Insight Rising is a member of these outstanding, local, sustainability organizations.
Conservation Consultants, Inc. (CCI)
Conservation Consultants, Inc (CCI) is an environmental non-profit organization that works with every regulated utility in Western PA to help low-income individuals become conscience of responsible habits to reduce energy consumption. CCI has been helping the people become mindful of energy conservation since 1978.
- CCI conducts energy audits, including thousands for low-income residents of Pittsburgh. Their trained experts check and measure energy use, pointing out ways to improve comfort while reducing utility costs. CCI is Energy Star, BPI, RESNET and HERS rated and certified.
- CCI helps “Green Up” new construction with practical energy-saving information and connections to experienced contractors.
- CCI teaches and communicates… with outreach programs to schools and community groups… and with tours of their own energy-saving building, the CCI Center in Pittsburgh.
CCI’s headquarters, the CCI-Center, is an office and resource space that houses other non-profit organizations dedicated to resource conservation and related environmental issues. Currently the other non-profit organizations housed there are the Pennsylvania Resources Council, Healthy Home Resources, and Earth Force, Inc.
Green Building Alliance of Pittsburgh (GBA)
The GBA is a non-profit organization that advances economic prosperity and human well being in Western Pennsylvania by driving market demand for green buildings and green building products.
In its 15th year, GBA has been a national pioneer and continues to lead change in our region as the core green building catalyst.
Its goals include the use of environmentally-sound materials and minimal-impact, healthy indoor environments. Many firms and organizations then realize the financial payoff due to reduced energy and water usage as well as other operating costs. The GBA applies it approach to offices; retail stores and other commercial spaces; schools; hospitals; and homes.
Pittsburgh Technology Council – Green Technology Network (PTC)
The Pittsburgh Technology Council goes beyond the ordinary trade association. Its goal is for its member to succeed.
It works hard to foster the development of the technology-related industries within the 13-county region of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
By engaging companies in the tech sector, as well as companies who utilize technology, the Council builds value for all members.
The Green Technology Network’s purpose is to:
- Provide knowledge of market trends and best practices through educational events and publications.
- Develop community through personal introductions and round-tables to facilitate collaboration and interaction.
- Supply resources like e-newsletters, funding sources and investor exposure to drive industry awareness.
- Advocate as a unified voice for the industry and leverage strategic plans to position the region as an energy hub.
Sustainable Pittsburgh
Sustainable Pittsburgh is a public-policy advocacy group that links economic prosperity, ecological health, and social equity.
Its mission is to affect decision-making in the Pittsburgh region to integrate economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental quality bringing sustainable solutions to communities and businesses.
Its goals include:
- Sustainable development for the region through policy and practices by government and business.
- To strengthen existing communities, reduce sprawl, and close the disparities gap through its Fix-It-First program and its Equitable-Development policies and actions.
- Civic engagement of diverse citizenry in local planning and regional vision.
- Smart land use planning integrated with targeted investments for infrastructure, economic development, and transportation for livable communities.
To achieve these goals Sustainable Pittsburgh:
- Provides educational opportunities and build strategic alliances toward consensus on regional opportunities.
- Applies the principles of sustainability to raise visibility and awareness of key issue. It does this by conducting Sustainability Assessments for the region, for development projects, and for businesses. It also attempts to identify critical trends and leverage points for systemic change.
- Builds coalitions to organize for positive change at key junctures that affect critical decision-making systems (technical assistance, public policy, and community action).
In addition, Sustainable Pittsburgh has a commitment to equity or fairness. By acknowledging the persistence of discrimination and resulting disparities gap in basic liberties within the region, Sustainable Pittsburgh recognizes equity as an overarching imperative. Social equity for quality of life and an increasingly diverse citizenry is central to our mission of broadening regional decision-making for sustainable development.
