Established in 2012, the Pittsburgh 2030 District is a founding member of the 2030 Districts Network, which connects more than 20 cities across North America. Commercial properties that join the 2030 District program make a nonbinding, good faith pledge to work toward a 50%-65% reduction in energy use and emissions by 2030, with a further goal of zero emissions by 2040. 

In 2024, Pittsburgh 2030 District property partners reached a 52.3% reduction in carbon emissions, or 406,000 metric tons of CO₂e emissions avoided. This marks the first year that our Pittsburgh partners have hit the target carbon emissions goal since the initiative’s founding. Read Triple Pundit‘s insightful coverage of this outstanding achievement: This Pittsburgh Neighborhood Halved Carbon Emissions Last Year and Saved Over $44 Million.

“The Pittsburgh 2030 District has proved that through data analysis of large buildings and city districts – known in the industry as ‘benchmarking’ – local leaders in business, government, and nonprofits can create momentum across a community. GBA provides not only analysis of building operational efficiency, but also expert coaching on adaptive reuse, sustainable vacancy redevelopment, and critical investment decisions, enabling cost savings for large and small property owners.”

Ashley DiGregorio, Senior Director, Energy & Communities

In doing so, they join a community of like-minded local building owners and operators, and gain access to GBA technical expertise, building performance analysis, and curated education sessions.

GBA helps 2030 District property partners identify and prioritize critical investments in their buildings and operations systems that will enable them to become more efficient. Partners receive a confidential annual building performance report that analyzes their progress toward energy and water reductions, utility cost savings, zero carbon, and indoor air quality performance – setting the path for data-driven investments, resilient buildings, and cost savings. 

“GBA’s staff works with commercial property partners across all sectors, from universities, hospitals and office towers to nonprofits, schools and small business owners, helping them understand their energy and water use, and make changes to increase efficiency and save on utility costs. This results in the triple bottom line benefit to people, planet, and profit.”

Jenna Cramer, President & CEO, Green Building Alliance

GBA also provides context and personalized recommendations for building and systems upgrades, and property partners have access to specialized training courses led by GBA staff, including GBA’s new Energy Efficiency 101 and ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager trainings.

Since 2012, GBA has expanded 2030 District programming and collaboration to Erie (established 2019) and New Kensington (established 2024), working with a total of 132 property partners and over 1,250 buildings across western Pennsylvania.