Pittsburgh Sustainability Committee Initiatives
The following initiatives are some among many currently implemented by the City of Pittsburgh.
For a complete list of established initiatives, please click here.
Purchase Renewable Energy
GHG Reduction: 7,217 tons eCO2
(802 tons from City government plus 6,415 tons from
Pittsburgh Water and Sewage Authority)
Implementation Year(s): 2008
Information Contact: James Sloss, Energy and Utilities
Manager, City Information Systems, City of Pittsburgh,
(412) 255-4762, james.sloss@city.pittsburgh.pa.us
In early Spring 2008 the City conducted a reverse auction to accept bids from electricity providers. As part of this process, the City has agreed to purchase 10% of its energy from a green power source. As well, any entities within the City that signed on to go to bid with the City (in an effort to save money by buying collectively) will purchase 10% of their electricity from renewable energy. This includes the Pittsburgh Water and Sewage Authority (PWSA), the PPG Zoo and Aquarium, and the Sports and Exhibition Authority. The City and the PWSA are purchasing an estimated 7 million and 56 million kWh, respectively, through the agreement. Of this, 6,300,000 kWh (700,000 kWh for the City and 5,600,000 for the PWSA) will be purchased from renewable energy.
Install Light Emitting Diode (LED) Traffic Signals
GHG Reduction: 1,000 tons eCO2
Implementation Year(s): 2008
Information Contact: James Sloss, Energy and Utilities
Manager, City Information Systems, City of Pittsburgh,
(412) 255-4762, james.sloss@city.pittsburgh.pa.us
Starting in 2006, the City began the process of updating all traffic signals and accompanying crosswalk signals to LED light fixtures. To date the City has updated 3,668 lights to LED fixtures resulting in 958,945 kWh of annual energy savings, and a eCO2 reduction of over 1,000 tons. By upgrading 15% of Pittsburgh’s traffic signals, the City can expect to save $68,373 annually.
Upgrade Sports Field Lighting Fixtures
GHG Reduction: 149 tons eCO2
Implementation Year(s): 2007
Information Contact: James Sloss, Energy and Utilities
Manager, City Information Systems, City of Pittsburgh,
(412) 255-4762, james.sloss@city.pittsburgh.pa.us
The City uses over two million kWh per year to light the
sports fields in City parks. In 2007, the City installed a
central control system to light these fields. When a team or
community group receives a permit to use a City field, the
computerized system automatically turns the lights on 15
minutes before their reservation and shuts the lights off
15 minutes after their time slot. This new system has saved the City 130,000 kWh electricity in its first year, resulting in an emissions reduction of 149 tons eCO2.
