In a 2022 announcement, the provost noted: “As a University we have an ethical obligation to address the climate and equity challenges facing our world. As we engaged in a strategic planning process, I am pleased to say that at all levels we heard unanimous endorsement that sustainability must be a key driver in our education and research mission and outcomes.”
At that time, and in response to efforts to forge a path toward a broad academic and research sustainability program to benefit of Pitt faculty, students, and community, the provost appointed Melissa Bilec to serve in the Office of the Provost as Special Assistant to the Provost for Sustainability. Melissa is also the William Kepler Whiteford Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Co-Director of the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation.
Ad Hoc Committee for Sustainability
Bilec led a Faculty Ad Hoc Committee of Sustainability, composed of 17 members representing faculty and leaders across Pitt’s campus, to determine how to most effectively advance a broad academic and research sustainability program to the benefit of our Pitt faculty, students, and community.
The committee was charged by the provost to develop recommendations for a University-wide sustainability institute, including establishing a vision, mission, and goals; identifying measurable actions to elevate sustainability research, education, and outreach; and developing a governance model, among other elements.
Through this effort, the ad hoc committee engaged a broad stakeholder group across the University. The recommendations were prepared for a presentation to Pitt’s executive leadership in Spring 2023.
Report of the Ad Hoc Committee for Sustainability
To advance the Plan for Pitt and University-wide Sustainability goals, the Faculty Ad Hoc Committee of Sustainability looked to build on Pitt's existing strengths to elevate a new Pitt Sustainability Institute. This institute will assemble existing sustainability functions, create new value propositions for Pitt, and fundamentally align the University to tackle the biggest sustainability challenges.
The ad hoc committee identified strategic priority recommendations, a vision and mission, and goals. Learn more at Recommendations.
Read the full report: Pitt Sustainability Institute Proposal (December 2023).
Sustainability Website
Visit the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation website
News and Additional Information
- Melissa Bilec: Special Assistant to the Provost, September 30, 2022, Provost announcement
- Melissa Bilec named special assistant to provost for sustainability, October 7, 2022, University Times