PITTSBURGH, March 13, 2019 – Each year, Carnegie Science Center’s Carnegie Science Awards recognizes and celebrates innovative and inspiring leaders in western Pennsylvania who are on the cutting edge of the science and technology industries. At a private reception at the Science Center on March 12, 2019, officials announced that Patricia M. DeMarco, PhD, will receive a Carnegie Science Award in the Environmental category for her achievements as a member of the Forest Hills Borough Council.
Winners of Carnegie Science Awards, presented by Eaton, were selected by a committee of peers—past awardees and industry leaders—who rigorously reviewed nominations and selected the most deserving winners. This year, the program will honor awardees in categories ranging from Corporate Innovation, Start-Up Entrepreneur, Life Sciences, Science Communicator, and several educator and student categories. In addition, a Chairman’s Award is presented to an individual or an organization that has made outstanding contributions in science, either through exemplary work in one field or through transcendent leadership, commitment, or achievement.
“The Carnegie Science Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the remarkably talented individuals and organizations in our region’s science community,” said Jason Brown, Henry Buhl, Jr., Interim Director of Carnegie Science Center. “These innovators have had immeasurable impact on Pittsburgh’s healthcare, manufacturing, energy, environmental, and education industries. Their achievements, dedication, and perseverance are truly inspiring.”
As a professor, mentor, author, radio host, and more, Patricia M. DeMarco, PhD, has established herself as a passionate environmental leader in the Pittsburgh region and beyond. After her election to the Forest Hills Borough Council in 2016, Dr. DeMarco conducted a lifecycle cost analysis for a solar photovoltaic system to be included in the design of the new borough building. The construction of the passive solar design building has a geothermal heating and cooling system with an average annual net zero energy performance. As part of the Borough commitment to environmental quality she re-established the borough’s Environmental Advisory Council, which has offered public awareness programs on recycling, plastics, and energy efficiency as well as a community clean-up.
On receiving the award, DeMarco said: “Moving a community to commit to sustainability through an innovative building design takes a whole team and a sustained effort. My role has been one of a catalyst to mobilize a shared vision and the talents of many people to bring this vision forward. Members of the Borough Council past and present, the Borough Manager Mr. Morus, architect Rob Pfaffmann, general contractor Volpatt Construction, and EIS Solar who installed and financed the solar roof, all worked to make this possible. Assistance from Senator Jay Costa supported inclusion of the Library section within the constraints of the budget. I hope the reality of the net zero energy Forest Hills Borough Building will inspire others to make a similar choice.”
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