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Tours

  1. Sustainability Tour

    Join us for a sustainability tour around campus.

    Stops

    1. William Pitt Union Plaza

      The William Pitt Union Plaza was transformed into a green gathering space, connecting the Bigelow Boulevard Intersection (Pitt’s first Complete Street) and the Schenley Quad (one of 9 green roofs on campus). In addition to offering gathering space, the area hosts multiple events throughout the year including the popular Pitt Farmers Market where community members can purchase goods from a variety of local vendors. The Farmers Market is just one project established through the Student Office of Sustainability.

      The Student Office of Sustainability (SOOS) is a student-run office committed to supporting student efforts to incorporate sustainability into the culture, values, and decision-making at Pitt. Today, SOOS supports over 20 affiliated student organizations with projects and goal-setting. Visit the office in William Pitt Union (Room 510) to learn more about the various sustainable efforts on campus and how you can get involved. 


      Learn more about the University's Engagement & Awareness and Food Systems goals, and the Pitt Sustainability Plan.

    2. Thriftsburgh

      4024 O'Hara Street, Room 111

      Thriftsburgh–a student-managed thrift store operating out of O’Hara Student Center–stands as a champion of sustainable practices, promoting the reuse and recycling of clothing, household items, and furniture. With regular store hours, online sales, and annual Fall Reuse Rummage Sale, Thriftsburgh actively engages students in reevaluating their consumption habits and participating in waste reduction initiatives. The store not only accepts donations but also encourages individuals to exchange clean and fashionable clothing for store credit, fostering a culture of conscious consumption within the Pitt community.

      The Pitt Pantry is also located in the O’Hara Student Center. Welcoming all members of the Pitt community, the pantry plays a crucial role in combating food insecurity and fostering an environment where students and staff feel cared for and supported.

      Learn more about the University's Materials & Waste and Equity & Access goals, and the Pitt Sustainability Plan.

    3. Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation (Benedum Annex)

      3700 O'Hara St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

      The Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation (MCSI)–located inside the Benedum building–is the collaborative, interdisciplinary hub of sustainability at Pitt. The MCSI supports faculty and students through sustainability-focused curriculum, groundbreaking research, and community outreach and innovation.

      The building’s 22,000 ft2 space boasts various sustainable elements including green roofs, long lasting mercury-free LED lights, and high performance windows that reduce heat loss. In 2012, it was certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold.

      Learn more about the University's Teaching & Learning goals and the Pitt Sustainability Plan.

    4. Plant2Plate Student-Run Garden

      246 Oakland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

      Plant2Plate is an organization started by two students in Ward Allebach’s Sustainability class. Their mission is to connect the Pitt community to their food through hands-on agricultural learning. Community members can enjoy working and learning in the edible gardens at Oakland Ave and Darragh Street Berry Garden. Since 2010, student volunteers have produced hundreds of pounds of produce, distributed to the community via the Pitt Pantry and the Oakland Food Pantry. Visit the Plant2Plate Instagram for info on upcoming events and garden hours.

      Learn more about the University’s Food Systems and Engagement & Awareness goals, and the Pitt Sustainability Plan.

    5. Pitt Bike Cave

      230 S Bouquet St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

      The Pitt Bike Cave is a student-run, bicycle co-op that offers bike repair services and group bike rides across the city for riders of all experience levels. Visitors can also browse their shop for new and refurbished bicycles and accessories. Follow the Pitt Bike Cave on Instagram for hours and events.

      Learn more about the University's Transportation & Mobility and Health & Wellbeing goals, and the Pitt Sustainability Plan. 

    6. Posvar Hall Solar Tables

      Two solar picnic tables were installed on Posvar Hall’s Patio in November 2022. The tables use solar energy to power ports where visitors can charge their laptops, phones and other electronic devices while enjoying the nearby pollinator gardens. The project was spearheaded by students enrolled in the Geology 1333: Sustainability course (taught by Ward Allebach). The project is one of many across campus funded by The Pitt Green Fund and the Office of Sustainability.

      Additional solar panels can be found on various buildings across the Pitt campus.

      Learn more about the University's Energy & Emissions and Teaching & Learning goals, and the Pitt Sustainability Plan.

    7. Schenley Plaza

      4100 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 


      The University assisted the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy in a 10 year project to restore the Schenley Plaza. The former parking lot is now a community hub providing outdoor sitting areas, various gardens, multiple dining options, and a Victorian-style carousel. The one-acre lawn hosts various events year round including concerts, festivals, and the Pitt Pow Wow. The Porch at Schenley opened in 2011 and has been a sustainable staple ever since. Guests can enjoy meals made with herbs, produce, and honey from the restaurant’s rooftop garden and apiary. The Porch has been recognized as a Platinum Sustainable Restaurant by Sustainable PGH.

      Learn more about the University's Health & Wellbeing and Equity & Access goals, and the Pitt Sustainability Plan.

    8. Bigelow Bioswales

      The Bigelow Bioswales are one of 9 rain gardens across the Pitt campus. These gardens create natural habitats for pollinators while collecting excess rainwater that is absorbed and filtered by native plants, and a mixture of topsoil, sand and composite filters –helping mitigate Pittsburgh’s combined sewer overflow issues while nourishing the soil.

      This series of rain gardens not only can handle 5,150 cubic feet of water, they also increase the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. The transformation of this busy intersection created the University’s first Complete Street.

      Learn more about the University's Water Systems and Transportation & Mobility goals, and the Pitt Sustainability Plan.

    9. Pollinator Gardens and Bee Houses

      Pollinator gardens help support native pollinator species including bees, butterflies, birds, and months–that are critical to supporting local ecosystems and our food systems. During the warmer months, the gardens provide food and safe spaces for pollinators to raise their young. The seeds and leaf litter are critical for native fauna to survive during the colder seasons. Pitt has five pollinator gardens around campus that support pollinators year-round. Stick around to see which pollinators you can spot!

      Bee Friendly Pitt established seven bee houses strategically positioned near green spaces on the campus. These wooden boxes, perched on tall posts, offer a secure haven for native solitary bee species.

      Learn more about the University's Landscape & Ecology goals and the Pitt Sustainability Plan. 

    10. Tree Trek

      The Campus Tree Trek is a 20 minute self guided tour that explores 17 different tree species on campus. Developed by Pitt employees in the Emerging Leader Program, the tour encourages interaction with the local ecosystem and educates participants on the integral role trees play on the Pitt campus. Healthy tree canopies improve air quality, manage stormwater, and reduce energy use by cooling street temperatures. Being in nature can also improve your mood, help cognitive function, and promote physical well-being.

      Learn more about the University's Engagement & Awareness and Health & Wellbeing goals, and the Pitt Sustainability Plan.

    11. More to Explore

      Explore the Pitt Sustainability Plan »


      Published in January 2018, the Pitt Sustainability Plan identifies 15 impact areas that help focus the University’s sustainability goals and key performance indicators for tracking progress over time. These impact areas are organized into three themes. Follow along with our progress on these goals in our 2018-22 Progress Report on the Pitt Sustainability Plan.