GTECH on the Go

The concept of GO! began as a an innovative idea to deliver pop-up programing in an engaging and friendly way.  The idea was formed in September of 2012 and has since been applied in many unique ways. Our goal is to serve as a literal and symbolic vehicle of innovation and change brought to neighborhoods. We use these tools and methodologies to reach new audiences, invite them to participate in community-centric activities and learn what they know and love best.

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Healthy Homes Incentive Program (HHIP)

Health problems created by poor indoor air quality can be mitigated by a well performing, energy efficient home. Let us help make energy efficiency improvements easier and less expensive for you to take advantage of in Allegheny County. Benefits Navigating the energy efficiency market isn’t easy. Let us use our expertise to connect you to trustworthy contractors and financing options available near you. Free expert advice navigating the home energy efficiency marketplace For home energy efficiency investments of $5,000 or…

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ReEnergize Program

The goal of ReEnergize Pittsburgh was to increase the demand for energy efficiency services in Allegheny County. Starting in 2011, the ReEnergize Pgh program consisted of both a Coalition of service and utility providers and government agencies addressing policy issues and programming directly in communities. 2014-2015 Energy Efficiency Outreach Ambassador Program  The 2014-2015 ReEnergize Pgh Ambassador Program took place in four communities, Hazelwood, Homewood, Millvale and Uptown. With a team of three ambassadors in each community serving as outreach coordinators, educators, and…

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ReClaim South Ambassadors ’14

The 2012 Green Toolbox Report conducted for Hilltop communities identified over 400 acres of vacant land in those neighborhoods, including two former public housing sites. The Ambassador program is one way that GTECH and the Hilltop Alliance is addressing this opportunity. Ten residents will participate in a vacant land focused training program and create their own green project on vacant land. Research shows a greener environment has a positive impact on the perception of a place as a good location…

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ReFuel Program

ReFuel PGH was a program of GTECH that focused on a waste-to-energy solution that aimed to reduce air and water pollution and help fuel local economies by recycling waste cooking oil into a cleaner burning fuel. In 2010, ReFuel PGH in partnership with Give Energy and Whole Foods, installed their first oil drop-off bin outside the Whole Foods Market in East Liberty. The second one was installed in partnership with Oakland Planning and Development Corporation (OPDC) during the fall of…

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ReClaim Northside Ambassadors ’13

GTECH hosts its first set of ReClaim Ambassadors on the Northside. Developing a program that has the following goals: 1. Engage, equip and empower 10-13 Northside residents 2. Reclaim up to 13 places in the Northside utilizing a range of green strategies 3. Maximize investments leveraged by aligning with relevant funding streams Recruitment: GTECH staff applied a multi-level approach to outreach and recruitment for the ReClaim Northside program. Both Councilmen Lavelle and Harris’ offices were contacted and encouraged to suggest…

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MOMS Green Play Yard

Located in East Liberty, Sojourner House’s MOMS Program is an affordable residence program for transitioning single mothers and their children. The residence opened its doors in 2004, and later expanded in 2008. At that point there were over thirty children living in these homes, and the number was growing. However, there were no green spaces in the area for children to play in. In 2008, GTECH partnered with volunteers from the Student Conservation Association (SCA) to build a fence, remove…

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Propel Braddock Hills Rain Garden

Throughout the fall semester, GTECH worked with Propel Braddock Hills to equip students with the skills needed to see vacant land as an opportunity, not an obstacle and how to best communicate their vision for future land use. GTECH staff led educational sessions for students to expand their understanding of complex environmental issues. Students then translated their awareness into tangible actions through a hands-on installation of green infrastructure on their campus, allowing them to develop a sense of ownership over…

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Hops on Lots

Testing innovate vacant land strategies is at root of ReClaim activities. This project brought hops within Pittsburgh city limits and enabled us to have locally grown and produced beer! Garfield has an active community dedicated to revitalizing their neighborhood despite their high vacancy rates and limiting topography. The Garfield Hops Projects brings new biodiversity to their already flourishing urban agriculture initiatives and creatively utilizes their hillsides. In collaboration with the Hops Project, Garfield Community Farms, and East End Brewing Company…

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Hill District Vacant Property Strategy

Completed in 2011, the Greater Hill District Master Plan featured two main components: Program Initiatives and Urban Design Proposals. The Program Initiatives presented policies and programs designed to fulfill community goals. The Urban Design Proposals presented projects to improve the physical environment and to leverage development. During the planning process, community members discussed numerous topics to address in the Master Plan, including the issue of vacant property in the neighborhood. As a result, the completed plan includes a program initiative…

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