“The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds.” Dalai Lama
We have led many strategic initiatives and retreats involving sustainability for project teams, non-profits, large companies and institutions. Strategic planning and community engagement (stakeholders, employees, customers) are excellent ways to design and launch a sustainability initiative. Ongoing coaching is effective at keeping people on track towards goals. Contact us for further conversation.
“Julie knows how to engage a wide range of audiences and clarify a problem such that people not only understand but care. A terrific communicator who brings empathy and intelligence to any discussion, Julie approaches even the most difficult topics with forthrightness and conviction. The result – an even-handed, unvarnished, situation analysis from which a realistic roadmap emerges.”
~ Julia Craighill, Ensight Consulting (Director of Sustainability at Struever Brothers Eccles and Rouse)
Sustainability Initiatives
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Washington, D.C.
Starting with their vision that a healthy environment is inseparable from a just, vibrant, and healthy community, we helped this community broaden their connections and take initial action. We designed and analyzed an online survey of environmental values, which led to a day-long retreat and a follow-up visioning session.
Howard Community College, Columbia, MD
Led an environmental initiative designed to gauge awareness, identify opportunities, and build momentum towards a more sustainable future. Work with College encompassed all areas, including curriculum, facilities management, policy, and student life. Included employee survey; executive interviews; employee focus groups; and an all-day retreat. Participated in a Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Climate Action Plan.
“Julie was a key player in the successful launch of Howard Community College’s Sustainability Initiative. Her inclusive and systematic approach drew valuable insights from staff, faculty, students, board members, and other stakeholders.”
~ Lynn Coleman, V.P. of Administration and Finance, Howard County Community College
Growing Greener, Streuver Brothers Eccles and Rouse, Baltimore, MD
This Baltimore-based developer sought to align its environmental impact with a “triple-bottom-line” approach. In partnership with key people in the company, we designed a program to touch all of the main operating areas within the company: development, construction, operating properties, administration, leasing, and finance. The resulting Sustainability Plan featured effective strategic interventions crafted within the company’s culture.
The Brick Companies, Annapolis, MD
In order to spread the CEO’s vision of a sustainable company throughout the organization, we conducted a survey, focus groups, and a retreat with representatives from all business components. The resulting “River House Charter” states a vision for the future that has inspired people at all levels to contribute their ideas, time, and talent to the cause.
Annapolis Greening Workshop, Annapolis, MD
With funding from Maryland Energy Administration and leadership from Annapolis’ Mayor Ellen Moyer, Department of Natural Resources brought in TerraLogos to help inaugurate the Annapolis Green Initiative. The planning team, made up of representatives from DNR, city government and TerraLogos, participated in a one day workshop to present information and encourage synergy between city departments.
National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD
Green Design expert for the pre-planning phase for the Center for Animal Life and Conservation. Funded through EPA’s “Green Buildings on Brownfields” pilot project, the goal of the Technical Advisory Committee is to develop a detailed program document to lay out clear goals for ecological site and building design. The work included evaluation of design concepts from a September 2002 Green Building Charrette, as well as research into industry costs and feasibility for this project.
Sustainability Assessment
PROBE for Sustainable Business is a valuable aid for any organization that wishes to review its progress towards the goal of sustainability. It helps the organization to:
- make sense of ‘sustainability’
- pinpoint and prioritise improvement opportunities
- improve the bottom line for the organisation itself…
- …while simultaneously becoming part of the solution for society at large.
Past clients include:
EMO Energy Solutions [full story coming soon]
