Ireland Seeks to Get Greener With Help from Pittsburgh - Delegation to Study Region's Sustainability Programs

Pittsburgh's environmental turnaround is so significant that even the Irish are coming here to get greener.

A delegation of sustainable technology company representatives from Northern Ireland will travel to Pittsburgh from February 21-24 to observe first-hand the region's transformation from heavy industry to a knowledge-based economy.

Sponsored by the Northern Ireland government, the visit is part of a strategy to build capacity in Northern Ireland’s emerging sustainable technology and renewable energy sectors, and develop international opportunities for Pittsburgh area companies and organizations, according to Jim Lamb, President of the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh and the newly-named Honorary Consul for Ireland in Western Pennsylvania.

Shortly after Pittsburgh was selected to host the 2009 G-20 Summit, business facilitators on both sides of the Atlantic began encouraging research and development, education and skills, business, trade, and investment in sustainable technology between the Pittsburgh region and Northern Ireland. By 2010 the Northern Ireland Government released a region-wide initiative called “Carbon Zero Northern Ireland.”

Through an unprecedented collaboration between Southwest College, Dungannon, Northern Ireland and the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh, CZNI brought 10 graduate engineers to Pittsburgh to participate in the Sustainable Leadership Program. This includes a full-time internship in sustainable technology, a “Master Class” series of biweekly workshops, tours, and seminars with Pittsburgh area leaders in sustainable practices.

Northern Ireland companies and universities will engage with Pittsburgh counterparts to explore opportunities of mutual interest. And the graduate engineers on placement in Pittsburgh currently will showcase their work and life experiences, seeking employment upon their return home later this year.

Assisting the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh in hosting this delegation are the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, Pittsburgh City Council, Allegheny County’s Office for Sustainability, and various private and public agencies.

For more information on the delegation contact Jim Lamb at 412-394-3900 or go to www.iiofpitt.org.