Mar 16: The Greening of Phipps

The Greening of Phipps: Aligning Operations with Mission and Values

Pittsburgh is blessed with one of the Earth’s greenest buildings – Phipps Conservatory in Oakland. How this gem came about, based on an evolving philosophy, will be the topic of a Pittsburgh350 talk to be given by Richard Piacentini, Executive Director of Phipps.

The greening of Phipps was a learning and evolving process that occurred over a 10 year period.  It led to building some of the greenest buildings in the world;  Phipps is now working on our third net-positive energy building.  It also led to our realizing that human and environmental health are inextricably connected and that it is important to walk the talk and align operations with mission and values.  Climate change is one of the greatest threats to life on the planet.  Phipps believes in reducing the use of fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy, which includes making socially responsible choices when investing.  Developing a track record of aligning operations with mission and values has made it possible for the Conservatory to take ever increasingly bolder steps, including those directly related to climate change.

7 - 8:30 pm (Doors open at 6:30 for welcome and introductions) at the Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL), 4466 Frew Street Extension, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Directions: The CSL sits behind Phipps Conservatory and down the hill. If you are coming across the bridge from the Oakland area/Carnegie Library, as soon as you get across the bridge you will make a right turn (there is a Christopher Columbus statue there). The CSL will appear down the hill on your left. You may park for free in any of the parking spots you will see near and around the CSL building. You will enter on the first floor (at the far end of the building).