References and Testimonials

Comments about Hunter Lovins

Comments about Christopher Juniper

Comments about Jeff Hohensee

Comments about Paul Sheldon

Comments about the Climate Protection Manual for Cities

Comments about Natural Capitalism Solutions

Comments about LASER

Comments about the book, Natural Capitalism

15 May 2006

Hunter,
Thank you for participating in our meeting last week. It was a pleasure to meet you and hear you speak! Your passion is apparent in every word, As facility managers of leased office buildings, I think the audience was a bit stunned immediately after your pitch. Although they might not be in a position to develop innovations with measurable impact for the Company, hearing you speak did 2 main things 1) It opened their eyes, raised their levels of awareness, and made the concept of sustainability much more real and understandable to them. 2) Through this new level of awareness and through your contagious enthusiasm, it inspired them. They are talking to one another about sustainability and starting to consider ways to incorporate this new thinking into their responsibilities and roles. Without a doubt, I think you reached almost everyone in that group.

Thank you,
Irene Santoscoy
Corporate EHS Program Manager Properties & Transactions
GE CP & SO

8 March 2006

Hello Hunter:
I attended your presentation at CU last night and was so heartened and intrigued by your message and philosophy. I work with Boulder’s office of Environmental Affairs as a liaison to the business community and your concepts and examples are quite pertinent. I appreciate the time you took to speak publicly. Thank you for the inspiring words.

Regards,

Dan Powers
Community Affairs Manager Boulder Chamber of Commerce

 

8 March 2006

Dear Hunter:

Congratulations on last night. In my view you accomplished a great deal on many levels. Stoked the fire of urgency. Encouraged the university and its students to "step up." Educated EVERYONE. Offered a set of solutions and possibilities that laid track for a new direction in our future.

You were beautiful, commanding, enlightening, available, engaging, soulful, inspiring and even humorous. Your talk hit the mark square on. Let's go for it!

Let's use this ripe climate here in Colorado to build something that will be a foundation for what's wanted and needed in the 21st century.

With great love and respect,

Audrey James Levine

CEO, Paradigm Nouveau Enterprises, LLC

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8 March 2006

Hey Hunter!

I heard you on Joel's KGNU show yesterday. I was supposed to be working on the library garden, but sat in my car instead listening to you.

You're still my hero. Bless you for all you do for the Afghan people.

- Jennifer Heath

 

February 2006
On behalf of the Steering Committee for the State-EPA Symposium on Environmental Innovation and Results, I thank you for your terrific opening plenary presentation at last week's conference. We wanted to inform, inspire and energize participating State environmental and EPA staff and you did all three.

I particularly appreciate the rich array of real world examples you shared of how various individuals, communities, companies, and governments are bringing about a more sustainable future. The optimism of your message resonated throughout conference and helped make all of the subsequent discussions constructive and positive. Your preview of Major General Johnson's closing remarks also provided just the sort of "buzz" we wanted to build interest in the final plenary and he did indeed provide the perfect complement to your wonderful opening.

As you know, you were speaking to an audience that is deeply committed to protecting our nation's "natural capital" and to achieving a more sustainable future. Your enthusiastic recognition and encouragement of their sometimes challenging efforts was a valuable and buoying gift. You will be glad to hear of an immediate outcome of the conference - one of our EPA colleagues is now on a mission to learn more about Biomimicry and Ms. Benyus' book so she can add this important concept to training on sustainability now offered for EPA staff.

Thank you again for your important contribution to the success of the State-EPA Symposium. I wish you the best in your ongoing work and hope our paths cross again in the future.

- Betsy Shaw
Chair EPA Symposium Steering Committee

 

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28 December 2005

Thank you for participating in the Fort Carson Fourth Annual Community Sustainability Conference on November 9, 2005. Attendees have expressed appreciation for the information and inspiration your speech gave them.

As in past years, the conference was a movement towards and celebration of progress in achieving regional sustainability through inspiration, education and awareness and most importantly partnerships. Margaret Meade addressed the subject of stakeholder value saying, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has."

By sharing your knowledge of current inefficient and even damaging practices followed by very real solutions, you are fueling the momentum and contributing towards making the Pikes Peak area a sustainable region. On behalf of Fort Carson, I would like to thank you and Natural Capitalism, Inc. for sharing  your commitment to achievements in sustainable living.

Sincerely,

Michael Resty Jr.

Colonel, U.S. Army

Fort Carson Garrison Commander

12 September 2005

Thank you for being a keynote speaker at the fourth Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. You have helped to make this fair a success.

We have heard many comments that our speakers are among the finest to be found. Your broadly based knowledge and dynamism provided a captivating presentation. We believe that your audience left with motivation to take action on energy and the environment.

It was good to see and hear you again.

Sincerely,

Drs. Bob and Sonia Vogl, President & Secretary/Treasurer

Illinois Renewable Energy Association

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June 2005
. . . During the first panel discussion, entitled "How to Gain a Green Office Environment," one panelist described with pride (and at length) how she convinced her office to convert from the disposable bathroom towels in their office bathroom to an air dryer. My eyes drooped shut and my head nodded forward.

The evening’s tone changed dramatically during the break, when, while I was speaking with George (and plotting a graceful departure), a guest grabbed the microphone. George told me that the speaker was renowned environmentalist L. Hunter Lovins, a true hero among the green movement. Her present company is called Natural Capitalism, Inc. The few words she offered made me realize the world is beset with problems that we in the development community cannot ignore.

"I have distressing news, she said. She then described in stark terms the problems regarding the deterioration of the ozone layer and global warming – serious ecological issues that will deeply impact our children’s lives. She described how we have a short window of time to address these problems and that we all must become familiar with and try to incorporate the concept of "sustainability," that we not waste energy, and strive to reuse what we have.

After hearing her speech, I came to two sober and depressing realizations: first, forget trading in my SUV with a less fuel efficient (yet cooler) model, and more seriously that with their development on North Ashland Avenue, George and Susan Sullivan are ahead of their time. The techniques and processes that they are utilizing to “build green” are vitally important. Every responsible developer should learn about the incentives being offered by local, state, and federal government, and realize the financial benefits let alone the personal gratification, that one can glean by going green. Not only is green construction a new niche that every developer should consider pursuing, but if these prognostications are correct, "going green" must be a commonplace way to build and renovate property.

- Mark Glasser, President
Rogers Park Business Group
Excerpt from "As I see It" in the Rogers Park Business Group Summer 2005 newsletter

 

June 2005
Dear Hunter,
Thank you for your inspiring presentation for World Environment Day! It is rare to have core beliefs challenged concurrent with the presentation of opportunities for growth and new thinking. I’ve received many positive reactions from attendees. I cam excited about providing an ongoing forum and platform for reform in our ideas about development. You are always welcome in San Francisco!

- Mark Palmer
     SF Environment
     &  Christi Grahm
     Healthy Home Plans

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May 2005

Thanks again for making the trek down to California to speak at the UC Davis Social Entrepreneurship class. The class loved your presentation and thy appreciated your honest and the directness with which you spoke. The class was incredibly successful. Thanks for being such an important part of this success. Let's be sure to be in touch! Thanks again!

- Cleve Justis

Instructor, Social Entrepreneurship Class at UC Davis

14 July 2004

Inspired by the rapid return on its investment in lighting, Xanterra has embraced Natural Capitalism, running the organization in a manner that is good for the environment and its bottom line. . .

'We are protecting the natural capital of the earth by using resources more efficiently.'

Article in Lodging Hospitality Magazine

16 June 04

On behalf of the Board and Staff of the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT/Green Jamaica) - thank you so much for participation in Green Expo 2004. You made an important contribution to both the Business ands Environment Seminars and on the Opening Ceremony of the exposition itself. You stimulated our minds and motivated us to keep doing what we are doing - only more effectively. WE will certainly be considering the potential for our contribution in the areas of energy and water conservation, and will likely be in touch soon to follow up with you on the possibilities regarding energy as discussed at dinner after the Opening Ceremony.

I think your contribution also had an impact on the business and industry sector through our partners in the Business and Environment Seminar - the Business Council for the Environment and the Jamaica Institute of Environmental Professionals. I hope they will be in touch with you directly.

Thank you once again for being such a patient, gracious and easy-going guest - we had so little time for you with all our preparation for Green Expo.

Once again, thank you and I hope we'll be working together on something bigger soon.

Yours sincerely,

Susan Otuokon

M.Sc., Executive Director
Jamaica Conservation & Development Trust

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April 2004
“Hunter possesses that rare combination of spunky spontaneity and down-home credibility. She presents well and in that I mean, she has the remarkable ability to deliver powerful statistics from years of research, coupled with the solutions that turn those discouraging statistics into practical applications for a sustainable future. And Hunter is down right fun! The cowboy had really helped smooth the way for our conservative Scottsdale audience.”

- Bell Starr,

SolFest Southwest Director

February 2004
"Hunter’s presentation and her whole life shows that environmental protection and economic prosperity can and must and shall go hand in hand.”

- John Howard,

Federal Environmental Executive
Program Chair Marin Conservation League

12 November 2003

On Behalf of the Department of Defense Regional Environmental Coordinators for Region 10, I would like to express sincere appreciation for your participation in our Sustainability Education Day for Military Leadership at Ft Lewis, Washington, on October 30, 2003. By all accounts, the Education Day was a tremendous success and serves as an outstanding starting point for a sound regional partnership to address many of the resources challenges our leaders face while assuring continued military readiness. You played a key role in setting the stage for this program. We gave you a very daunting task - to be inspirational - and while you joked about that tag, you certainly performed the task with great skill and enthusiasm. You explained the existing problem and the consequences of not acting on it, then empowered all of us to take necessary action and embrace the new opportunities that come with it. From here, our challenge is to take advantage of the momentum you initiated and we will.

It was a privilege to have met and dialogued with someone who is so thoughtful and knowledgeable about sustainability. My only regret is that we didn't have more time to talk about some of the exciting things you are working on. My colleagues and I shall look forward to any future opportunities with you and share our progress. In the meantime, we wish you, and NCS, much success in your own future endeavors. Your mission of moving beyond ideas to real world implementation is a goal for all of us. You are a true change agent!

Sincerely,

Clare Mendelsohn

DoD Regional Environmental Coordinator, Region 10

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April 2003

Thank you for granting me a stellar interview - it is the backbone of th film! Velocity is in distribution = let me know if you can use it for your work, too!

All my best -
Michelle Voss Writer, Producer and Director of "Velocity"

January 2003

If anyone were to ask me how to create a leading-edge program in Sustainable Management, I would say: call in Hunter Lovins! That's how important I think your contribution has been to the dialogue we've been having and had on the weekend.

Your presentations, observations and recommendations are about as germane as it's possible for them to be. All of which is to say we're profoundly appreciative of the work you've done with us to date and especially over the weekend.

Thanks for helping us make this a national model for how graduate business education ought to be done!

With warm and high regard,

--Dick Gray
 Founder and Board President, Presidio School of Management

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“Christopher Juniper's presentation and workshop on Natural Capitalism for the 2ndVittachi International Conference on Sustainability in August of 2003 received rave reviews from the delegates representing 10 countries. He not only gave an excellent overview of the theories of economic and environmental sustainability, but also involved all participants in a dynamic process of group problem solving the real issues confronting businesses and government. Conferees gained the experience of examining and working with these issues using their international perspective.  Conferees ranged in age and experience from 18 to 62, university students and international entrepreneurs, educators, artists and health care professionals. The theoretical and practical aspects of Mr. Juniper's presentation engaged this diverse group in lively interaction and their evaluations gave him high recommendations for his professionalism, communication abilities and depth of presentation.”

-Illene Pevec, MA

Director of Vittachi II Conference on Sustainability

We are very proud to be working with NCS and Christopher.

- Marvin Klein
PortionPac (Chicago, IL)

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9 February 2007 During my 19 year tenure in the California Department of Education (CDE) as a Consultant in science and environmental education, I had the distinct pleasure of working with Jeff Hohensee from 1995 to 2005. I recruited Jeff to volunteer on the CDE Environmental Education Advisory Committee (EEAC) because of his outstanding skills in change management and his valuable cross-over experience in both business and education. During his multi-year tenure on the EEAC, Jeff not only provided the CDE with invaluable assistance on its long-range planning, but he also played a key leadership role in the development and implementation of the California Regional Environmental Education Community (CREEC) Network whose mission was to provide educators with high quality environmental education resources. The CREEC Network served millions of educators over the last ten years, and continues to be a robust organization to this day. In Los Angeles, Jeff anchored the CREEC Network at TreePeople, where he worked as the Director of Education Programs, supervised some 40 employees, and single-handedly fund-raised enough money to employ a full time CREEC Network Coordinator. Jeff not only hosted many strategic planning meetings and a statewide CREEC Conference for the CREEC Network leaders, but also actively participated in the professional development of the CREEC Network Coordinators that were serving all 58 counties of the most populous and diverse state in the nation. While Jeff’s broad range of business and interpersonal skill sets are too numerous to list, what I most appreciated was his willingness to carefully listen and thoughtfully capture the ideas presented in meetings before developing a course of action. Jeff generously applied these same abilities in other organizations, such the Golden State Environmental Education Consortium, which he chaired for several years, and the National Association of Environmental Educators. I’ve never met anyone with more passion and sincere commitment to all his environmental education work and volunteer efforts. It’s clear that Jeff’s insightful leadership and tireless dedication will continue to benefit environmental educators and K-12 students for many years to come.

- Bill Andrews

Senior Consultant, Council for Environmental Education

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December 2005
Principles of Sustainable Management was a fantastic initiation into the Presidio School of Management MBA in Sustainable Management Program. The course provided a clearly understandable context for the program. I really enjoyed my learning experience in this class.

On a professional level, I came into this program to increase my understanding of sustainability and to develop business skills. In my first semester at Presidio I have met my expectations for developing a foundation of knowledge in these areas. On a personal level, I came to Presidio on a quest for hope. I had become more than a little cynical about our society’s ability to take on the challenges that lie before us. I had made the issues black and white and was unwilling to open my mind to others that thought differently than me. I was mentally stuck (I mean really dug in) and didn’t know why.

My attitude and behavior began to shift when I overheard Hunter mention at the third residency that, “there are no enemies, it’s just us.” This simple Yoda-like phrase has become a real paradigm-shifter for me. Since that residency I have found myself repeating this mantra when I realize that I have chosen a side in a discussion. Repeating the mantra helps me to reach out with my mind to understand where others are coming from without offering criticism just so I get to be right. I think Hunter’s words foster healthy communication “energy” that is applicable to what we are learning in our communication class.

Principles of Sustainable Management was a great beginning class to learn the frameworks and tools of sustainability. The class readings were incredibly helpful in understanding the issues around sustainability. Natural Capitalism was a life altering read for me. I am relieved to learn that sustainability isn’t just the “new environmentalism,” but something deeper, something more powerful that includes everyone. It is an inclusive movement that requires all of us to learn and act together.

It was an honor to learn from Hunter and Paul. I liked the energy that they generated around the issues. I especially appreciated their humility. They adeptly kept their egos in check while presenting their own theories and respectfully presented thoughts that were different than their own. As a student of sustainability, I appreciated that Hunter and Paul made us feel like we were all partners on the same team on a quest to figure this thing out.

I am happy to report that through this course I found not only hope, but also inspiration as well. Hunter and Paul’s personal experiences with businesses and communities that are making a difference provided this renewed sense of hope and inspiration. I leave this course believing that I have a solid base of understanding on which to build. This course was the shot in the arm (kick in the ass?) that I needed to get back into action.

My final observation is that I learned more than I thought I would from my fellow classmates. I can easily say that I learned something from everyone in class. It was an honor to be among such a special and engaged group. I look forward to the next year and a half with them.

- Dorsey More
Presidio School of Management MBA Candidate 2006

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November 2006

Never before have mayors had such a detailed, helpful resource for implementing strategies that will significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses. You have performed such an important service -- and with incredible competence and class.

- Rocky Anderson
Mayor, Salt Lake City, UT

December 2006

I just wanted to thank you for the incredible effort your noteworthy organization has made to produce the Climate Protection Manual. As I told you over the phone, I am spearheading a grass roots effort in Ojai, California, to transform our city into the “Greenest City in the World.” A star high goal. I have the city, county, chamber, school district, etc. on board and at a recent meeting we were all jazzed about taking a leadership role, and doing it. Yet we were immediately confronted with the practical reality…..How???? Here we were, wild with enthusiasm, committed, yet dumbfounded at how to go about it. What a daunting prospect. Create from scratch the “ how to reduce global warming “ manual. Yikes!!! We have enthusiasm but not a scientist amongst us. It took the steam right out of us. Our despair was palpable.

Imagine my delight, after downloading your Climate Protection Manual the very next day, to see the MANUAL had already been created! Oh the joy!! Thousands of man hours were literally at our finger tips!!! Here was the manual, the scientific approach, for us to START! How fantastic!! The City of Ojai and its” citizens thanks Natural Capitalism Solutions for it’s heroic efforts, commitment, and humanitarianism. We will put this manual to use, and we will soon be, the Greenest City in the World!!!

Your new fans in California,
- Ken Wright
On Behalf of the Ojai Green Coalition
Ojai, CA

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December 2005
Dear Hunter, Gwendolyn and Christopher,

Hope you arrived well home for Christmas. Happy new year to all of you.

Once more thank you really very much for such qualitative seminar with workshops you three have done.

Please find attached some photos from training.

Regards to all of you,
- Vlastimir Milosavljevic, J.D.
Regional Office Director, America's Development Foundation (Serbia)

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BRAVO, Hunter, on all the hope you are generating, and on buliding a lean, effective team to deliver nat-cap know-how far and wide. I am in awe - and wonder - and hope. Thanks so much. This is soul food and a great pre-thanksgiving treat.

- Vicki Robin
www.YourMoneyorYourLife.org
www.ConversationCafe.org
www.SimplicityForum.org
www.NewRoadMap.org
Be open-minded, but not so open-minded that your brains fall out. - Groucho Marx

January 2005
"With their sustainability workshop, Hunter Lovins and her team from Natural Capitalism provide an inspirational and informative forum for learning about the opportunities in becoming a sustainable enterprise. The interactive format of their workshop involves all the participants and makes the learning experience valuable to everyone who attends. The Chicago companies who participated in our 2004 GreenPlants workshop enjoyed the experience and came away more informed and energized to take the next steps on the sustainability journey."

- Karen Wan
Chicago Manufacturing Center

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"By illuminating the common ground between economics, environment, and society with crystal clarity and eloquence, Natural Capitalism is the design manual for the 21st century. Read it! Read it again!"

- David Orr (Earth in Mind)

"You had better have a copy of this on your shelf or you will not be able to identify tomorrow’s companies and industries as they appear before your eyes . . ."

- Professor Stuart Hart of the University
North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School

 

"There is not an idea in this powerful book that doesn’t make intuitive, obvious, immediate, calculable sense."

- Bill McKibben (The End of Nature)

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