Pitt to invest $37.5 million in sustainability program

The University of Pittsburgh has earmarked $37.5 million to start a multi-disciplinary sustainability program, Pitt officials announced Monday.

The program begins on the 10th anniversary of the launch of Pitt's Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation in the Swanson School of Engineering. It will extend sustainability initiatives throughout the university and start graduate and certificate programs

Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg said the university's commitment to sustainability was inspired by Pitt alumni John C. “Jack” Mascaro, founder and chair of Mascaro Construction Company L.P., and John A. Swanson, founder of ANSYS, Inc., both of whom also have contributed to the university's investment in the sustainability initiative.

Pitt officials said they will tap various endowments as well as current funds to support sustainability-related academics and research.