Sustainability Workshops, Webinars and Discussions
Our sustainable education resources address issues from basic sustainability concepts to more advanced techniques for establishing sustainable business practices and building sustainable communities.
We suggest you explore the Sustainability Study Paths which match your learning objectives with our most appropriate learning resources.
LEARNING PATHS: Learning Sustainbility Basics, Leading Groups, and Training Others.
CUSTOM LEARNING PATHS: We also create customized sustainable development education programs for your community or business. Contact us to discuss options.
| WORKSHOPS: |
Live workshops focus practical skill building to accelerate integration of a sustainability program into your organization or community. |
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Online Workshop
Archived Version:
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
Introduction to The Natural Step Framework - 1-Hour Webinar This 1-hour general orientation is a concise overview of The Natural Step Framework and how it has been used by organizations and communities. The presentation will describe the core components of the Framework: Systems thinking, Sustainability Principles and backcasting methodology. You’ll learn how these components are used to coordinate actions and continuously move your organization closer to achieving its vision. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about additional resources available to their organizations. Live Presentation: Scheduled for the first Thursday of every other month permits some Q&A with the presenter. Time is 12:00pm (PST) 3:00pm (EST) |
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Live Workshop February 25 May 19 RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
Applying The Natural Step Framework - Half Day Workshops Sustainability Using The Natural Step Framework The challenges we face cannot be solved with the same thinking that created them. Sustainable solutions require broad collaboration and coordinated strategic decisions. The Natural Step Framework guides that process by addressing the entire system in creation of your sustainable vision and strategies. Sustainability and innovation are intimately connected. Organizations and communities become more resilient when they function in balance with natural systems. They prosper through consistent tactical actions based on long term strategies aligned with a strong vision. Join our learning network to explore the techniques and tools that will guide your organization toward sustainability. What you will learn in this half day course
FEE: $89 members - $125 non members |
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Live Workshop
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview
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Sustainability for Leaders - 2-Day Workshop: Portland/Seattle Master sustainability leadership skills, network with others and expand your options for creating a sustainable future. Our foundation course gives participants a robust understanding of The Natural Step Framework. You will gain skills and knowledge to make the case for change, apply a systems based approach to internal planning, and guide decision making to achieve sustainable results inside of the organization and out.
The general admission course fee includes a 1-year Individual Membership in The Natural Step Network and access to our community site, TransformAgents.org. FEE: $600 members - $700 non members Registration closes 2 weeks before the event. |
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Live Workshop
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview
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Strategic Sustainability for Leaders: Develop Your Leadership Potential 3-Day Workshop: Chicago SEE WORKSHOP DETAILS This course provides strategic know-how and leadership capacity to create a truly sustainable future. Build the skills and knowledge to make the case for change, apply a systems based approach to internal planning, and guide decision making to achieve sustainable results inside of the organization and out. Cultivate the leadership qualities that will enable you to collaboratively influence your organization, inspiring bold and courageous change. Develop a solid grounding in the Natural Step Framework and planning methodology through hands-on exercises that emphasize participation and practical application. Experience your own power as a leader through active, hands-on practice. Walk away with the ability to clearly convey the what, why, and how of sustainability. The general admission course fee includes a 1-year Individual Membership in The Natural Step Network and access to our community site, TransformAgents.org. FEE: $1000 members - $1100 non members Registration closes 2 weeks before the event. |
| DISCUSSIONS: |
These facilitated discussions are one of the many benefits of Natural Step Network Membership. |
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Online Discussion Jan 19, 2010 RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
Individual Member Discussion - 1-Hour Webinar Prerequisite: Introduction to The Natural Step Framework 1-Hour Webinar or in-person presentation. Are you an individual member interested in engaging others to understand the use of the Framework? Looking to connect with others around your consulting work or challenges in your organization? Engage with TNS Membership and Services Coordinator, Holly Brunk and fellow members of the network in this discussion. This webinar will accommodate 12 callers. Multiple participants per line are welcome. This webinar will accommodate 12 callers. Multiple participants per line are welcome. FEE: $0 - Open to Natural Step Members Only. Learn More |
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Online Discussion March 16, 2010 RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
Building a Sustainability Team: Best practices - 1-Hour Webinar How do you prepare your Green Team to generate significant movement toward sustainability in your organization? How do you transition from tactical ‘green’ actions toward strategic organizational alignment for sustainability? We will explore these questions as a group and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing your organization. We will be referencing the Natural Step Framework as an example of how a clear definition of sustainability combined with a proven planning process can help you create to an effective strategic approach to sustainability. This webinar will accommodate 12 callers. Multiple participants per line are welcome. FEE: $0 - Open to Natural Step Members Only. Learn More
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Live Workshop May 68:00am - 12:00pm Portland
RETURN TO: Learning the Basics |
Identifying Qualitative Measurements toward Sustainability - Half Day Workshop The introduction of sustainable business practices involves organizational change and demands both creative leadership and creative action. Early progress tends to be qualitative and, therefore, invisible to the quantitative measures most companies rely on for accountability. As a result, sustainability leaders may struggle to maintain support for their efforts. In this workshop, we will use a creative process to develop effective strategies for assessing qualitative progress in sustainability initiatives. Participants will leave with a strategic plan of their own making, a support group of fellow participants, and a three-month commitment from the instructor for hands-on coaching.Instructor: Bob Lieberman MS, PMP, is the founder of Cultivating Creativity, a Portland, Oregon company teaching business leaders how to capitalize on the creative potential of their colleagues and themselves. FEE: $89 members - $125 non members |
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Online Discussion
RETURN TO: Learning the Basics |
Running a Study Circle - 1-Hour Webinar Details on this discussion are not yet available. Indicate your interest by clicking the “Send Alert” button and we will inform you when details are updated. This webinar will be limited to 12 participants. Multiple participants per line welcome. FEE: $0 - Open to Natural Step Members Only. Learn More
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Online Discussion May 18, 2010 RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
Careers In Sustainability - 1-Hour Webinar Changing careers or looking to refocus your current career path on sustainability? We’ll discuss how your experience and expertise can be enhanced by a solid understanding of sustainability principles and practices. We will also discuss job market growth and opportunities. This webinar will accommodate 12 callers. Multiple participants per line are welcome. FEE: $0 - Open to Natural Step Members Only. Learn More
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Online Discussion July 20, 2010
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
Building a Sustainability Team: Best practices - 1-Hour Webinar How do you prepare your Green Team to generate significant movement toward sustainability in your organization? How do you transition from tactical ‘green’ actions toward strategic organizational alignment for sustainability? We will explore these questions as a group and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing your organization. We will be referencing the Natural Step Framework as an example of how a clear definition of sustainability combined with a proven planning process can help you create to an effective strategic approach to sustainability. This webinar will accommodate 12 callers. Multiple participants per line are welcome. FEE: $0 - Open to Natural Step Members Only. Learn More
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BACKCASTING SERIES: |
Focus on the critical steps of integrating sustainability strategically into your organization. It is helpful to have a base level of knowledge of the framework prior to taking this series. |
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Online Workshop February 4
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
BACKCASTING SERIES STEP A: Raising Awareness and Building Cultural Change for Sustainability - 75-Minute Webinar The backcasting methodology is the process by which the framework is applied. Your challenge is to raise awareness among coworkers of your organization’s present condition through a careful and honest assessment. This touches the core values of your organization and its people. You’ll have to overcome several common challenges: How to educate and engage employees to create practical solutions Learn how seasoned sustainability champions have addressed these issues as they share their experiences in this insightful webinar. The Natural Step Sustainability Principles will help guide your assessment as you explore the upstream and downstream impact of your operations. PRESENTERS: Jeanne Hoffman, the City of Madison, Wisconsin's Facilities and Sustainability Manager. Jeanne is the team leader of city architects, engineers, maintenance, and custodial staff to build and operate the City's 300 buildings in a sustainable manner. She also works with all agencies in helping them achieve sustainability goals. Jeanne works with community partners to help the community better understand sustainability. Prior to her work as the Facilities and Sustainability Manager, Jeanne was a Mayoral Aide to Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, where she worked on planning and development, environment and transportation issues. Steve Faulstick, General Manager of the Doubletree Hotel in Portland Oregon. The Doubletree Portland has adopted sustainability as one of their core business values. They have used the 4 system conditions of the Natural Step as the educational platform for their staff. Steve will discuss how the 4 system conditions have provided the lens for their operations and services, from purchasing to food systems to employee training. FEE: Free for members - $25 non members |
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Online Workshop April 8
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
BACKCASTING SERIES STEP B: Measuring Baseline impacts – Getting Beyond Energy Audits - 75-Minute Webinar What are our biggest impacts and key challenges to focus on moving forward? The Backcasting process uses the Principles of Sustainability to help you analyze your entire system and to understand the upstream and downstream impact of your operations. Learn how two Natural Step member organizations are taking different approaches to view their impact. FEE: Free for members - $25 non members |
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Online Workshop
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview |
BACKCASTING SERIES STEP C: How a Compelling Vision for Sustainability Drives Innovation - 75-Minute Webinar FEE: Free for members - $25 non members |
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Online Workshop
RETURN TO: Learning the BasicsLeading a Group Training Others Overview
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BACKCASTING SERIES PART D: Sustainability Actions – Implementing Strategies and Measuring Success - 75-Minute Webinar FEE: Free for members - $25 non members |

















