Viewing the Meaning of Sustainability

Take a look at this 18 point "primer" on sustainability written by Eric Zencey and appearing in the May/June issue of Orion Magazine.

Give a read (or a listen) and tell me what you think!

Transcending Sustainability As We Assume It

I came across an interesting posting on the Triple Pundit blog in which the author mentions that a more holistic vision of sustainability is needed to address our global eco-problems. A more comprehensive, realistic and accountable link between our talk and our walk is needed.

The post goes on to endorse a perspective that I and my associates at Visionary Values have been very vocal about and that is that any true effort at supporting sustainability requires that we all begin integrating sustainability into our daily lives. This means that our communities and workplaces must also be centers of commitment to these principles. We are the key(s) to making the concept of sustainability a normal part of our lives. Through our actions we become the change that is needed.

Take a look at the link a let me know what you think!

Pushing the Green Building Boundaries

Boulder, Colorado is especially beautiful this time of year and one of the best ways to enjoy it is on a Saturday morning down at the Farmer's Market. After my usual cuppa yummy Conscious Coffees java, I wandered over to the Boulder Green Building Guild Product & Service Fair that was being held in the adjacent park. It seems as though they have been holding this event for a few years now and it offers the general public a chance to take a look a local green building businesses as well as to ask questions of seasoned veterans.

Boulder considers itself to be a sort of center of innovation and progressiveness when it comes to environmental issues and green building. So, it is always interesting to see what types of options the industry is offering folks each year. What are the trends and where is the focus? My opinion is that the answer is not much of a truly innovative or paradigm challenging set of solutions!! Now, I certainly understand that not everyone is a proponent of nor a potential client for natural building, but it seems to me that the green building concept is lacking in low impact and truly sustainable building concepts and materials.

It was a great pleasure to turn the corner and encounter a couple of guys with whom I could have a truly interesting and valuable conversation! Ryan Chivers and Phil Metzler are the craftsmen behind Artesano, a locally based traditional plaster company. Artesano specializes in using natural materials such as earth, lime, gypsum, and clay to fashion gorgeous sinks, showers, countertops, floors, fireplaces, etc. that can fit into virtually any type of home. These functional works of art are truly a sight to behold. Having a natural building background myself, I was quite pleased to see Artesano putting themselves and their work out on display. To me, they are part of the paradigm shift in green building that must be adopted in order to really integrate sustainability.

What do you think about the state of green building? Have you thought about the life cycle of the materials used in homes built today as well as in the solar technologies that are gaining favor? Has or will your opinion change now that the Gulf of Mexico is being destroyed by our insatiable thirst for oil? Why can't we make sensible decisions regarding our use of resources? Let me know!!

Biowaste Fueled Scotch

Way up in the Scottish Isle of Islay, an interesting decision was made recently. Based in part on concern for the environment, but rooted in the bottom line and community interest, a Scotch Whisky distiller called Bruichladdich (pronounced "Brook-Laddie"), has begun to re-use its distilling waste product to produce power to run the distillery!


In reviewing the costs of disposing of the pot ale left over at the end of  the process, they determined that it would make sense to invest in the installation of a biogas generator that would convert what is essentially water and organic by-products into energy that would cycle back and produce electricity. The company will save up to around $175,000 annually between energy savings and disposal costs. If this trial succeeds, then the pot ale will be permanently cycled into the digester automatically.


In addition to the green energy they will produce, Bruichladdich also supports sustainable agriculture by using up to 40% organic barley. Again, these decisions are based on what is best and most practical for an industry dependent upon its community for its success and quality.


How would you envision changes to your business that would take into account the community where you work and/or operate?

Green Honey!

It isn't easy, but there are companies out there putting a very conscious effort into being sustainable. A good example of one is Volcano Island Honey operating in beautiful Hawaii'. In business since the late 1970's, the owner, Richard Spiegel, formalized his beekeeping hobby into a business in 1982.

Over the years Spiegel has committed his business to the betterment of the community and the environment. Among the company's commitments to sustainability are:

• Using 100% recycled paper and soy-based inks for his brochures
• Use of 100% post consumer waste office paper
• Thorough zero waste program
• Encourages and fosters open communication and personal growth of employees
• Donates 0.5% of gross profits to charity
• Allows for flexible scheduling for employees
• Use of biodiesel to run the primary farm truck

Take a look at the website for more information on his operation.

Clearly there are many ways in which a business can approach integrating sustainability into an operation. Remember the three key components of sustainability according to triple bottom line measurements:

1. People - your employees and your community
2. Planet - not just the physical pieces, but the spiritual, resources, waste produced, etc.
3. Profit - taking into account the full range of impacts your business has and the value you produce

What kinds of ideas can you come up with for "greening" your business?