Sustainable Pittsburgh Wednesday announced 87 employers signed up to compete in the 2014-2015 Green Workplace Challenge. They represent a mix of businesses, nonprofits, local governments, universities, and K-12 schools comprising thousands of employees across southwestern Pennsylvania.

This strong response in participation demonstrates the leadership and commitment of these organizations in shaping a more sustainable Pittsburgh region.  When compared with green office challenges in other regions, the GWC participation outperforms.

A 12 month, friendly competition, the GWC empowers organizations to track and measure improvements in energy, water, waste, and transportation.  The competition involves using a guidebook that provides over 240 action items to earn points, verification, and recognition.

For example, participants can establish an energy baseline, where they input 12 months of past energy usage using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Portfolio Manager (a free software). 

Establishing a baseline for comparison earns an organization points.  Then participants can earn additional points for setting goals and achieving energy reductions over the course of the competition.

Participation in the Green Workplace Challenge enables an organization to save money, engage and motivate employees, and receive due recognition for its green achievements. 

Over the course of the two prior competitions, nearly 100 employers in southwestern Pennsylvania voluntarily completed over 2,000 measurable actions, saving $7.4 million in energy costs.  Winners of this GWC will be announced in November 2015.

While the sign-up deadline to compete has passed, additional organizations do have the option to sign on as an “observer,” a non-competitive category.

Congratulations to all participants; Sustainable Pittsburgh looks forward to reporting on the collective measured impacts this group of leaders will be making over the next 10 months.

Constellation Energy is the GWC Presenting Sponsor.  The Pittsburgh Business Times, 90.5 WESA and 91.3 WYEP are the GWC Media Sponsors.

GreenWorkplace Workshop

On February 26, Sustainable Pittsburgh, in collaboration with Green Friends Development and the Westmoreland County Community College Advanced Technology Center, is hosting a GWC Workshop focusing on emerging technology opportunities motivated by sustainability in Southwestern Pennsylvania. 

The program address questions including: what advancements are occurring in our region that feature the benefits of going greener; how can GWC participants put some of these advancements into practice; how can we put green ideas and veterans to work with these advancements. 

More information, including registration, is available at the Green Workplace Challenge website.

The Green Workplace Challenge is an initiative of Sustainable Pittsburgh’s Champions for Sustainability business network.  More information is available at Sustainable Pittsburgh’s website or by contacting Simona Loberant by email to: gwc@sustainablepittsburgh.org.   The GWC is on Twitter and on Facebook.  

2/16/2015