From Steel City to green hub: the new Pittsburgh

Perfectly Pittsburgh: The city is upping its array of eco-friendly sites.

By Mark Chesnut

Pittsburgh may have a heritage as one of the nation’s first big industrial cities, but today it’s getting greener and greener. From eco-friendly hotels to good-for-the-planet event venues and attractions, this Pennsylvania city is rolling out the green carpet for business and leisure travelers.

Among the latest news comes from the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which in May was to open the doors to the Center for Sustainable Landscapes. Designed to meet high standards for sustainable buildings and landscapes, the 24,350-square-foot facility is expected to obtain the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Platinum level from the United States Green Building Council. An education, research and administration complex, the Center will be available for private group use, and will generate its own energy as well as capture, treat and reuse all water on site.

The Consol Energy Center, which is home to the Pittsburgh Penguins as well as what is billed as the National Hockey League’s first green hockey arena, is also available for private meetings and corporate events.

Pittsburgh’s largest convention venue, the Gold LEED-certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center, continues to pursue additional green certification. The 1.5-million-square-foot building was expanded and upgraded in the 21st century; last year, the $9.5-million Convention Center Riverfront Plaza opened, linking the main facility to the riverfront.

Green-seeking travelers looking for a place to rest should consider the Fairmont Pittsburgh, a luxury hotel with Gold LEED certification. The property also offers monthly cooking classes and a Canine Ambassador program, which allows you take Edie, a white boxer/Labrador retriever mix, for a walk. Certainly an ecologically sustainable way to tour the city.

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Mark Chesnut is a travel writer, editor and publisher of LatinFlyer.com, which focuses on travel to Latin America. He recycles.

Tagged: Family time, Hotels