In 2023, the University of Pittsburgh committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2037. As part of a portfolio of tools for pursuing carbon neutrality, the circular economy (CE) will play a major role in advancing the University's progress through eliminating waste and pollution, retaining embodied energy through material circulation, and sequestering carbon. Higher education institutions (HEIs) play a critical role in advancing the CE through workforce development, research and innovation, and collaborations with policymakers, other institutions, and local communities. 

 

At Pitt, current CE activities remain disconnected, representing an opportunity to identify synergies and pathways for strengthening existing efforts or integrating new ones. To this end, our project comprises three specific aims: 

1) Investigate characteristics of CE initiatives among Pitt peers and sustainability leaders

2) Generate an inventory of CE initiatives at the Pitt

3) Identify opportunities for advancing Pitt's CE strategy. 

 

To meet these objectives, we will generate an inventory of CE activities through researching publicly available information and conducting research interviews with representatives from Pitt's peers and key stakeholders on Pitt's campus. By synthesizing findings from these efforts, we will develop a strategic plan for the University's CE transition that highlights existing efforts and successes, summarizes short and long-term goals for the University, and shares best practices learned from other CE initiatives at peer institutions to benefit Pitt, the greater HEI community, and the local Pittsburgh community.

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