CEOs For Sustainability Call On Southwest PA's Businesses To Lead Forward For A Sustainable Economic Recovery

On November 18, members of the CEOs for Sustainability executive network called upon their peers in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region to “lead forward” and commit to a sustainable economic recovery as part of the C-Suite Summit. 

The call to action includes commitment to three priorities that underscore sustainability as a demonstrated strategy for prosperity: 

-- Support local businesses and communities through the pandemic crisis,

-- Advance racial and ethnic equity,

-- Reduce carbon emissions.

Unveiled during the event is the Leading Forward Roadmap, designed to provide a strategic framework for businesses to act on these priorities. 

“Now is the time for businesses from all sectors to make public their actions toward an economic recovery that benefit everyone,” said Steve Malnight, President and CEO of Duquesne Light Co. and CEOs for Sustainability Co-Chair. “When leadership makes these real commitments, collectively we elevate our region’s competitiveness, resiliency, and desirability for residents and business alike.”

Charles Toran, President of Sci-Tek Consultants and CEOs for Sustainability Co-Chair, shared, “Each of the CEOs for Sustainability leaders are deeply committed to strategic sustainability for their people, their bottom lines, and the quality of life in our communities. By making these bold commitments and measuring progress, we will help lead a recovery that makes our people and economy stronger.”

The November 18 C-Suite Summit, presented by UPMC Health Plan, featured business executives demonstrating how their companies are tackling these goals. 

Keynote speaker Gretchen O’Hara, Microsoft Vice President of AI Country Strategy and Sustainability Partnership, described Microsoft’s commitment around using technology and partnerships to help create good-paying jobs for people of all skill and education levels and the company’s plans to be carbon negative by 2030. 

CEOs for Sustainability leaders including Diane Holder, President and CEO, UPMC Health Plan; Haakan Jonsson, Ph.D., Chairman and President, Covestro LLC; Jana D. Lake, President, 3R Sustainability; Jodi Rennie, VP and General Manager, Turner Construction; and Sara Thompson, Principal, Pashek + MTR, all shared insights into their own companies’ sustainability commitments and how they are measuring progress. 

CEOs for Sustainability is thought to be the only group in the United States where CEOs provide regional thought leadership around business sustainability. 

The executive network represents more than $76.5 billion in total revenues and 316,000 employees (as of early 2020). It is hosted by the nonprofit Sustainable Pittsburgh.

CEOs for Sustainability and Sustainable Pittsburgh have prepared resources and guidance for supporting southwestern Pennsylvania businesses in advancing their commitments. 

The CEOs for Sustainability C-Suite Summit is sponsored by UPMC Health Plan and the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the CEOs for Sustainability website.

[Posted: November 18, 2020]  PA Environment Digest