The CEOs for Sustainability executive network will host their annual C-Suite Summit November 15 at the Energy Innovation Center, 1435 Bedford Ave, Pittsburgh, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, with networking and registration beginning at 8:00 a.m.

This year’s gathering will feature C-Suite executives discussing practical pathways toward decarbonization in southwestern Pennsylvania, updates on corporate commitments, and resources for understanding regional opportunities, in addition to a special tour of the EIC.

The summit also features the introduction of Jana Lake, President of 3R Sustainability and Sustainability Assurance Services, as the new CEOs for Sustainability Co-Chair.

She will serve alongside Co-Chair Raymond W. Yeager, President and CEO of DMI Companies.

Tom Hucker, Senior Consultant for the U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office will serve as the keynote speaker.

The Energy Loans Program Office finances large-scale, all-of-the-above energy infrastructure projects in the United States. Hucker will share ways in which the DOE is enabling pathways for businesses and organizations to engage in decarbonization efforts.

Decarbonization, or the reduction of carbon emissions from human systems and activities, has quickly elevated as a priority for southwestern Pennsylvania.

“On behalf of the CEOs for Sustainability network, I am thrilled to offer a forum for business leaders to come together to share information and learn from one another in working to decarbonize our region and its sectors,” shared Raymond W. Yeager, President and CEO of DMI Companies and CEOs for Sustainability Co-Chair. “The C-Suite Summit offers an opportunity to gain practical insights and guidance for immediate next steps companies can take, regardless of their size and industry.”

“The benefits to decarbonization are many, from building competitive advantage to better managing risk,” said Jana Lake, President of 3R Sustainability and Sustainability Assurance Services and CEOs for Sustainability Co-Chair. “And the massive federal funding now available can further accelerate an equity-driven approach through investments that break down barriers and lift all communities.”

During the Summit, Sustainable Pittsburgh will announce two opportunities for participants to engage and take action on reducing carbon emissions at their own workplaces.

First is the release of the brand new Decarb Digest. An online resource, the Decarb Digest organizes, expands, and furthers the regional conversation around a comprehensive, equity-driven, long-term, multi-sector decarbonization strategy.

The Digest will provide useful context and insights to help inform decision-making.

Second is the Carbon Reduction Sprint, a six-month competition for organizations to compete against peers in earning points for actions that reduce carbon emissions. The competition begins December 4.

Following is a list of speakers and agenda for the C-Suite Summit:

-- CEOs for Sustainability leadership, including:

     -- Co-Chair Jana Lake, President of 3R Sustainability and Sustainability Assurance Services

     -- Co-Chair Raymond W. Yeager, President and CEO of DMI Companies

     -- Joylette Portlock, Ph.D., Executive Director, Sustainable Pittsburgh

Additional speakers include:

-- Chad Fitzgerald, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Public Affairs, Eos Energy Enterprises

-- Tom Hucker, Senior Consultant, U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office

The C-Suite Summit is sponsored by UPMC Health Plan and hosted in partnership with Sustainable Pittsburgh.

Registration is $50. Networking opportunities and an optional tour are included. More information is available at the C-Suite Summit webpage.

CEOs for Sustainability is a leading executive network providing regional thought leadership on business sustainability. Participating companies represent more than $150 billion in total revenues and 100,000 employees.

CEOs for Sustainability recognizes that prosperous businesses are at the foundation of a thriving, equitable region.

[Posted: November 9, 2023]

11/13/2023