PITTSBURGH, PA – Pittsburgh Water announced today its participation in an innovative training program led by the Energy Innovation Center Institute (EICI) and Infrastructure Academy. The program features a combined focus on both job creation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, targeting communities most in need of such support.
In July, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its selections for the Innovative Water Workforce Development Grant Program, which supports expanding career opportunities in the drinking water and wastewater utility sector and elevating public awareness about jobs in the water workforce. From over $20 million awarded to 13 organizations nationally, Pittsburgh’s EICI was awarded $4.9 million to enact this program in partnership with Pittsburgh Water and several other regional organizations, including Aqua Pennsylvania and Ohio, Pennsylvania Rural Water Association, Pittsburgh Works Together, and The National Safety Council.
Building a Strong, Equitable Workforce
“At a time when the water industry is facing widespread shortages of qualified workers, we’re thrilled to be among the organizations participating in this outstanding opportunity to strengthen our workforce while maintaining our commitments to equity and environmental protection,” said Pittsburgh Water CEO Will Pickering. In pursuit of equitable workforce development, Pittsburgh Water participates in the US Water Alliance’s Taskforce Toward a Strong and Equitable Workforce, and has committed to Pittsburgh’s Good Job Principles. “Pittsburgh Water is dedicated to creating a diverse candidate pipeline through authentic community partnerships and workforce development programs that promote equal access to growth opportunities for all,” added Pickering. “We actively offer job shadowing opportunities and career exploration programs in underserved communities, and we are continuously looking to expand and improve these programs for greater impact.”
The program is designed to perform emissions and efficiency audits for several drinking water and wastewater plants in disadvantaged or historically underserved communities. Once the audits are completed, training programs will be developed to ensure a strong pipeline of skilled and diverse workers. In total, 145 people from disadvantaged communities will be recruited, vetted, trained, and then placed in plants across Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Focusing on Environmental Sustainability
In addition to job creation, the program aims to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon and other pollutants at drinking water and wastewater plants. “A key focus of Pittsburgh Water’s mission is our commitment to support the region by protecting public health and the environment,” said Logan Carmichael, Pittsburgh Water’s Chief People & Culture Officer. “This EICI training and development partnership helps us do exactly that, while also maintaining focus on equity, one of our core values. We believe developing a skilled, committed workforce that’s reflective of the diverse communities we serve is important in strengthening our organization for years to come.”
Pittsburgh Water has taken big steps to reaffirm their commitment to environmental sustainability in recent years. Operationally, the organization has started including sustainability-focused metrics such as Energy Efficiency Analysis, Life Cycle Cost, and Feasibility of On-Site Renewable Energy Generation in contracts for facility and construction work. In 2023, Pittsburgh Water moved to ensure a significant portion of its energy consumption would be powered by wind and other renewable sources in collaboration with the Western PA Energy Consortium. They are also working with the PA Solar Center to assess the potential for dedicated solar panel installations at the Pittsburgh Water Treatment Plant.
“We strongly feel that the partners included in this project create a uniquely qualified team that will be able to deliver a drinking and wastewater treatment plant emissions reduction strategy and training program that will become a national model for all water treatment plants,” said Rich DiClaudio, President and CEO of the Energy Innovation Center Institute.
About Pittsburgh Water
Pittsburgh Water is the largest publicly owned and operated water, sewer, and stormwater authority in Pennsylvania. Serving around 500,000 customers, our organization treats and distributes drinking water, conveys sewage, and manages stormwater systems. Pittsburgh Water is committed to protecting public health and the environment through the advancement of key infrastructure projects that will transform our vital water systems now and for future generations.
