GBA is the fiscal sponsor of of the Higher Education Climate Consortium (HEC). Member organizations include Carlow University, Carnegie Mellon University, Chatham University, Community College of Allegheny County, Duquesne University, Franco Harris Pittsburgh Center at Penn State, Point Park University, Robert Morris University, and the University of Pittsburgh. 

The City of Pittsburgh and the higher education institutions that call it home share people, infrastructure, research, goals, and more. Since 2008, the Higher Education Climate Consortium (HECC) has played a critical role in bringing the Pittsburgh region’s higher education institutions together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions individually and collectively. HECC brings together 10 institutions and the City of Pittsburgh to help accelerate the City’s climate and resiliency planning efforts. 

Through support from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation, GBA with consultant support from BUSS led a strategic planning process resulting in the Strategic Plan for Equitable Climate Action (2023).  This plan has guided HECC’s efforts, direction and action. 

For a summary of HECC, please see GBA’s Green Building Bites Video.