Pittsburgh Ringing in New Year with Environmentally Fri...( Highmark's The Future of Pittsburg...),Health

Highmark's "The Future of Pittsburgh" ball features LED lights and post-

consumer materials

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Did you know that Pittsburghers ring in a green New Year? Again this year, Highmark's "The Future of Pittsburgh" ball, which is made from environmentally friendly materials, will light the sky in downtown Pittsburgh as part of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's First Night celebration.

The outer shell and the design on the ball were made from 3Form Ecoresin(TM) material and light emitting diodes (LEDs). Ecoresin is made with recycled post-consumer content and is not hazardous or toxic to the environment. LED lamps last longer and are more energy efficient than traditional light bulbs, and therefore emit less pollution into the atmosphere.

The structural steel roof platform and the aluminum framing within the ball also contain recycled post-consumer content. Steel is the most recycled product in North America because products made from recycled steel can be recycled again at the end of their useful lives.

Sustainable Pittsburgh, a local nonprofit that seeks to bring sustainable solutions to communities and businesses in the Pittsburgh region, will mitigate the carbon emissions associated with lighting and lifting the ball through the purchase of carbon credits from Pennsylvania farm energy systems. Purchasing carbon credits helps build and support new clean and renewable sources of energy, creating sustainable economic benefits for local communities. Overall, the ball will use approximately 6,000 watts of energy.

"Creating a healthier environment also helps to create healthier communities and healthier people," said Byron Falchetti, president of Standard Property Corporation, the real estate subsidiary of Highmark. "The Future of Pittsburgh ball is a visible example to the city of Pittsburgh of our goal to implement sustainable, eco-friendly and green practices to help make
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