Adopt-A-Protocol: Green Pittsburgh

This Idea did not make it to the Top 20.  If you are still interested in it, consider applying for a Sprout Fund Seed Award. 

Idea Overview

The city of Pittsburgh will adopt the Kyoto protocols and apply them to the re-development processes. Pittsburgh will represent the leading edge of "Greening" a city.

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

Who worked on idea?

Tim, James, Shervin, Sally, Nate

What is the idea?

The city of Pittsburgh will adopt the Kyoto protocols and apply them to the re-development processes. Pittsburgh will represent the leading edge of "Greening" a city.

How would idea work?

• Establish standards for Green buildings
• Enforce reductions of emissions in various sections of the businesses
• Provide incentives for businesses and home owners who meet environmental standards

Pluses:

• Healthier living
• Lower cost of energy
• Positive image of Pittsburgh as role model

Concerns:

• New buildings cost more
• Lots of old buildings are noncompliant

Community opportunities:

Business owners

Office of Sustainable Development ("Green Dream Machine")

This Idea did not make it to the Top 20.  If you are still interested in it, consider applying for a Sprout Fund Seed Award. 

Idea Overview

Create an agency with a mission to implement and encourage environmentally friendly community projects and lifestyles in individual households

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

Who worked on idea?

Anne, Hilary, Marc, Celeste

What is the idea?

Office of Sustainable Development - to create an agency with a mission to implement and encourage environmentally friendly community projects and lifestyles in individual households

How would idea work?

• Pull together existing and ongoing community projects (i.e. Nine Mile Run Rain Barrel Project) as well as facilitate new initiatives
• Examples:
• Community-wide: Bike lanes, citywide clean up days, facilitate corporate recycling
• Individual: education and awareness about energy star appliances, solar energy, green roofs

Pluses:

• Public health benefits (nutrition, pollution abatement, urban recreation)
• Connecting agency - brings people and resources together
• Public awareness/education

Concerns:

• Lack of interest
• Power players with conflicting agendas

Community opportunities:

• In general bring together many disjointed projects and interests
• People with kids and pets
• Outdoor appreciators
• People with health problems like asthma
• Energy and money saving conscious
• Farmers market alliance
• People interested in green building
• Interest in city's appearance

Raise the (Green) Roof

This Idea has been promoted to the Top 20. 

Idea Overview

Promote green rooftops in Pittsburgh

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

Who worked on idea?

All of room 519

What is the idea?

Promote green rooftops in Pgh

How would idea work?

• Advocacy:
• Tax and cash incentives for new developments
• Changes in zoning to make green rooftops easier to "add" to existing buildings
• Push city and county governments to lead in issue with budget allocations
• Partnerships:
• Pgh green building alliance
• Art gardeners/environmental artists
• Architectural and engineering schools and firms
• Cultural trust
• Education:
• Awareness
• Public school programs
• Public park space:
• On public and/or private buildings

Pluses:

• More green space
• Educational opportunities for school students
• Reduces run-off water
• Reduces energy consumption
• Reduces heat on roofs
• Money saving incentives for developers

Concerns:

• Current zoning
• Safety/insurance for school programs
• Access to knowledgeable professionals
• Tax issues
• money

Community opportunities:

Educators, school kids, people who use parks and public spaces, green proponents and organizations, architects, developers, landscapers, convention and visitors bureau