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(New!) Introduction to Sustainable Health Care
| Program: | Sustainability Professional Certificate Program |
| Presenter: | Dr. Noe Woods, Assistant Dean of Sustainability Lola Conti, Project Coordinator Office of Sustainability in the Health Sciences (OSHS) |
| Workshop Type: | Virtual |
| Date: | 10/30/2025 |
| Time: | 10:00AM - 12:00PM |
In this two-hour course participants will learn what health care sustainability is and why understanding the environmental impacts of the practice of medicine is important. We will learn about the highest impact areas for change and imagine how to implement a fully sustainable system.
Recycling: How to Reduce Waste at Pitt and Beyond
| Program: | Sustainability Professional Certificate Program |
| Presenter: | Emily Potoczny, Sustainability Engagement Manager Office of Sustainability Karl Zellars, Manager of Surplus Inventory Business, Hospitality, & Auxiliary Services |
| Workshop Type: | Virtual |
| Date: | 11/5/2025 |
| Time: | 10:00AM - 12:00PM |
Diverting materials from landfill can be confusing, especially understanding what can be reused or recycled. For instance, what materials can be recycled indefinitely? Why do recycling guidelines sometimes change? What plastics are recyclable -- and why or why not? Learn the ins and outs of recycling, including the history recycling system in the U.S., the true value of recyclables, and how the local recycling sector impacts what you can put in the recycling bin both on-campus and off. We'll use Pitt's own single-stream and specialty recycling programs as examples to help you reduce, reuse, and recycle here at Pitt and at home.
Sustainability Foundations: Balancing the Three Es
| Program: | Sustainability Professional Certificate Program |
| Presenter: | Samantha Chan, Assistant Director of Sustainability Office of Sustainability Savannah Denlinger, Academic Sustainability Programs Manager Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation |
| Workshop Type: | Virtual |
| Date: | 10/30/2025 |
| Time: | 1:00PM - 4:00PM |
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.
Sustainability: Building an Equitable Future
| Program: | Sustainability Professional Certificate Program |
| Presenter: | Samantha Chan, Assistant Director of Sustainability Office of Sustainability Office of Sustainability Sarah Ramaley, Assistant Director, Basic Needs Student Affairs |
| Workshop Type: | Virtual |
| Date: | 12/15/2025 |
| Time: | 1:00PM - 3:00PM |
Did you know that equity is 1 of 3 pillars of sustainability? This workshop will explore how equity and sustainability go hand-in-hand. Participants will learn about environmental justice, community development, and inclusion initiatives at Pitt and in Pittsburgh – and how they and their departments can help contribute. Professionals will be able to clearly define equity principles, identify systemic issues and systems, and become aware of the role we all play in building a sustainable future for all to thrive.
Sustainability: Circular, Regenerative, and Just Economies
| Program: | Sustainability Professional Certificate Program |
| Presenter: | Jennifer Barnes, Supplier Diversity & Sustainability Manager Purchasing Services Madeline Fitzgerald, Middle America Program Manager Center for Sustainable Business |
| Workshop Type: | Virtual |
| Date: | 11/6/2025 |
| Time: | 1:00PM - 3:00PM |
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
| Program: | Sustainability Professional Certificate Program |
| Presenter: | Samantha Chan, Assistant Director of Sustainability Office of Sustainability Emily Potoczny, Sustainability Engagement Manager Office of Sustainability |
| Workshop Type: | Virtual |
| Date: | 11/13/2025 |
| Time: | 1:00PM - 3:00PM |
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.
Sustainable Food Systems
| Program: | Sustainability Professional Certificate Program |
| Presenter: | Emmy Ray, Sustainability Director Pitt Eats Nick Goodfellow, Sustainability Manager Business, Hospitality, & Auxiliary Services |
| Workshop Type: | Virtual |
| Date: | 11/20/2025 |
| Time: | 1:00PM - 3:00PM |
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.