City of Pittsburgh Selected for U.S. Green Building Council’s 2025 LEED for Cities Cohort
Pittsburgh, PA – The City of Pittsburgh has been selected to join the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) 2025 LEED for Cities Local Government Leadership Cohort, a prestigious national initiative that supports local governments in advancing sustainability, resilience, and quality of life through data-driven planning and action.
Administered by USGBC—the leading authority on green building and developer of the globally recognized LEED program—the cohort provides local governments with tools and resources to measure and improve performance using the LEED for Cities rating system.
Pittsburgh is one of just 16 jurisdictions across the U.S. chosen for this year’s cohort, which collectively represents over 14 million residents. The City will use insights from the program to inform the development of the accountability framework of its upcoming Comprehensive Plan, engaging the public around data-driven goals and identifying opportunities to strengthen local climate and sustainability efforts.
“Joining the LEED for Cities cohort allows us to embed best practices and innovative solutions into our planning process while aligning Pittsburgh’s future with global sustainability standards,” said Mayor Ed Gainey “This partnership helps us build on what’s working and take bold, measurable steps toward a more resilient and equitable city.”
Since its launch in 2017, USGBC’s Local Government Leadership Program—supported through a longstanding partnership with Bank of America—has equipped nearly 120 local governments representing more than 55 million people with the tools to lead on climate and sustainability.
“City governments play a critical role in advancing public and environmental health, resilience, and economic prosperity,” said Peter Templeton, President and CEO of USGBC. “We applaud this cohort for committing to meaningful action. LEED for Cities helps communities track progress, identify areas for improvement, and implement best practices with lasting impact.”
Pittsburgh will evaluate its performance across key areas, including:
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Climate resilience and energy efficiency
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Mobility and transportation
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Green infrastructure and storm water management
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Sustainable procurement and green building policies
Insights from the program will shape strategies that reflect local values while ensuring accountability through the LEED for Cities benchmarking framework.
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LEED for Cities provides a comprehensive framework for local governments to measure and manage progress across environmental, social, and economic performance indicators. It helps communities of all sizes enhance sustainability, resilience, and the quality of life of their residents.
About the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The U.S. Green Building Council is committed to transforming the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, enabling a healthier, more sustainable future. USGBC is the creator of the LEED green building program and supports its mission through education, policy advocacy, and partnerships across sectors. Learn more at www.usgbc.org.
2025 Cohort Participants Include: Ashland, MA • Aurora, IL • Brighton, CO • Cook County, IL • Delray Beach, FL • Farmers Branch, TX • Harris County, TX • King County, WA • Lafayette, IN • Lincoln, NE • Mercer Island, WA • Milwaukee, WI • Pittsburgh, PA • Riverside, CA • Sun Prairie, WI • West Lafayette, IN
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