Small Businesses To Be Recognized By Duquesne’s Center For Green Industries April 22

The Duquesne University Center for Green Industries and Sustainable Business Growth has selected a Pittsburgh design and energy consulting company as the winner of its third Annual Sustainable Small Business Award.

Since 2004, EvolveEA has provided services for 50 LEED projects aimed at saving an average of 30 percent in annual energy costs for clients. EvolveEA was also named a LEED Proven Provider by the U.S. Green Building Certification Institute in 2014.

Additionally, the company has taken steps in-house to positively affect the environment and community. EvolveEA became a Certified B Corporation in 2013, joining other nonprofits that meet standards for social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.

The company won Sustainable Pittsburgh’s Green Workplace Challenge in the small business category in 2012 and adopted a carbon neutrality policy in 2011. EvolveEA is actively involved with the Pittsburgh City Planning Commission, the energy-saving Pittsburgh 2030 Districts and has provided no-cost consulting to several community projects.

Honorable mentions this year include:

-- Bella Sera, a banquet hall and caterer in Canonsburg;

-- Comfy House Conservation Services, a residential energy services provider in Bellevue; and

-- Al Kollinger Auto Body, an auto collision repair and paint shop in Wexford.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will receive the Center’s Sustainability Champion award, which is given to a non-profit organization demonstrating commitment to sustainability and community involvement.

The Sustainable Small Business and Sustainability Champion awards will be presented on April 22, as part of Pittsburgh’s city-wide Earth Day celebration. The awards ceremony will be part of the Celebrate Sustainability Speakers Event from 8 to 10 a.m. at Vallozzi’s in Market Square

Duquesne’s Center for Green Industries offers no-cost confidential consulting services for small businesses operating in the sustainable sector and to traditional businesses seeking to increase both sustainability and profitability.

Questions about the center can be directed to Shea Matthews by email to: duqgreen@duq.edu or call 412-396-5725.