The Steel City and the WPEC forge a sustainable.

GOAL

Cut energy consumption by 50 percent and source more renewable electricity.

SOLUTION

A focus on efficiency, PPAs (power purchase agreements), and Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for the city’s energy portfolio.

PROJECT

Energy and the Pittsburgh Climate Action Plan

Pittsburgh's Climate Action plan has six chapters, including energy. To better understand the impact of energy consumption on the local environment, the Office of Sustainability and Resilience took an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions.

When you combine the power use of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, energy is almost 80 percent of Pittsburgh’s entire emissions footprint. The remainder includes about 18 percent from the transportation system and two percent from waste.

In order to achieve their concurrent goals of more renewable energy and use reduction, Pittsburgh is striving for an equilibrium between the amount of energy it sources and the amount of energy it consumes.

EMPLOYEES

Approx. 3,000

FLEET VEHICLES

1,000

FACILITIES

300

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Grant Ervin, the former Chief Resilience Officer, led the team working to deliver on climate action and resilience goals across Pittsburgh’s city government by targeting their energy strategy.

ENERGY FACTS

An equitable and economical environmental strategy

The City of Pittsburgh thinks about sustainability as comprised of three pillars – the environment, equity, and economic development. It’s imperative that their energy strategy reflect those three aspects of sustainability.

Another big part of their work involves taking a holistic approach to how the city consumes and uses energy to achieve their targets.

2030 Targets

100% renewable electricity
50% emissions reduction
50% energy consumption reduction

With their strategy set, they partnered with NRG and the energy advisors at Enel X to implement it.

SUSTAINABILITY RESULTS

Fulfilling climate goals and paying it forward

Procuring RECs for their portfolio has previously yielded significant savings for both Pittsburgh and its energy consortium members. When Pittsburgh passes big energy savings on, WPEC members pay it forward through the services and resources they provide. The city can also recycle savings back into building improvements and service delivery enhancements for government employees and Pittsburgh residents.

In addition to the renewable energy credit market, the WPEC is looking to scope regional solar, wind, and hydro projects to bring renewable assets closer to home, boost the local economy, cut back emissions, and improve air quality.

“We feel that it is our responsibility to be at the forefront of advancing those technologies and pushing the world to be a cleaner, more just and resilient, and sustainable future,” Ervin said.

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