Student Office of Sustainability (SOOS)

Who Are We?

The Student Office of Sustainability (SOOS) is a student-run office at the University of Pittsburgh under the Division of Student Affairs, closely associated with the Office of PittServes. We provide, support, and enhance sustainability initiatives across the university. Established in 2014 by members of the Student Government Board Environmental Committee, we continue to lead the charge for a sustainable campus and beyond.

How Do I Get Involved?

Student Engagement

Looking to start your own sustainability initiative? Take a look at the SOOS’ Advocacy Toolkit to learn more about how you can start your own sustainability initiative!!

Schedule Time to Talk to a SOOS Member Here!

First Thursdays

Held on the first Thursday of each month from September through April, First Thursday is a vibrant showcase of sustainability and justice work led by student organizations affiliated with the SOOS.

This monthly event invites all students to:

Discover ongoing projects focused on environmental, economic, and social justice.
Connect with student clubs to explore collaboration opportunities.
Learn how to get involved and make a meaningful impact on campus.

Whether you're passionate about sustainability or just curious to learn more, First Thursday is your getaway to action and community.

Come join us and be part of the change!

First Thursday (September – April)

8:30pm (except September and January, when we start at 8:00pm)

SOOS: WPU 510

Wellness Wednesdays

Each month, we invite you to take a break, recharge, and connect. Whether you're looking for a quiet space to study or meaningful conversations with others, the SOOS is here for you. Enjoy light refreshments while exploring resources that support your well-being, from managing climate anxiety to building your skills as a sustainability advocate and activist.

Together, let’s create a healthier future—for ourselves, our communities, and the planet.

Wellness Wednesday (September – April)

Dates TBD

All Day

SOOS: WPU 510

Green Team

Pitt’s Green Team is the University of Pittsburgh’s signature sustainability engagement program for first-year students, coordinated by the Student Office of Sustainability (SOOS). This initiative offers incoming freshmen a unique opportunity to dive into sustainability efforts on campus and in the broader Pittsburgh community. Participants will explore sustainable practices, gain insight into Pitt’s environmental initiatives, and build connections with peers who share a passion for making a positive impact.

Year-Round Opportunities Include:

Early Move-In & Orientation: Begin the semester with a unique learning opportunity by arriving early to campus. You'll engage in hands-on experiences with sustainability programs, explore real-world environmental initiatives, and gain foundational knowledge that will support your involvement throughout the year.
Residence Hall Engagement: Create and deliver impactful sustainability projects right where you live.
Volunteer Opportunities: Contribute your time and energy to meaningful environmental efforts on and off campus.
Professional Development: Build your skills and network through sustainability-focused workshops, events, and leadership experiences.

Green Fund

The Pitt Green Fund is a student-led board that empowers and funds student-driven projects focused on sustainability. Our mission is to support innovative projects that promote environmental, economic, and social justice in and around campus.

Whether you're passionate about climate action, waste reduction, or community resilience, we’re here to help bring your ideas to life.

Ready to make a difference? Learn more and apply at https://www.pittgreenfund.com/

Meet Our Team

Rachel Garcia (she/her)

Managing Director

Rachel Garcia (she/her) is the Managing Director of the Student Office of Sustainability. She is a senior majoring in Environmental Studies and Political Science with a minor in public policy and a distinction in sustainability on the pre-law track. Rachel’s career aspirations are in environmental law and policy. She is passionate about plastic reduction, water justice, and advocacy work. Rachel is a student representative on the Chancellor’s Advisory Council for Sustainability, and co-chair of the Zero Waste Working Group. In her free time, she enjoys brain rot, baking, and thrifting.

Questions about the SOOS or anything else sustainability related: soos@pitt.edu

Grace King (she/her)

PA for Affiliate Organizations

Grace King is the Program Associate for Affiliate Organizations in the SOOS. She is a junior studying Environmental Science with a Spanish minor and certificates in Sustainability and GIS. In this role, she hopes to bolster student engagement in sustainability and serve as an effective liaison between students, student orgs, and the broader sustainability initiatives at the University of Pittsburgh. Grace hopes to find work in environmental policy and is particularly passionate about regenerative agriculture, ecosystem conservation, and environmental education. In her free time, she likes to hike, thrift, and watch movies.

If you have any questions about how to get involved in Pitt sustainability or any inquiries about using the SOOS space, please contact Grace at SOOS@pitt.edu.

Leyla Ahmadova (she/her)

PA for Equitable Sustainable Growth

Leyla Ahmadova is the Program Associate for Equitable Sustainable Growth at the Student Office of Sustainability. She is a junior majoring in Economics and Statistics, pursuing a Global Studies Certificate in Economics and Politics. Leyla is passionate about creating inclusive spaces and bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, which inspired her to create the Inclusive Economic Growth Coalition this semester for anyone interested in the connections between inclusivity, sustainability, and economic growth. Leyla intends to begin her post-graduate career in the private sector and later transition into the public sector to pursue economic development research. She also enjoys traveling, learning new languages, and finding unique treasures at flea markets.

Reach me at: sustgrowth@pitt.edu

Isabel Kao (she/her)

PA for Communications and Social Media

Isabel Kao is the PA for Communications and Social Media for the Student Office of Sustainability. She is a junior studying Ecology and Evolution with a minor in Economics and a plan to go to law school. Isabel’s career goals involve law, social justice, and the environment. Her goals within her SOOS role include increasing engagement between the SOOS and Pitt students and getting more involved in environmental justice outside of university lines. In Isabel’s free time she enjoys reading, doing yoga, and playing video games!

If you have any questions/inquiries, please contact Isabel at SOOS@pitt.edu.

Young woman smiling in front of the Cathedral of Learning

Grace Toman (she/her)

PA for the Green Suite

Grace Toman is the PA for the Green Suite in the Student Office of Sustainability. She is a junior studying Ecology and Evolution with minors in chemistry and theater arts and a certificate in sustainability. In this role, Grace hopes to introduce students to current sustainability efforts at Pitt and how they can personally make change. She is very passionate about environmental education and water quality and hopes to advance programming focused on these topics. In her free time, Grace likes watching movies, crafting, and playing Minecraft.

Questions about Green Team: greenteam@pitt.edu

Young woman in overalls smiling outdoors

Mare McGrory (she/they)

SGB-SOOS Liaison

Mare McGrory is the Student Government Board - Student Office of Sustainability (SGB-SOOS) Liaison. She is a senior studying Environmental Science with minors in Architecture-Design and Chemistry. As a student and biogeochemistry researcher, Mare explores the intersections and implications of the natural sciences, conservation, and holistic sustainability in natural and built environments. In her role as a liaison, she hopes to facilitate meaningful communication and collaboration among student leaders and community partners. In her free time, Mare enjoys running, climbing, sketching, and spending time outdoors! 

If you have any questions or ideas for collaboration, please contact Mare at sgbsoos@pitt.edu.

Evyn Dowd (she/her)

Green Fund Director

Evyn Dowd is the 2025-26 Green Fund Allocations Board Director. She is majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Geology and certificates in Sustainability and Public Communication of Science and Technology. In this role Evyn is working to expand the reach of the Green Fund to many sectors of Pitt’s campus. Post-grad she hopes to continue exploring the environmental field through hands-on seasonal work with the National Park Service. In Evyn's free time, she enjoys running, yoga, backpacking, time with her dog, and reading.

Questions about the Green Fund: greenfund@pitt.edu

Pitt's Sustainability Plan

Explore our approach to creating a more sustainable future. Learn about our initiatives to reduce our environmental impact, encourage responsible practices, and foster a sustainable Pitt community. Click here to view our sustainability plan.

Our Partner Orgs

Partner organizations are campus offices and programs that collaborate regularly with the Student Office of Sustainability, each playing a distinct role in advancing sustainability efforts.

The Bike Cave

The Bike Cave is a student-run organization that gives all members of the Pittsburgh community a space to work on bike mechanics. We function as both a do-it-yourself shop, where students can work on their own, as well as a how-to shop, where our mechanics will help show you how to fix any bike issues. We also sell bikes, helmets, lights, and other bike accessories.

Learn More

Pitt Pantry

The Pitt Pantry is dedicated to ensuring that all students have regular access to a balanced and nutritious diet by hosting regular shopping hours to obtain food and services. It is completely volunteer-run and operates on charitable donations received from individuals and organizations within the community.

Learn More

Thriftsburgh

Thriftsburgh is Pitt's on-campus, student-run, sustainability-driven thrift store- with clothes all under $10! During the school year we collect donations and sell clothes of all varieties. From the end of the Spring semester through the summer, we collect other items like housewares and kitchenware as well in the big Clutter for a Cause collection.

Learn More

Pitt Green Fund

The University of Pittsburgh Green Fund Allocations Board (GFAB) exists to promote the University’s sustainability goals by funding initiatives created by and for the University community.

Learn More

Pitt EcoReps

Pitt EcoReps are students committed to making life in residence halls more sustainable. They work with members of the Pitt community to integrate sustainability into the culture of our residence halls by reducing energy and water use, increasing recycling and composting, and advancing other sustainability initiatives.

Learn More

Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation

The Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation (MCSI) is a University-wide center focused on catalyzing sustainability research and education. MCSI leads Pitt’s faculty sustainability engagement via strategy and programs focused on integrating sustainability into the curriculum, groundbreaking research, community outreach, and innovation.

Learn More

Office of Sustainability

The Office of Sustainability was founded in 2018 with commitments to have the University carbon-neutral by 2037, have sustainable landscapes on campus, have local and sustainable food be available for all, and much more.

Learn More

Woman sorting canned and preserved foods

Basic Needs

Founded in 2020, the University’s Basic Needs Committee was formed to ensure that all students have access to access to clean air and water, food, housing, clothing and hygiene, health care, technology, academic and career success services, and transportation — while continuing to address systemic barriers and disparities in access to these resources.

Learn More

Pitt Business Hospitality and Auxiliary Services

The Office of Business, Hospitality, and Auxiliary Services (BHAS) is a key unit within the University of Pittsburgh’s Business and Operations department, which oversees the university’s central operational functions. BHAS is responsible for essential business services, including housing, dining, hospitality, logistics, mobility, Panther Central, sustainability, and university stores, providing foundational support across campus.

Learn More

Pitt Off Campus Student Services

Off-Campus Student Services is committed to ensuring that students become knowledgeable renters. Its mission is to equip students with the information and tools needed to successfully navigate off-campus living.

Learn More

PittServes

PittServes is a university-wide initiative that supports community engagement opportunities working with communities and students.

Learn More

Affiliate Organizations

Interested in joining campus clubs that champion sustainability? Explore these organizations affiliated with SOOS—each one uniquely advancing sustainability through their missions and initiatives. These Affiliate Organizations are student-led clubs that align with the SOOS mission, vision, and strategic goals, integrating sustainability into their core values and activities.

Current Affiliate Organizations include:

Birdwatching & Ornithology Club
Complete Streets at Pitt
Conservation Club at Pitt
Days for Girls
Engineers for a Sustainable World
Engineers Without Borders
Epsilon Eta Delta, Environmental Honors Fraternity
Food Recovery Heroes
Free the Planet
Girls Inc.
Incline Consulting Group
Outdoors Club
PennPIRG at Pitt
Planned Parenthood Generation Action
Plant Futures Initiative
Plant2Plate
Society of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
Students for Sustainability
Urban Planning Club

Affiliate organizations enjoy a range of benefits, including:

Leadership Development: Access to support and resources for student leadership growth.
Event & Meeting Spaces: Priority reservation of rooms within the SOOS.
Promotion & Visibility: Advertising of your events and programs on SOOS social media channels.
Community Access: Use of the larger SOOS space, as long as all members respect the space and scheduled time slots.

Interested in becoming an affiliate organization? Let’s connect and get you started! Contact the PA for Affiliate Orgs and Outreach at soos@pitt.edu

Who Are We?

How Do I Get Involved?

First Thursday (September – April)

Wellness Wednesday (September – April)

Pitt's Sustainability Plan

Affiliate Organizations

Wellness

Engagement

Experience

Belonging