Toward a More Sustainable Future

May/June 2001 NW Newsmakers
Toward a More Sustainable Future

by John Poling

John Poling

On April 14th--17th, 2001, The Natural Step sponsored a conference on Practical Solutions to a Sustainable Future. The dynamic educational experience will focus on changing organizational practices to help business become more sustainable. Noted authors, scientists, business leaders, government officials and other sustainability experts will explain in detail how to implement the changes that improve environmental performance and contribute to a sustainable society. For more information contact Steve Radtke, 503-241-1140.

Green City is about Portland's new Green Building Program and quarterly newsletter. G-RATED is developing technical resources, services and incentives (they have just released $400,000 in construction incentives). G-Rated is working with the US Green Building Council to implement The Green Building Rating System. The checklist for Environmentally Responsible Design and Construction suggests such things as: smaller is better, energy efficiency, optimization of material use, low-maintenance landscape, recycling capabilities (including gray water), minimize automobile dependency, minimize impact and value site resources, use durable and recycled materials, use high efficiency appliances and equipment, and, much, much more than we have room to list here.

The Business Connexion Breakfast is a 15-year-old group of business leaders devoted to bridging the gap between making a profit (capitalism) and responsibly supporting ourselves, our neighbors and our planet. There are several community projects in place to help move business toward sustainability. You are welcome to attend our weekly breakfast at 7:15 a.m. at the Willamette Athletic Club, 4949 SW Landing Drive in John's Landing.

Our May 10th meeting will be presented by Bob Stuart, Master Carpenter/teacher and member of Cascade Gardens Community in Beaverton, where green is in. Bob is on the selection committee to feature several projects in the Portland area. Several Business Connexion programs will focus on those projects. Business Connexion offers a weekly breakfast discussion group on conscious investing, business and real estate. A Calendar of programs is available at business.communityconnexion.com or contact John Poling, 503-643-8382 (or, e-mail to: jpoling@communityconnexion.com.)

Green Resources on the web

G/Rated: http://www.green-rated.org

NW Ecobuilding Guild:http://www.ecobuilding.org

Innovations for a Sustainable Future: http://www.inorthwest.org

The Millennium Speaker Series on Change: http://www.millennium.pdx.edu/The Oregon Sustainability Forum

The Oregon Natural Step Network: http://www.ortns.org/

Environmental Building Needs: http://www.ebuild.com/

Coalition for a Livable Future: http://www.clfuture.org

A Guide to Portland's Natural Areas: http://www.audubonportland.org

US Green Building Council: http://www.usgbc.org

Green Design Network: http://www.greendesign.net

Rocky Mountain Institute: http://www.rmi.org