Jared Blumenfeld: Leading your organisation, city and community to sustainable practice.

Jared Blumenfeld (from San Francisco) spoke at Challenges '08 on "Leading your organisation, city and community to sustainable practice."

The private sector said:
Carbon trading is not equitable as it stands, but has triggered investment in energy efficiency. Within our organisations we need to drive change from the top down, communicating more about the issues and supporting processes for innovation. We should introduce KPIs that support sustainability and recognise that sustainable practices can create more job opportunities

The local government sector said:
As leaders we can engage our organisations and communities more effectively in sustainable practice by telling stories and getting away from the jargon. We need to explain how the issue really affects people, find the point that motivates them and target that. Local government should work in partnership with Ministry for the Environment, sharing knowledge and not trying to reinvent the wheel

The not-for profit sector said:
Environmental change will come about through peer pressure and cost pressure. Is there strategic “green” leadership in New Zealand at a local or national level? We need such leadership so people can see the benefits of sustainability and conservation. We may have the necessary standards in place, but there is not the infrastructure or demand. We all need to model appropriate behaviours for our children

The central government sector said:
If we want to consume less and still have a thriving economy we need to focus on education for consumers, transparent information that gets people thinking about the issues and putting their minds to action. Focus on recycle and repair – making better use of what we have got. People need to be given the tools to live a sustainable life and be sold on their benefits