In Pursuit of Sustainability: The Principles and Processes Inherent to All Sustainable Solutions Training in Seattle, Washington

Course Cancelled for more information please e-mail iclausen@nwetc.org

In Pursuit of Sustainability: The Principles and Processes Inherent to All Sustainable Solutions
Course ID: SUST-706 ( 3 days )
March 17-19, 2010, 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M.
EOS Alliance (NWETC) Headquarters
650 South Orcas Street, Suite 220
Seattle, WA 98108

Instructor: Tim Botkin; Sustainable Solutions

Register Online | Directions | Accommodations | Course Catalog | Course Brochure (PDF)

Description: While the term “sustainable” is widely evident in today’s common language and market places, it is equally evident that few who use the term truly consider its full breadth and extremely significant connotation. As a result, most approaches labeled as “sustainable” are essentially piecemeal or limited in approach, leaving out important relevant considerations and remaining open to critique as representing one or another “special interest”.

The approach of this class takes a different tack. By beginning with the consideration of the interests affected by a proposal, and crafting logical designs that take these into account, one can achieve more durable and progressive results. Participants of this class will become familiar with elements that constitute “sustainability” at its core; develop skills and insights to identify best sustainable practices; and learn to develop and implement their own sustainable initiatives

Course Topics:

I. Sustainability Overview

What is Sustainability? What if I’m not sold on all this “green” stuff?
Why does it matter? Do we understand it? Won’t it just pass like other fads?
What/who is included? Can we afford it?
How do we get there? What about tomorrow’s (unknown) issues?

II. Core Sustainability Principles

Efficiency
Foresight – looking out for costs and impacts
Facts Rule

III. Background Realities

Understanding Natural vs. Human Systems
Evaluating and Using Information

IV. Tools and Processes for Sustainable Designs

Broadening Perspective Proactively
Facilitation of Viewpoints
Conducting Legitimate Full Cost Analysis
Time/Population/Increased use Multipliers
Using Experts Sustainably
Embracing technology
Healthy Review Cycles
Finding Consensus and Completion

V. Building and Implementing the Product

Creating a Climate for Movement or Change
Education vs. Indoctrination
Financing – Getting to Affordability
The Art of Politics

VI. Examples and the Power of Retrospective (intermittently throughout class)

Water Budgets/Oceans
Fisheries/Agriculture/Forests
Energy/Economy/Carbon Cycle
Soil Depletion
Infrastructure Waste
Climate Change/Carrying Capacity
Triple Bottom Line

About the Instructor: Tim Botkin has been practicing law in Washington State for 16 years. For seven of those years, he served as an administrative judge for development and land use in Kitsap County. He credits this term for exposing him to healthy and environmentally friendly development practices. He was then elected Kitsap County Commissioner and became directly involved in the precursors to current-day sustainability: smart growth, low impact development (LID), transit-oriented development, and comprehensive water resource management. Tim also worked on housing, youth issues, and equality. In 2002, he opened his own consulting practice, Sustainable Solutions.

Among his accomplishments, he has led approval of the first commercial LID project in the state. He was the developer and Director of the SEED Project, a sustainable economic development project designed to LEED platinum standards, which included the most environmentally advanced water harvest and re-use system in the state as well as integrating sustainable business testing and assistance systems in order to attract clean technology companies.

Tim is a trained mediator/facilitator, and has helped lead initiatives in housing, urban revitalization, and youth assets building. Today he continues his consulting work in sustainable fields and teaches sustainability classes at Olympic College in Bremerton.

After attending this class students will: become familiar with elements which constitute “sustainability” at its core, will develop the skills and insights to identify best sustainable practices and will learn to develop and implement their own sustainable initiatives.

This class is intended for: professionals/leaders/planners looking to make more robust and more sustainable decisions in their work, advocates willing to extend their area of interest to the broader community well-being, students and any others wishing to incorporate cutting edge sustainability principles into their study and daily lives."

Course Materials: Participants will receive course proceedings, and reference materials.

Continuing Education Units: 2.0 CEU's

What to Bring: Pen or pencil, coffee mug, and a water bottle (to reduce waste). There are numerous restaurants within walking distance. Drinks and snacks will be provided each day.

Registration: $595/550* earlybird pricing for registrations received by February 3, 2010, $695/$595* Thereafter
*Reduced tuition is available for Native American tribes; government employees; nonprofits; students; and NAEP, NEBC, NWAEP members. You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to 3 business days prior to the event. No refunds are issued for cancellations occurring less than 3 business days before the start day. Course registration fees and cancellation policy are subject to change without notice.

Disability Accommodations: To request disability accommodations, please contact us at info@nwetc.org or (206) 762-1976 at least 30 days prior to the event.