2011-2012 Challenge Impacts

The first Challenge opened as the "Green Workplace Challenge" on September 1, 2011 with just over 60 actions. The first program guide focused primarily on measurable energy and water reductions, but it also included many actions related to materials management (waste), transportation, engagement, air quality and more. These actions formed the foundation of what would later become the seven focus areas of the Challenge.

More than 50 organizations participated in the first Challenge. In total, Challengers completed 574 actions, and earned a total of 2,395 points. Winners were announced on October 18, 2012 at the program's first Finale and Awards Celebration, which was held at Phipps Conservatory.

Participants in the first Challenge saved more than 67 million kWh of energy. At the time, this was enough to power every occupied home in East Allegheny, Friendship, Hays, Polish Hill, Regent Square and the Southside Slopes for an entire year.

Energy reductions resulted in an estimated $4.2 million in direct cost savings, and reduced air pollution from energy production by more than 86 tons of NOx, 328 tons of SO2, and 18,000 tons of greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions.

Participants in the first Challenge saved over 90 million gallons of water. This would be enough to supply the household water for 3,046 average Americans for an entire year. If this amount of water were poured onto the playing surface of Heinz Field, the water would reach a depth of 210 feet.