Northern Ireland Delegation to arrive

PRESS RELEASE                 11 February, 2011

NORTHERN IRELAND GETTING GREENER -- WITH HELP FROM PITTSBURGH

The Northern Ireland Government announced plans to sponsor a delegation of sustainable technology companies to Pittsburgh from February 21 through 24.  This is part of a strategy to build capacity in Northern Ireland’s emerging sustainable technology and renewable energy sectors, and develop international opportunities for Pittsburgh area companies and organizations.

Shortly after Pittsburgh was selected to host the September, 2009 G-20 Summit, business facilitators on both sides of the Atlantic began encouraging research and development, education and skills, business, trade, and investment in sustainable technology between the Pittsburgh region and Northern Ireland.  By 2010 the Northern Ireland Government released a region-wide initiative called “Carbon Zero Northern Ireland.”

Through an unprecedented collaboration between Southwest College, Dungannon, Northern Ireland and the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh, CZNI brought ten (10) graduate engineers to Pittsburgh to participate in the Sustainable Leadership Program.  This includes a full-time internship in sustainable technology, a “Master Class” series of biweekly workshops, tours, and seminars with Pittsburgh area leaders in sustainable practices.

The upcoming delegation will hear Pittsburgh’s story of transformation from heavy industry to a knowledge-based economy.  Northern Ireland companies and universities will engage with Pittsburgh counterparts to explore opportunities of mutual interest.  And the graduate engineers on placement in Pittsburgh currently will showcase their work and life experiences, seeking employment upon their return home later this year.

Assisting the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh in this delegation are the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, Pittsburgh City Council, Allegheny County’s Office for Sustainability, and various private and public agencies.

For more information on the delegation contact James J. Lamb, President of the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh at 412-394-3900 (or on cell 412-708-2184).

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