The document discusses sustainability and provides tips for developing a sustainability plan and communications strategy. It defines sustainability as meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs. It then offers advice on building a sustainability brand, developing internal and external communications plans, utilizing media relationships, providing educational opportunities, and maintaining an ongoing focus on sustainability issues in the community.

1. Who Said the “S” Word? Sustainability in the Midst of Chaos Presented by Debbie Nelson

2. What is Sustainability? The most widely quoted definition internationally is the "Brundtland definition" of the 1987 Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development. Sustainability means “meeting present needs without compromising the ability for future generations to meet their own needs.”

3. What is Sustainability? Sustainability is a new way of thinking about an age-old concern: ensuring that our children and grandchildren inherit a tomorrow that is at least as good as today, preferably better.

4. Why Consider Sustainability? The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired in value.“ Theodore Roosevelt, 1910

5. Why Consider Sustainability? Current status of water resources is already compromising the needs for the future. Economic prosperity, environmental progress and community concerns are all aspects of sustainability. It is the right thing to do.

6. Build a Sustainability Plan Determine your cause(s) and commit to it watershed protection water conservation increase environmental stewardship efforts in the community recycling become an advocate for green initiatives in the workplace pollution prevention

7. Build a Sustainability Plan Define goals and objectives Develop a chart mapping out your plan Goal Objective Time Frame Department Reduce peak-time water usage Develop bill insert with conservation message Insert into bills by May statement period Customer Service Encourage proper disposal of FOG Develop a FOG can to hand out at community event Produce by event date 6-10-09 Pretreatment

8. Elements of Your Sustainability Plan

9. Develop a sustainability brand Create a logo or mascot as a spokesperson Define your objectives for sustainability through this brand Promote environmental stewardship Make your brand well-known Remember…vehicles are moving billboards Strong Organizational Identity

11. Internal Communications Plan Educate your employees Make sure they understand your agency’s agenda and their individual roles Employees' support can build customer confidence in your organization Train your customer service department to inform callers about the importance of sustainability

12. Internal Communications Plan Develop an internal evaluation system for your current and proposed sustainable practices Determine ways to enhance current processes and equipment to support sustainability Evaluate “green” programs that provide long-term savings when upgrading facilities

13. Internal Communications Plan Focus on simple initiatives—i.e. recycling or going paperless Offer incentives to employees who drive energy-efficient vehicles, carpool, ride bikes to work, etc. Encourage employees to share sustainability ideas…implement programs which are feasible

14. External Communications Plan Communicate with your stakeholders on a regular basis Provide information to help them understand why you care and why they should care Develop a newsletter, electronic or print Include a section on sustainability with tips that stakeholders can use to participate in your initiative

16. External Communications Plan Include the following on your web site: Your sustainability plan The role your agency plays in the future of your community How your stakeholders can help Utilize social media tools wisely! Blogging, Twitter, LinkedIn

17. External Communications Plan Develop a presentation about sustainability that your speakers’ bureau can take to community organizations and schools to promote your message.

18. External Communications Plan Encourage industrial and commercial customers to develop their own sustainability programs Create an awards program for companies who encourage environmental stewardship Encourage companies to set goals for reducing their carbon “footprint” and reduce their impact on water resources

19. External Communications Plan Keep local and state leaders informed Build and maintain your relationships, remind them about your organization and its goals Present your plan for sustainability Send regular communications Host events to provide updates on the efforts to protect our water resources Make them a part of the solution

20. Media Relationships Provide your plan to the media Initiate conversations with key reporters in your community Find out about their areas of interest that are related to you or your organization Become an expert that they will call when they need a comment or a resource for information

21. Media Relationships Find ways to recognize other individuals and industries for joining the cause for sustainability and applaud them through media relations Develop best practices for your sustainability efforts and publicize them Find reasons to write and distribute press releases

22. Press Release Ideas Sustainability plan Sustainability successes How others can assist in sustainability initiatives Awards presented by agency Cost savings efforts Volunteer efforts Public education efforts Human interest stories about employees or agency Awards received by agency or employee Installation of Officers Certifications received Capital Improvements - Planned Groundbreakings Project Completions Dedications

23. Educational Opportunities Partner with schools and organizations to provide a platform for your sustainability agenda Develop and host educational events that will create face-to-face opportunities to encourage sustainability Offer tours to businesses, schools, universities and community organizations

25. Host training workshops within your industry to promote environmental stewardship among other organizations and industries Encourage others to fight to protect our resources and support their efforts Educational Opportunities

27. Educational Opportunities Become a mentor for others who are interested in joining the cause Develop educational materials about the importance of sustainability Distribute to classrooms Provide them as handouts at community events or to other organizations

29. Educational Opportunities Create contests or other activities that will encourage the community to become involved with your campaign Introduce to school districts, organizations or other community outlets

31. Conclusion Continue to engage your community on the topic of sustainability. Provide examples for your stakeholders through changes in your own organization. Allow stakeholders to look into the processes you and your organization have committed to long-term.

32. Conclusion Maintain your organization’s identity in the community by sponsoring environmental events and causes. Make sure the community knows the proactive steps your organization is taking.

33. Thank You For More Information, Please Contact Debbie Nelson 864-235-0959 [email_address]