In the 13th episode of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Pillars of Change Podcast, Commissioner Kimberly Davenport, Partner and Director of Corporate Responsibility with ScottMadden, Inc., hosted Aurora Sharrard, inaugural Assistant Vice Chancellor for Sustainability at the University of Pittsburgh (PA).
The two discussed how the University of Pittsburgh integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into the Pitt Sustainability Plan and Pitt Climate Action Plan, which outline 68 sustainability goals at the intersection of equity, environment, and economics, including a commitment to carbon neutrality by 2037. The Pitt Sustainability Plan advances three areas of impact: stewardship, exploration, and community and culture. In 2024, the Pitt Climate Action Plan earned the institution the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) Excellence in Sustainability Award.
The University serves nearly 35,000 students across four campuses and offers more than 650 degree and certificate programs.