Overview of the Day:

This one-day program is designed to introduce business, government and community leaders to sustainability and The Natural Step Framework. In the morning, a presentation will define sustainability and present the basic principles of The Natural Step Framework, including the scientific basis for the Framework model and case studies. Attendees will participate in small group exercises around the four principles and learn how to apply the Framework in the creation of a business product and service. (Note: Half Day ticket holders will participate up to this point.)

In the afternoon, two local business leaders will share their organizations' experience in using The Natural Step Framework to implement sustainable concepts. Later, participants will learn how to use the four system conditions as a guide in moving their organization toward sustainability.

What You Will Learn:

• A whole systems persepctive for considering sustainability
• The Natural Step Framework including the four system conditions
• The basic science underlying the Framework
• How the Framework is used for decision-making and strategic planning
• Suggestions for applying the Framework in organizations
• Resources for fresh ideas and assistance when you wonder, "What's next?"
• Through case studies, how organizations have benefited from implementing the Framework

Workshop Leader

Duke Castle is one of the original organizers of the Oregon Natural Step Network. He has delivered hundreds of Natural Step presentations, including training Oregon state leaders on sustainability as part of Governor Kitzhaber's sustainability executive order, and has traveled to Sweden to study how Swedish companies have successfully applied The Natural Step principles. Duke is a former marketing executive with Hewlett Packard and has a BSEE from Cornell University and an MBA from Stanford.

Please note: Lunch is not provided. Half Day participants will participate from 8:30 am to 12 noon.