CHAIR’S REPORT A YEAR AT THE DRAWING BOARD I’ve been thinking a lot about architecture, lately. I couldn’t tell a Doric column from a Corinthian, and I can’t draw to save myself, but it hasn’t stopped my green thoughts turning to blueprints. You see, when I was a CSL fellow in 2010 I figured out that I was, in the language of Jason Clarke’s neat typology of human capabilities, a designer – someone who sees how we could shape great ideas into a workable form. The objects of my mental sculpting are not chic facades or elaborate interiors, but rather smarter public policies, superior organisational strategies and a more enticing personal roadmap. From writing about design flaws in our climate policies to charting my own future direction, I have enjoyed doing more of this type of thinking in 2011 than ever before. My most satisfying design work, however, has been with my team at CSL – an extraordinary group of people spanning not just my superb colleagues on the Board, but our staff, sponsors, Fellows and friends. Having moved from the Fellowship Program to the Board, to the Chair, I have been privileged not only to see CSL from multiple perspectives, but also to meet the many people who comprise this stellar team. Together, we’ve smoothly managed changes, successfully delivered programs, and raised our sights towards exciting aspirations. In 2011 we warmly welcomed new directors Janette O’Neill, Brian Gardner, Melissa Field, Jeremy Baskin, Katie Pahlow and Matt Perry, while we farewelled long-serving former chairs Cameron Brown and Rachel Lowry and directors Glenn Bartlett and Megan Gourlay, all of whom have given so much to CSL. We delivered two successful Fellowship Programs – our seventh in Melbourne and our third in Sydney – and were inspired by their ideas, passions and projects. And with the launch of Leadership Rewired, our innovative e-learning program, we now have the capacity to reach beyond Melbourne and Sydney; to empower anyone, anywhere, to build collaborative enterprises and movements for sustainable change. None of this would have been possible without the hard work of Andrew Foran and his wonderful staff, and the generous support of many individuals and organisations. I would like to thank, on behalf of CSL, all of our 2011 sponsors and in particular our two key sponsors, EPA Victoria and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. A special thank you also to Jason Clarke for his ceaseless and unparalleled contribution to CSL, and all of 6 – CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP
the speakers, presenters, mentors and supporters who gave their time and wisdom to ensure the success of the Fellowship Programs in 2011. So where to, next for CSL? What are our aspirations for the next five years? And what are our plans for the next 12 months? As the Board charted a course for CSL, we unleashed the ‘designer’ in all of us. Reflecting on our values, strengths, limitations and opportunities we distilled the four elements that we think lie at the heart of CSL and which will guide our plans for its next phase: People; Empowerment; Connection; and Resources. We want to keep attracting talented, passionate people who share our values and are eager to step up to the challenge of sustainability leadership. Moreover, we want to: empower them to be sustainability leaders by giving them learning opportunities, inspiration and support; connect them with one another, with CSL and with the best sustainability leaders from across the community; and equip them with the resources that will help them to develop ground-breaking projects and to reach new audiences. Within this framework, we will be implementing a number of exiting new initiatives over the coming months and years. Combining the immersive experience of the Fellowship Program with the reach and flexibility of Leadership Rewired, we will develop new blended learning programs to empower ever more sustainability leaders. We will do more to support our cohort of 200+ alumni in Melbourne and Sydney, including professional development programs and greater opportunities for them to showcase their ideas and expand their networks. And we will be expanding our programme of events to provide more frequent and engaging forums, to unite our extraordinary network of sustainability movers-and-shakers. There is, therefore, much to be excited about as CSL moves into its next phase. I look forward to working with everyone in this ever-growing family to supplement and implement our architectural blueprint for CSL, in pursuit of our shared vision for a sustainable future.
Fergus Green Chair, The Centre for Sustainability Leadership