and waste reduction.