MASCARO CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION (MCSI) STRATEGIC PLAN 2022

STRATEGIC SUSTAINABILITY PLANNING AND MISSION ALIGNMENT

Since their 2003 inception as an initiative and through their re-invention in 2014 as a university-wide sustainability center, the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation (MCSI) has continued to make great strides to increase sustainability integration within the classroom, catalyze sustainable research and connect Pitt’s sustainability work to the campus and broader communities. 

Based on Provost Ann Cudd’s support and built on positive outcomes of the the 2018 Pitt Sustainability Plan and 2022 Pitt Climate Action Plan efforts, Steven was hired to guide this six-month strategic planning effort.

Sustainability is now one of Pitt’s Universal Values in the Plan for Pitt 2025.  While still in draft form, this framework offers a big-picture view of how Pitt hopes to change as an institution over the next three to five years. 

Pitt is embarking on this Strategic Plan to:

• define how Sustainability as a core value can be even further woven into academics at Pitt

• accelerate their impact in Research in key sustainability topics such as climate change, circular economy, water and health equity.

• more closely connect various sustainability initiatives, programs and activity nodes on campus

• strengthen the connections between academics and their operations, communities and student activities.

These past years have not been without challenges, especially with the passing of the Center’s mentor, friend, and motivator, Jack Mascaro. Jack inspired an entire community to “be great,” and this project seeks to honor his greatness through this plan.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Client:  University of Pittsburgh Date: 2021-2022