When PNC Financial Services Group Chairman James Rohr announced in June that PNC is planning to build a new 40- story office tower headquarters in Downtown Pittsburgh (Tower at PNC Plaza), local union building trades workers and contractors had reason to smile. When he added that the building would be constructed to yet unequaled high green standards, the smile became even broader.

That’s because no one is more experienced or qualified to build green than union contractors using locally trained union building trades members. A quick review of the area’s largest LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified projects proves the point.

The David L. Lawrence Convention Center, PNC Firstside Center, the Encore on 7th, the Collaborative Innovation Center, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, the Heinz History Center, the Giant Eagle Market-Shadyside, the William S. MoreheadFederal Building, the Sarah Heinz House Addition, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank are just a few of the many local buildings in the Pittsburgh area built by union contractors. It’s not a coincidence. Rather, it’s the result of theinvestment union contractors and building trades unions make in training.


Training is the Key

All together, Western Pennsylvania’s 17 Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers provide a wide variety of green classes, ranging from solar hot water heating and electricity generation to wind training, water efficiency, utilization of recycled materials and biodiesel fuels. It includes training in energy efficient building (design, construction and retrofit) and environmental awareness along with up-todate training on a wide variety of green building materials. In addition to individual courses, apprentices and journeypersons can also obtain various green certifications, including LEED certification and credentialing, Energy Star & Green Advantage, pervious concrete,and others.

“Our contractors understand the importance of being environmentally conscious and responsible,” said Jack Ramage, Executive Director of the Master Builder’s Association of Western Pennsylvania


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