Sustainability

Hazelwood community members talking to developers about the Hazelwood Green development. They are pointing to different sections of the master plan and writing comments.

Hazelwood development community meeting. Photo by Annie O'Neill

Program Overview

The Sustainability funding area seeks to address underlying threats to Pittsburgh’s quality of life while focusing on opportunities to support the region’s health, safety and prosperity, now and for the future.

The Sustainability area’s vision is to contribute to economic and community development and healthy environment systems that protect and benefit all citizens, where race, experience, identity and zip code do not determine life outcomes, where air and water are safe and where large sections of poor and vulnerable populations are not left behind.

As part of our Sustainability strategy, the Endowments seeks to advance a climate friendly region and economy, reducing disparities in our broad community related to environmental health and increasing access to healthy foods.

Areas of focus

Climate, Environment & Health

Restore and protect Pittsburgh’s environmental systems, and enhance its public health.

Strategies:

Protect all populations from disproportionate harm caused by pollution and reduce environmental health burdens, especially among those experiencing environmental injustice.
Encourage socially and environmentally responsible use of western Pennsylvania’s natural resources.
Deepen community engagement and leadership networks through education, outreach and advocacy.
Advance independent, comprehensive and fact-based scientific knowledge to foster healthy environments.

Advance a clean economy with renewables, green infrastructure and climate-friendly solutions.

Strategies:

Implement renewable and alternative energy solutions.
Apply green infrastructure best management practices to improve the water quality in Pittsburgh’s rivers and streams while providing secondary benefits to communities.
Promote innovative strategies at the neighborhood, local and regional level to reduce climate pollution.

Endowments point of contact: Philip Johnson, Senior Program Director, Environment & Health

Food Systems

Promote community health and vitality through sustainable food systems, especially in food deserts.

Strategies:

Improve access to fresh, healthy, local foods in low-income neighborhoods.
Promote urban agriculture as a means of increasing food security and educating participants about food systems.

Endowments point of contact: Andrew McElwaine, VP of Sustainability

Initiatives

Clean Air Healthy Places for Children Safe Drinking Water

Program Staff

Andrew McElwaine Senior Adviser

Ruth Hodsoll Program Assistant

Philip Johnson Senior Director