Pittsburgh is the birthplace of American manufacturing and a city with a vision to reimagine itself as a center for innovation, green manufacturing, and job creation. The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) is partnering with Green Building Alliance (GBA) to help make this vision a reality through the creation of a Living Product “Hub”. Co-located at GBA’s office in Pittsburgh’s South Side neighborhood, the Hub will serve as a center of education and outreach, connecting innovative buildings, communities, and projects to the Institute’s network in order to accelerate regenerative buildings and manufacturing.
“The Hub will support Pittsburgh’s ongoing efforts to reinvent itself as a place where innovation and invention meet the future,” said James Connelly, Director of the Living Product Challenge for ILFI. “Through the Living Product Challenge—our aspirational framework for rethinking product design and manufacturing—and the Declare label program, we will provide hands-on assistance to companies who are committed to creating transparent, nontoxic and sustainable products.”
ILFI will partner with Green Building Alliance to implement the Living Product Hub and add regenerative content, GBA’s existing educational events, technical support, and resources. Through this mutually supportive collaboration, ILFI and GBA will advance their missions and accelerate sustainable development across Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and beyond.
“We are thrilled to be working with Green Building Alliance to help realize the next generation of regenerative Living Buildings, Communities, and Products”, added Amanda Sturgeon CEO of ILFI. “With world leading projects at Phipps Conservatory and the Frick Environmental Center–and innovative organizations like GBA, Pittsburgh is already ahead of the curve. We are excited to build on that success.”
“We are always working to advance green buildings and sustainable development for all through innovation,” said Dr. Aurora Sharrard, Executive Director of GBA. “We are excited to partner with the Institute to bring their vision, ideas, and programs to Pennsylvania in a manner that enhances past and existing efforts, while supporting product manufacturers and researchers in adding greater transparency and environmental intention to the built environment’s supply chain.”
ILFI will also create an advisory board for the Living Product Hub comprised of Pittsburgh sustainability leaders drawn from business, academia, government, nonprofits, and foundations. The advisory board will support the Hub by providing strategic advice, connection, and support to ensure the initiative’s success in supporting the Pittsburgh region’s ongoing transformational green story.
Written By
