Oconomowoc High School Global Sustainabilty Class 2019-2020 Impact Report

Oconomowoc High School
Global Sustainability
The students of the Oconomowoc High School
Global Sustainability class had the opportunity and
privilege to learn about and engage in sustainable
acts in their own community, as well as in others.
This bilingual class combines Environmental
Science and Spanish, and connects students to
community partners to learn about and take action
on issues related to the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals. Their commitment and hard
work demonstrates their readiness to be leaders in
the work towards a healthier future for the world.
Oconomowoc High School Global Sustainability Class 2019-2020

Global Sustainability
Global Sustainability has been an impactful
learning experience that has brought us, as
students, many connections to the community.
We have had the opportunity to meet and work
with people and companies who have
sustainable business practices.

Since 2017, Evolution Marketing has been a partner in our Global Sustainability course at Oconomowoc High School.
Global Sustainability is a unique high school course, and to the best of our knowledge, the first of its kind in Wisconsin. It
is a bilingual (Spanish/English) Advanced Placement Environmental Science course that is rooted in the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The centerpiece of the Global Sustainability course is the unique
partnerships that the students have with local businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the course, as
they learn about and take action on the UNSDGs within sustainable business practices. This course also prepares
students to potentially earn college credit through Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate testing. Lisa
Geason-Bauer, the President of Evolution Marketing, has worked side-by-side with us to seek out mentors, guest
speakers, job shadow opportunities, and project partners with whom to connect our students. For example, Lisa and
Evolution Marketing have facilitated a partnership between the Global Sustainability class and the Citizens Utility Board
(CUB) of Wisconsin. Because of this partnership with CUB, our students have learned about sustainable business
practices through hands-on experiences, working side-by-side with professionals in the field. Our students have translated
materials into Spanish for CUB and they are working to make CUB’s Utility Bill Clinics available to Spanish speakers.
Additionally, because of Evolution Marketing, our students have not only learned about sustainable business practices,
they have also acquired and applied principles of professionalism to their learning. For example, the Global Sustainability
students were responsible for assisting Evolution Marketing as they planned and hosted the 40th anniversary celebration
of CUB this past fall.
A Letter from the Global Sustainability Teachers

Our role as educators is to facilitate learning, and because of Evolution Marketing’s commitment to developing future
leaders in the field of sustainability and Lisa’s far-reaching connections in the sustainable business sector, we are able to
create learning experiences around sustainability that not only have a lasting impact on our students’ learning, but also
have a lasting impact on the community. For example, because of Lisa’s leadership in sustainable business practices,
and because she is an active member in the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council, the Global Sustainability class
was able to assist at the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council’s annual conference. Lisa mentored two students in
the class to take a leadership position and organize tasks for the entire class at the conference. Additionally, this past
April, under Evolution Marketing’s mentorship, the Global Sustainability class presented a virtual session called Carbon
Jargon at the Nelson Institute Earth Day conference.
In addition to local connections, Lisa has introduced us to professionals and experts in the world of sustainable business
from around the country. As a result, our students have had the opportunity to virtually meet with a wide range of
professionals, from investment experts in New York, who focus on socially responsible investing, to other non-profit
organizations that invest in women and their communities. These are just a few examples of the many contacts that Lisa
has worked with us to develop, which serve to deepen our students’ understanding of the UN’s SDGs and the important
work being done towards them. Evolution Marketing strives to ensure that future generations are equipped to work
for a sustainable world. Since we first met Lisa at Evolution Marketing, she has been a strong advocate and
champion for our Global Sustainability class and she remains a strong community partner and resource for us
as teachers and for our students.
A Letter from the Global Sustainability Teachers (continued)

Achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals requires strong partnerships, education and stakeholders
sharing their ideas and strategies. Lisa uses her talents in marketing to showcase the work that she and others do related
to sustainable practices. For example, each year, the K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) highlights educators
across the state of Wisconsin, who have made energy education a priority in their teaching and outreach initiatives.
Recognition for the work we are doing came this spring when Lisa nominated us for the 2020 Wisconsin Energy
Educators of the Year. We were honored to receive this award and we are excited to continue our work in energy
education.
Lisa leads by example and sets the bar high as a model of a sustainable business. She is a mentor to the students as
well as to us. Her expertise in sustainability is helping to shape the next generation of global citizens. Lisa’s partnership
with us is vital in creating unique learning opportunities for the students in Global Sustainability, to prepare them to
continue to work on the UNSDGs in their own lives, beyond the walls of the school. We are honored to work with Lisa and
Evolution Marketing and we look forward to many more future projects with her!
Sincerely
Kelly Holtzman & Danielle Chaussée
A Letter from the Global Sustainability Teachers (continued)

Wisconsin Microfinance
● We had a guest speaker from Microfinance come into our class and describe
Microfinance’s amazing work.
● We learned how Microfinance is working towards many SDGs, and encouraging
others to do the same.
● We heard personal stories and examples of Microfinance work in Foreign
countries.
● “Personally, I felt incredibly inspired by the work of Wisconsin Microfinance. Our
interactions inspired me to pursue a career in finance, from a sustainable
perspective.”- Fiona
Target 8.3
Promote development-oriented policies
that support productive activities, decent
job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity
and innovation, and encourage the
formalization and growth of micro-,
small- and medium-sized enterprises,
including through access to financial
services
Target 1.1
By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for
all people everywhere, currently
measured as people living on less than
$1.25 a day
https://wisconsinmicrofinance.com/

Gener8tor/Gbeta
Target 8.3
Promote development-oriented policies that
support productive activities, decent job
creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and
innovation, and encourage the formalization
and growth of micro-, small- and
medium-sized enterprises, including through
access to financial services
Target 10.2
By 2030, empower and promote the social,
economic and political inclusion of all,
irrespective of age, sex, disability, race,
ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or
other status
● We had a meeting with those involved in these companies.
● gBETA told us about how they assist new company startups, providing them
with training and financial assistance. These help promote entrepreneurship.
● gener8tor invests in high growth startups, and invests $100k five times a year
in new startups. They also provide training and programs to help reduce
economic inequalities.
● We were able to ask questions and discuss the details of programs.
● We heard specific examples of startups being supported.
● “Overall, these programs provided a great example of what equal opportunities
could provide. I am motivated to achieve equal entrepreneurship opportunities
now.” -Fiona
https://www.gbetastartups.com/
https://www.gener8tor.com/

Invest in Girls
● We had a guest speaker from Invest in Girls speak to our class
through a video chat to share the work that Invest in Girls is
doing to promote equality within economic education.
● The speaker shared the ways in which Invest in Girls provides
classes that promote financial literacy and financially empower
girls.
● “The programs that Invest in Girls provide are a great way to
combat the hidden inequality within financial education. I
believe that these programs are successfully raising awareness
about the issue while improving the foundation that girls can
use to develop confidence around their financial decisions.” -
Alex
Target 4.4: Increase the number of people with
relevant skills for financial success
UN definition: By 2030, substantially increase the
number of youth and adults who have relevant
skills, including technical and vocational skills, for
employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
Target 10.2: Promote universal social, economic,
and political inclusion
UN definition: By 2030, empower and promote the
social, economic and political inclusion of all,
irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity,
origin, religion or economic or other status.

Common Interests
● Two guest speakers that work at Common Interests
talked to our class through a video chat and described
the way in which their business operates to empower
the financial wellness of their clients.
● The speakers expanded on how their business gives
their clients a platform to take part in value-based
investing.
● “After listening to the speakers from Common Interests I
had a better understanding about how anyone can
make a difference by making the choice to invest in
companies that have a positive identity.”
- Alex

Common Interests
● Common Interests focuses their investing around the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals. This approach enhances the impact investing of the company and allows them to reach
the targets of each individual goal.
● Achieving the goals listed within the Sustainable Development Goals has been marked as the
main responsibility of Common Interests. Investors are able to shape their investment portfolios
around the goals therefore connecting the business operations of the company with all of the
Sustainable Development Goals.
● By providing a platform for everyday investors to become involved in socially responsible
investing Common Interest is spreading the reach of the goals and assisting in the growth
businesses who operate with a shared mission.
● The way in which investors construct their portfolios around the goals, along with the
sustainable companies that Common Interests invests in, provides the company with an unique
opportunity to make a significant impact within all of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Outpost/WSBC
● Kurt Baehman came to our class to speak about the importance of the
community having access to products and services that promote
personal and environmental health and that people have access to
locally produced goods.
● Kurt gave part of the presentation in Spanish and part in English. Kurt
talked about his work as an Advisory Board member on the Wisconsin
Sustainable Business Council and the importance of the SDGs and
what Wisconsin businesses, Outpost Natural Foods are doing to try and
reach them.
● “After listening to Kurt give his presentation, I am now more aware of
how Outpost Natural foods is contributing to the Sustainable
Development Goals.” -Kathleen
Target 12.2
By 2030, achieve the sustainable
management and efficient use of
natural resources
Target 2.4
By 2030, ensure sustainable food
production systems and implement
resilient agricultural practices that
increase productivity and production,
that help maintain ecosystems, that
strengthen capacity for adaptation to
climate change, extreme weather,
drought, flooding and other disasters
and that progressively improve land and
soil quality
Pictured:
Kurt Baehman

Outpost
● In 2019 Outpost Natural Foods committed to eliminating single use
petroleum-based plastics from packaging of Outpost food by 2022. This
commitement will help with the SDG target 14.1 “By 2025, prevent and
significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from
land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.”
● Outpost Natural Foods offers organic food to the community. By doing
this, Outpost is helping decrease the amount of land sprayed with
pesticides; pesticides that can harm habitats and organisms. Outpost is
helping with the SDG target 15.5 “Take urgent and significant action to
reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity
and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.”
● Outpost Natural Foods is committed to energy efficiency. In their 2019
sustainability report Outpost Natural Foods highlights their use of energy
saving tactics and how they purchase renewable energy through
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Through the program, Outpost offset
100 percent of their electricity usage which helps with the SDG target 7.3
“By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.”
Outpost Sustainability Report

Outpost
● In 2019 Outpost Natural Foods strived to reduce production,
storage, processing and retail practices that create greenhouse
gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Outpost Natural
Foods also educates the community on the importance of
choices and how to a choice can impact environmental health,
this helps with the SDG target 13.3 “Improve education,
awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on
climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early
warning.”
● Outpost Natural Foods helps with the Sustainable Development
Goal 10 by having equal employment opportunity at their stores.
Outpost Natural Foods provides equal employment opportunity to
all qualified individuals regardless of their race, color, sex, age,
religion, national origin etc. This helps with SDG target 10.3
“Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome,
including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and
practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and
action in this regard.”
Outpost Sustainability Report

● “The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council’s mission is
to advance sustainable principles and practices forward
through the power of business. We support businesses and
sustainability professionals through an array of
programming, education, resources and tools and are a
catalyst for businesses looking to integrate sustainability
into the fabric of their organization. We are here to
transform business into a force of good in Wisconsin and
beyond.”
● The WSBC uses the Green Masters Program as a tool for
Wisconsin businesses. The Green Masters Program is an
assessment and recognition program for Wisconsin
businesses interested in improving and being recognized
for their sustainability initiatives. The Program provides
companies with a benchmark to compare their sustainability
performance to other companies in their sector.
Jessy Servi Ortiz
(pictured) is the
Managing Director of
the Wisconsin
Sustainable Business
Council.
● “Kurt and Lisa did a great job of educating our class
on the importance of the Wisconsin Sustainable
Business Council and all the work it does to
educate people on the importance of sustainable
practices”- Kathleen

● The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council works to educate all people on the
importance of Sustainable business practices and how being aware
of the Sustainable Development Goals can help keep the environment good for
now and the future. This helps with SDG target 4.7 “By 2030, ensure that all
learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable
development, including, among others, through education for sustainable
development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality,
promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and
appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable
development.”
● The WSBC is in coalition with many businesses all working towards the same
goal of having a sustainable business ecosystem that enables individuals,
communities, business, the state and the environment to prosper now and in the
future. These partnerships help with the SDG target 17.7 “Encourage and
promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on
the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.”

● “Our class was invited to an annual conference where we experienced business
leaders to share their company’s goals for future sustainable options they can
take part in. The conference was a great way to form new connections and to
gain new information of the sustainable actions that are taken place outside of
our learning environment. We had the opportunity to meet business leaders and
share our class goals.” -Maiya
● Some of the companies that came to this conference to speak were Kohl’s,
Outpost Natural Foods, Mercury, Johnson Controls and Madison Gas and
Electric, along with many other companies who take part in global and
sustainable acts. We had a great opportunity to speak with the business leaders
and to hear their plans for current and future goals to contribute to not only the
company’s successes, but also towards improving sustainable acts
for their environments.
● https://www.wisconsinsustainability.com/2019-conference

● The Global Sustainability class participated in this conference by
timing the speakers presentations as well as listening in to their
goals and aspirations for the future of their companies. The class
has the opportunity to hear about the great successes each
company had achieved.
● The Global Sustainability class had the chance and opportunity to
present their own display board. Which had included their own
work and achievements throughout their course so far. The display
board included their understanding of the sustainable
development goals and their own successes within their
community. They showed their learning and communication along
with other small business companies and influencers they have
been working with.
Target 7.2.1
Renewable energy share in
the total final energy
consumption
Target 7.3.1
Energy intensity measured
in terms of primary energy
and GDP
Target 7.1.2
Proportion of population
with primary reliance on
clean fuels and technology

Target 11.6.1
Proportion of urban solid waste
regularly collected and with
adequate final discharge out of
total urban solid waste
generated, by cities
Target 17.1.1
Total government
revenue as a
proportion of
GDP, by source
Target 12.4.1
Number of parties to
international multilateral
environmental
agreements on
hazardous waste, and
Target 11.C.1
Proportion of financial support to the least
developed countries that is allocated to the
construction and retrofitting of sustainable,
resilient and resource-efficient buildings utilizing
local materials
Target 17.1.2
Proportion of domestic budget
funded by domestic taxes
other chemicals that meet their
commitments and obligations in
transmitting information as required by each
relevant agreement
Target 12.4.2
Hazardous waste generated per capita and
proportion of hazardous waste treated, by
type of treatment
Target 12.5.1
National recycling rate, tons of material
recycled

Citizens Utility Board (CUB)
“I really enjoyed working with CUB because I had the
opportunity to work with people from the community
and to also have the opportunity to listen to the
speakers that attended the conference.” - Sara
We volunteered at CUB’s 40th anniversary event. We
welcomed, guests, staffed the registration table, and
ran an information booth, which featured the materials
that we had translated into Spanish for CUB. We also
had the opportunity to listen to the speakers and learn
more details about CUB and everything they’ve done
for our community.
CUB is a nonprofit organization in Wisconsin
that advocates for affordable utilities for
individual citizens and small companies.
https://cubwi.org
“After going to the CUB 40th anniversary event it
really impacted me because I saw the impact CUB
has made on other small businesses.” -Keelin

Target 4.7
By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the
knowledge and skills needed to promote
sustainable development, including, among others,
through education for sustainable development and
sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender
equality, promotion of a culture of peace and
non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of
cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to
sustainable development.
● CUB educates its customers as well as local
community and businesses as to why the
work CUB does is so important. Target 7.1
By 2030, ensure universal access
to affordable, reliable and modern
energy services.
● CUB advocates for
affordable utilities for
everyone.
Target 11.2
Improve education, awareness-raising and human and
institutional capacity on climate change mitigation,
adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.
● CUB raises the awareness about their nonprofit
organization by having speakers at different
conferences and schools.
Target 11.1
By 2030, ensure access for all to
adequate, safe and affordable
housing and basic services and
upgrade slums.
● CUB is working towards
making everyone be able to
afford their energy bills
making there housing
affordable.

● The Global Sustainability class
translated documents into Spanish
for CUB (shown on the right).
● The class was also preparing to
present CUB’s Energy Bill Clinics
to the community, in English and in
Spanish.

Madison Gas and Electric
● We got a tour of Madison gas and electric where we learned about the
conversion of a coal plant to natural gas.
● They described the entire process of how energy is produced, from
beginning to end.
● “After listening to the tour guide of the plant I gained a better appreciation
for the complicated process of transforming something so simple into
power.” -Hunter
https://www.mge.com/
Target 9.4
By 2030, upgrade
infrastructure and
retrofit industries
to make them
sustainable, with
increased
resource-use
efficiency and
greater adoption
of clean and
environmentally
sound
technologies and
industrial
processes, with all
countries taking
action in
accordance with
their respective
capabilities
Target 13.2
Integrate climate
change measures
into national
policies, strategies
and planning
Board member of the
WSBC

Madison Gas and Electric Sustainability Report
https://www.mge.com/our-environment/environmental-stewardship/environmental-and-sustainability-report
The report includes information on:
● New solar installations
● Plants they've converted from gas to coal
● A plan to be net zero by 2050
● A promise to reduce carbon by 40% by 2030
● MG&E’s climate science partnership with the University of Wisconsin
● Strategies for decarbonization

Ashray/UW Energy Lab
● A student, named Ashray, at UW Madison showed us his
innovative new solar panel powered generator that is primarily
designed for homes in poor countries with no electricity, and
he is working to make it affordable over time for these people.
● He gave a simple description of how it works and some case
studies he’s used it in.
● “This was personally my favorite part of all the field trips we
went on due to me pursuing a path in mechanical engineering
at UW Milwaukee.” -Hunter https://www.engr.wisc.edu/
Target 7.1
By 2030, ensure
universal access
to affordable,
reliable and
modern energy
services

Renew Wisconsin
● We were given a presentation and tour at Renew
Wisconsin where they described how they
advocate for environmental policies and the
actions they’ve took in the fight against climate
change.
● “I thought it was pretty cool just seeing an average
resident’s perspective on the whole climate
change thing and dissecting why they think certain
things.” -Hunter
https://www.renewwisconsin.org/
Target 13.3
By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable,
accessible and sustainable transport systems
for all, improving road safety, notably by
expanding public transport, with special
attention to the needs of those in vulnerable
situations, women, children, persons with
disabilities and older persons
Target 11.2
Improve education, awareness-raising and
human and institutional capacity on climate
change mitigation, adaptation, impact
reduction and early warning

Renew Wisconsin 2019 Annual Report
https://www.renewwisconsin.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2019-Annual-Report-Web.pdf

Nelson Institute Earth Day Webinar
https://nelson.wisc.edu/events/public-lectures/carbon.php
● We participated in a lecture titled
‘Carbon Jargon’. This was about
common words used in sustainable
language. In this presentation, each
student chose a topic to inform the
public about.
● “This webinar was a great opportunity
to work with the community for a good
cause. I really enjoyed being able to
work with people in the community and
having such an important task.” - Anna
Target 13.3: Improve education,
awareness-raising and human and
institutional capacity on climate change
mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and
early warning
Target 12.6: Encourage companies, especially
large and transnational companies, to adopt
sustainable practices and to integrate
sustainability information into their reporting
cycle.

Nelson Institute Earth Day Webinar
Target 17.17 Encourage and promote effective public,
public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the
experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
The 2020 B2B Carbon workshop series was an
excellent example of educational partnerships.
Target 4.7 By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the
knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable
development, including, among others, through education for
sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human
rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and
non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural
diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable
development

Projects for Evolution Marketing
● Outside of class work for Global
Sustainability, we were offered the
opportunity to work with Lisa and Evolution
Marketing. These opportunities involved
making a video as well as writing letters for
awards that Evolution Marketing was eligible
for.
● As class we also did a Carbon Jargon
Webinar with Lisa where we got to share
information that we had become experts on, it
was a eye opening experience on the impacts
of carbon.
● “This experience of one on one work with a
business owner like Lisa, was very inspiring
for me and my future of working with
business and companies like hers.” - Giselle
Target 4.7 By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and
skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others,
through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles,
human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and
non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of
culture’s contribution to sustainable development
Target 17.17 Encourage and promote effective public,
public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the
experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships
Data, monitoring and accountability

● The work that Lisa is doing with her
company Evolution Marketing is done in a
Triple Bottom Line manner, which means
they operate focusing on people, the
planet, and profit. Following this framework
Lisa is able to inspire other companies and
business to do the same.
● From this experience of partnering with
Lisa and Evolution Marketing, our class
was able to learn about the importance of
responsible consumption. We learned
about reading labels and what to look for,
like B Corps.
● “With the help from Lisa I was able contact
and communicate with Jared and Jennifer
from the Florida For Good Movement, this
connection was very helpful and important
to my college making decision.” -Giselle
Projects for Evolution Marketing
Target 13.3: Improve education,
awareness-raising and human and institutional
capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation,
impact reduction and early warning

Oconomowoc High School Global Sustainability Class 2019-2020 https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/

Oconomowoc High School Global Sustainabilty Class 2019-2020 Impact Report

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Oconomowoc High School Global Sustainabilty Class 2019-2020 Impact Report