Resources

Check out these resources to help empower you to accelerate sustainability.

Learn from Success of 100+ Organizations (MPower Champions Program)

Through the MPower Champions Program 110 organizations in Dane County completed over 570 sustainability projects, resulting in over 60 million lbs of CO2 emissions avoided and over 2 million dollars saved annually. MPower was a year-long training program that gave organizations the tools and resources needed to reduce their environmental impact while saving costs and creating a healthier and more engaging workplace and community. The success of this program lives on in our Accelerate Sustainability Workshops.

MPower 10-Year Anniversary Case Studies

“Union Cab has added solar on two of our buildings and converted our sedans to gas electric hybrids which has had a dramatic effect on our carbon footprint. These actions were directly related to the MPower program and the contacts we developed from it.” —Butch Hanson, Union Cab of Madison Co-op Board President

Read their case studies

Defining Sustainability

The definition of sustainability is broad and evolving. In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Sustain Dane’s holistic definition of sustainability includes a healthy environment, a just economy, and social wellbeing.

We base our definition on The Natural Step Framework’s system conditions. A sustainable society recognizes that the earth’s natural resources are limited and exist in a ecological balance. A sustainable society will only take from and add to the earth at a rate that the earth can replenish its resources. And finally, in a sustainable society, people have the capacity to meet their basic needs to achieve wellbeing.

Statement of Solidarity for Racial Justice

We believe change happens when inspired people take action. The time for change is upon us. Sustain Dane cares deeply about equity and anti-racism in all areas, including environmental justice, that is essential for our work with the community. It is everyone’s social responsibility to ensure the Madison region is inclusive, fair, and just for all. Without this ethical framework we will not be resilient or sustainable. Read our statement of solidarity for racial justice.

Past Program Impact

Sustain Dane has launched many programs that are interwoven in the fabric of Dane County sustainability. We encourage you to connect with us about these resources and others.

Outdoor Classrooms

Comprised of diverse local educators, parents, volunteers, and district leaders, the Outdoor Learning Network works to expand our local classrooms outside. The network connects educators to resources in the community to create meaningful outdoor learning experiences. Wisconsin Green Schools took over this program in 2019, follow them on facebook.

Yahara Watershed Academy

The Yahara Watershed Academy is a training and leadership-development experience that aims to empower a regional network of leaders for the Yahara River Watershed by supporting the creation of locally led initiatives benefiting our watershed. Clean Lakes Alliance now owns this program, learn more.

Step Up: Equity Matters

Step Up: Equity Matters has been working for a just economy since 2014 through facilitating learning, dialogue, and self-reflection at public workshops, private trainings, and speaking events. Step Up is now run by previous program partner Latino Professionals Association.

Sustainability Snapshot

Sustainability Snapshot was a resource to understand the state of sustainability in the Greater Madison Region in 2015. By measuring indicators of sustainability, this innovative tool illustrated the connections within our community, economy, and environment and helped inspire actions toward a more sustainable future. Learn about the Snapshot’s findings.

Ho-Chunk Resident Panels for Imagine Madison

In 2017, Sustain Dane and Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison facilitated panels to provide an opportunity for Ho-Chunk residents of Madison to influence city planning through the participatory process Imagine Madison. Read Imagine Madison’s report.

Rain Barrels

From 2005 to 2011, Sustain Dane helped to sell thousands of rain barrels in Dane County and nationally. The program increased awareness about the power of individual action for the health of our lakes. Sustain Dane no longer sells or installs rain barrels.