Mayor Luke Ravenstahl announced today the hiring of a new sustainability coordinator to oversee green initiatives in the Mayor's Office of Sustainability and Energy Efficiency. After a competitive interview process, Aftyn Giles, 26, of Homewood, has been chosen to continue the promotion of sustainable and green practices within City government and City neighborhoods. With Ms. Giles’ experience in architecture and green building design, one of her areas of focus will be retrofitting City-owned facilities in order to make them more energy and cost efficient. In addition, Ms. Giles will help community groups incorporate green building and landscape design principles into their projects.

“Over the last 30 years, Pittsburgh has undergone an economic, environmental, and quality of life transformation,” Ravenstahl said. “My goal is to continue that positive momentum, and key to that is ensuring our City stays on the forefront of the ‘green’ movement. In addition to leveraging Ms. Giles architectural and sustainable design experience, her work as an active community member will help to drive sustainable practices into our neighborhoods.”

One of Ms. Giles’ first projects will be to conduct energy-audits on City-owned facilities and guide the retrofitting process.  

“Blending Pittsburgh’s historic charm with innovative environmental strategies will be a challenge in some areas, however, the rewards will be immense in reducing energy usage, costs, and in increasing the quality of life for City employees and residents,” said Ms. Gyles. “I’m very excited to get to work and am up for the challenge.”

Since the creation of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Energy Efficiency, the City has made great strides in becoming more environmentally friendly. Some of those accomplishments include the purchasing of renewable energy and ‘greener’ vehicles, as well as a more expansive recycling program for residents, businesses, sports teams, and City employees.

Ms. Giles will also support current environmental programs managed by the City, such as recycling and tree planting, and will work with residents and City employees to encourage sustainable, healthy lifestyles.

Ms. Giles carries Bachelor degrees in Architecture and International Relations, Master of Science in Sustainable Design from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Master of Project Management from Keller Graduate School of Management.