Baxter
Healthcare Corporation
Facilitated a sustainable development forum to build consensus among managers as to how
sustainable development approaches could benefit Baxter. After the forum, a task force was
established to promote sustainability within the company. The sustainability effort is now
supported by the CEO and coordinated at the Vice President level. Baxter managers
attribute their success, in part, to Natural Strategies' role in helping to launch the
initiative.
BP
Solarex
Worked with world’s largest manufacturer of photovoltaics on diverse marketing
approaches, emphasizing environmental performance. Provided strategic approaches to
incorporating photovoltaics as an integral part BP Solarex's customers' sustainability
initiatives.
Carollo
Engineers
Worked with Carollo Engineers to apply a sustainability framework to evaluate alternatives
for a water recycling facility for the city of Petaluma, CA. The city required that
treatment alternatives be evaluated using rigorous ecological principles. Natural
Strategies developed an ecological evaluation process using both the Natural Step (TNS)
Framework and the Ecological Footprint. The TNS Framework was used to develop qualitative
principles for evaluation, while the Ecological Footprint (measured in acres) of each
treatment alternative was also calculated. The results of the project gave Petaluma a
clear understanding of the true ecological costs and benefits of each treatment
alternative.
Coca
Cola Enterprises
Prepared pollution prevention plans for three bottling plants in California and
Arizona. Conducted a thorough review of all production, maintenance, and warehouse
operations, identified and evaluated options for waste reduction and cost savings, and
outlined a plan and schedule for reaching program goals.
Ecolink
Developed a marketing strategy for a product line of cutting-edge household cleaning
products, based on an emphasis of environmental attributes. Developed innovative marketing
approaches for expanding awareness and acceptance of these products.
Electric Power Research Institute
The
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is the R&D think tank for
the Electric utility industry. Based in Palo Alto, California, EPRI
works with some 700 Utility companies worldwide on
the full range of technical, operational and
policy issues affecting the sector. Natural
Strategies is working with the EPRI Eco-Solutions group on a
program to recognize and develop commercial value through
conservation strategies on the lands owned by these utilities.
Through thoughtful mitigation strategies designed
to offset impacts to wetlands, endangered species,
and the global atmosphere, credits are developed
through sophisticated deed restrictions, easements,
and other conservation measures. The credits, in turn, are used to
help offset impacts created by the utilities themselves, or other
public and private institutions which must impact
natural systems in order to accomplish their
goals. For more information on EPRI's
environmental programs, click here:
http://www.epri.com/program.asp?program=224781&orgid=139.
Genencor
International, Inc.
In a project directed by former Natural Strategies Principal, Charles McGlashen, Natural
Strategies developed comprehensive sustainability management systems in nine
facilities worldwide and facilitated the strategic planning process for the corporation
and offices. Utilized the Natural Step as a framework for defining sustainability, for
developing a vision and plans, and for the organization of management systems. Management
systems include environmental aspects, health and safety issues, labor fairness, operating
efficiency, stakeholder communications, and community/workplace issues. Systems
incorporate requirements for ISO 14001, EMAS, SA 8000, the GRI and BS 8800. Developed
implementation curriculum, wrote and presented Natural Step and systems development
modules, and provided plant support during systems development. Also developed first
corporate report, metrics and strategies for sustainability.
Hancock
Natural Resources Group
HNRG is the world's largest forestland investment management organization, with 3.1
million acres (1.3 million hectares) and $US 2.8 billion in assets under management.
Natural Strategies is supporting HNRG by evaluating opportunities to link investment in
multiple services from sustainably managed forestland to consumer and retail
products. The services provided by forests include carbon sequestration, species
habitat, water purification and flood protection, and of course, timber and paper.
When forests are managed to maximize the full range of services rather than emphasizing
only commodities, both revenue opportunities and future positioning can be improved.
J. Ottman
Consulting/Interface Carpets
In a partnership with J. Ottman Consulting, designed a questionnaire to measure employee's
knowledge, attitudes and behaviors before and after The Natural Step training.
Lowe's
Companies, Inc.
Natural Strategies worked with Lowe's Companies, the world's second largest home
improvement retailer, to adopt a comprehensive wood products procurement policy designed
to protect the world's forests. Natural Strategies provided strategic and technical advice
on the many complex issues associated with this far reaching policy. We also have an
ongoing role in facilitating dialogue between the environmental and scientific
communities, Lowe's vendors and other stakeholders. In addition, we will continue to
support Lowe's in the tracking and verification process as they implement their policy. Click here for more on Lowe’s
wood procurement policy.
Marin
Conservation League
Facilitated strategic planning retreats for the development of
a two- to four-year strategic plan. Provided environmental content expertise and
facilitation to build focus and energy for the Board’s vision for the organization.
Marin
County, California
Engaged in the design, facilitation and execution of six
public workshops on sustainability and its relationship to the update of the Countywide
General Plan. Provided trainings in the Natural Step Framework, facilitated committee
meetings and public workshops, and developed a vision of sustainability for County
operating units.
The Mendocino
Companies
Developed strategy for sustainability. Developing Natural Step training methods,
management systems and plans for implementing sustainability in the company’s forest
and mill operations. Future activities include training of executive management,
implementation of plans, and design of sustainability programs throughout the company.
Mitsubishi
Electric Corporation
Provided training, advice and implementation support in aligning the company’s
practices with its strategic vision for environmental excellence. Facilitated an ISO
14001 implementation process with representatives of five manufacturing plants by
providing training and guidance during regular committee meetings. Trained top
managers in ecological principles and facilitated a consensus building process at all
levels of the company. Facilitated communication between managers in the U.S., and
at headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Developed a unified reporting system and
measurement tools to track environmental performance and improvements.
The Natural
Step
Co-wrote, with Paul Hawken, The Natural Step training curriculum for U. S. audiences. Also
participated in the design and development of the 3-week "Training of Facilitators
Course" that prepared facilitators to lead a one-day workshop.
Progressive
Investment Management
Natural Strategies provides consultation and technical support to the research and
analysis team of Portfolio
21, the world's first mutual fund focused primarily on environmental sustainability.
Natural Strategies guided the Portfolio 21 team in the development of the screening
criteria and selection methodology used to evaluate companies for Portfolio 21. Through
group facilitation and original research, Natural Strategies assisted in translating the
principles of The Natural Step and other sustainability frameworks into a detailed set of
criteria and a comprehensive scoring system.
Southern
California Edison
Developing indicators for environmental performance to
align incentive structures with environmental outcomes. Developing a single-metric
index to roll-up wide-ranging environmental programs, from green purchasing to habitat
protection. Natural Strategies facilitated a series of workshops across all SCE
disciplines to motivate and engage participants about the proposed approach, and achieved
a broad consensus on steps forward. Natural Strategies is also helping the company develop
an ISO 14001 environmental management system for its Transmission & Distribution
Business Unit.
State of
California
NSI has been engaged by the California Integrated Waste
Management Board (a division of Cal-EPA) to develop policy and programmatic options for
promoting 'Green Building' in the State of California. The contract with the CIWMB
consists of four tasks:
- A comprehensive survey of green building ordinances and
standards in use across the United States;
- Conducting focus groups in Northern and Southern California
with key stakeholders (architects, planners, developers, contractors, agencies, and
advocates) to determine needs and perception of the options developed;
- An analysis of the lifecycle cost savings from incorporating
specific green building features;
- A follow-up series of presentations to elicit discussion and
feedback from stakeholders on the options developed.
University
of Texas
Lead bi-monthly training seminars on The Natural Step (TNS) for employees of and vendors
to the University of Texas--Houston Health Science Center. Seminars include TNS science
and system conditions, and case examples of businesses and municipalities using TNS to
make their operations sustainable. Experiential exercises foster understanding and
application of sustainability principles by the participants.
The Health Science Center has launched numerous initiatives
related to its commitment to teach and foster sustainability activities throughout its
employee and vendor community. These include incorporation of green building design and
materials in the new School of Nursing; replacement of pesticides with Integrated Pest
Management practices for landscaping needs; provision of composting bins for interested
faculty and employees; installation of a photovoltaic array on the rooftop of the main
administration building; and an outdoor educational facility for staff and students.
Waste
Management Inc.
Developed a compliance ranking tool for the analysis of compliance performance. Reviewed
environmental compliance records, procedures and due-diligence records to develop
recommendations for improving environmental performance.
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