News Releases

Sutton Lecture to Discuss Sustainability and Biomimicry in Business

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

"Sustainable Business: Innovation and Design Inspired by Nature" is the title of the annual Sutton Lecture, sponsored by the KU International Center for Ethics in Business, the KU School of Business and the KU Net Impact student organization. The KU Student Senate and Department of Design also are providing support for this lecture.

The lecture, which focuses on biomimicry, will be held at Spahr Auditorium in Eaton Hall, Monday, April 20, 2009, at 7 p.m. This lecture is open to the public and no tickets are required. The lecture will be preceded by the recognition of the 2009 School of Business RESPECT award winners. The School's "Positive Code of Conduct" awards recognize students for their Responsibility, Enthusiasm, Self-esteem, Professional Integrity, Equity, Compassion and Teamwork.

Biomimicry is the practice of systematically looking at the natural environment for inspiration in solving the challenge of creating new value offerings with positive financial, social and environmental benefits. Biomimicry also shifts the focus from finding instant answers to asking appropriate questions.

• What principles lie at the heart of our design challenges, and how would Nature solve these problems?
  
• How would the solutions fit the larger ecosystem context?
  
• What materials would the processes use, and how would they repurpose waste?
  
• What happens to our products after their intended uses?
  

A panel of experts comprising Daniel Arneman, Asheen Phansey and Kevin Stack will present the biomimicry framework and case studies of its ongoing practice. Dr. Arneman applies his passion for environmental stewardship and social responsibility as the principal carbon strategist for the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Asheen Phansey, president of Quaking Aspen, LLC, has dedicated his career to the innovative materials, processes and business models required to achieve sustainable industrial growth. Kevin Stack is owner and president of Northeast Green Building Consulting, a design and building consultancy that integrates science- and performance-based ecological building standards through construction management.

The Sutton Lecture Series is made possible by a gift in 1993 from Betsey G. Sutton in memory of her husband, Walter Sutton.

The KU International Center for Ethics in Business is a cooperative effort by the School of Business and the College of Liberal Arts. The Center aims to promote individual and corporate integrity in both U.S. and international business through research, service and training on ethical principles and behavior. Co-directors are Douglas R. May, professor of business, and Richard T. DeGeorge, distinguished professor of philosophy.

For information about the press conference for this lecture, click here.



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