who said the "s" word: sustainablity in the midst of chaos
TRANSCRIPT
Who Said the “S” Word?Sustainability in the Midst of Chaos
Presented by Debbie NelsonPresented by Debbie Nelson
What is Sustainability?The most widely quoted definition internationally is the "Brundtland definition" of the 1987 Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development.Sustainability means “meeting present needs without compromising the ability for future generations to meet their own needs.”
What is Sustainability?Sustainability is a new way of thinking about an age-old concern: ensuring that our children and grandchildren inherit a tomorrow that is at least as good as today, preferably better.
Why Consider Sustainability?
The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired in value.“
Theodore Roosevelt, 1910
Why Consider Sustainability?
Current status of water resources is already compromising the needs for the future.Economic prosperity, environmental progress and community concerns are all aspects of sustainability.It is the right thing to do.
Build a Sustainability Plan
Determine your cause(s) and commit to it
watershed protectionwater conservationincrease environmental stewardship efforts in the communityrecyclingbecome an advocate for green initiatives in the workplacepollution prevention
Build a Sustainability Plan
Define goals and objectivesDevelop a chart mapping out your planGoal Objective Time Frame Department
Reduce peak-time water usage
Develop bill insert with conservation message
Insert into bills by May statement period
Customer Service
Encourage proper disposal of FOG
Develop a FOG can to hand out at community event
Produce by event date 6-10-09
Pretreatment
Elements of Your Sustainability Plan
Develop a sustainability brandCreate a logo or mascot as a spokespersonDefine your objectives for sustainability through this brandPromote environmental stewardshipMake your brand well-knownRemember…vehicles are moving billboards
Strong Organizational Identity
Internal Communications PlanEducate your employees
Make sure they understand your agency’s agenda and their individual rolesEmployees' support can build customer confidence in your organizationTrain your customer service department to inform callers about the importance of sustainability
Internal Communications PlanDevelop an internal evaluation system for your current and proposed sustainable practicesDetermine ways to enhance current processes and equipment to support sustainabilityEvaluate “green” programs that provide long-term savings when upgrading facilities
Internal Communications PlanFocus on simple initiatives—i.e. recycling or going paperlessOffer incentives to employees who drive energy-efficient vehicles, carpool, ride bikes to work, etc.Encourage employees to share sustainability ideas…implement programs which are feasible
External Communications PlanCommunicate with your stakeholders on a regular basis
Provide information to help them understand why you care and why they should care
Develop a newsletter, electronic or print
Include a section on sustainability with tips that stakeholders can use to participate in your initiative
External Communications PlanInclude the following on your web site:
Your sustainability planThe role your agency plays in the future of your communityHow your stakeholders can help
Utilize social media tools wisely!Blogging, Twitter, LinkedIn
External Communications PlanDevelop a presentation about sustainability that your speakers’ bureau can take to community organizations and schools to promote your message.
External Communications PlanEncourage industrial and commercial customers to develop their own sustainability programs
Create an awards program for companies who encourage environmental stewardshipEncourage companies to set goals for reducing their carbon “footprint” and reduce their impact on water resources
External Communications PlanKeep local and state leaders informed
Build and maintain your relationships, remind them about your organization and its goalsPresent your plan for sustainabilitySend regular communicationsHost events to provide updates on the efforts to protect our water resourcesMake them a part of the solution
Media RelationshipsProvide your plan to the mediaInitiate conversations with key reporters in your community
Find out about their areas of interest that are related to you or your organizationBecome an expert that they will call when they need a comment or a resource for information
Media Relationships
Find ways to recognize other individuals and industries for joining the cause for sustainability and applaud them through media relationsDevelop best practices for your sustainability efforts and publicize themFind reasons to write and distribute press releases
Press Release IdeasSustainability planSustainability successesHow others can assist in sustainability initiativesAwards presented by agencyCost savings effortsVolunteer effortsPublic education effortsHuman interest stories about employees or agency
Awards received by agency or employeeInstallation of OfficersCertifications received Capital Improvements - PlannedGroundbreakingsProject CompletionsDedications
Educational Opportunities
Partner with schools and organizations to provide a platform for your sustainability agendaDevelop and host educational events that will create face-to-face opportunities to encourage sustainability
Offer tours to businesses, schools, universities and community organizations
Host training workshops within your industry to promote environmental stewardship among other organizations and industriesEncourage others to fight to protect our resources and support their efforts
Educational Opportunities
Educational Opportunities
Become a mentor for others who are interested in joining the causeDevelop educational materials about the importance of sustainability
Distribute to classroomsProvide them as handouts at community events or to other organizations
Educational Opportunities
Create contests or other activities that will encourage the community to become involved with your campaign
Introduce to school districts, organizations or other community outlets
Conclusion
Continue to engage your community on the topic of sustainability.Provide examples for your stakeholders through changes in your own organization.Allow stakeholders to look into the processes you and your organization have committed to long-term.
Conclusion
Maintain your organization’s identity in the community by sponsoring environmental events and causes.Make sure the community knows the proactive steps your organization is taking.
