Innovation is a step–by–step process, connecting existing building blocks in different ways that result in new solutions. At Sustainable Conservation, we`re committed to that approach. We find new ways to address serious environmental problems by engaging business and private landowners in voluntary conservation. We try to understand both the barriers and incentives that motivate their actions and assess the forces that shape their decision–making.

We`re serious about change. When local government identified copper shed from brake pads as a potentially significant pollutant in the San Francisco Bay, Sustainable Conservation created a partnership between business, government, and the community that will lead brake pad manufacturers to include additional environmental criteria into their product design. When we learned that the regulatory process was preventing farmers from reducing erosion of their lands into the biologically rich Elkhorn Slough, we created an innovative program to streamline this process and encourage prevention.

Sustainable Conservation`s approach blends strategic thinking with strategic partnerships. This approach directs actions practically and effectively and results in better conservation outcomes. Our partnerships also leverage resources and expand our influence.

Our Approach on Specific Projects

Auto Recycling

Sustainable Conservation`s understanding of the auto recycling industry helped us find low-cost or no-cost answers to the problem of polluted runoff - something important in a business where profit margins are very small and continue to shrink.

Brake Pad Partnership

Sustainable Conservation`s Brake Pad Partnership brought together members of industry, government, and communities to research the potential environmental impacts of brake pad wear debris. A significant part of our conservation work is to create discussion forums between key stakeholders.

Dairies

To make a difference in the state that leads the nation in dairy production, Sustainable Conservation combined our industry knowledge with economics, the latest scientific research, and groundbreaking technology. By offering dairy farmers and regulators a wide variety of solutions to the industry`s most urgent problems, we provided farmers with economic incentives and encouraged a greater number of them to improve the environment.

Landowner Assurances for Habitat Restoration

Working directly with landowners and landowner groups, Sustainable Conservation`s Landowner Assurances, creates a legal and regulatory environment to reward responsible stewardship for endangered species through Safe Harbor Agreements or other mechanisms. With landowner assurances in place, Sustainable Conservation, along with local and agency partners, implement habitat restoration to benefit the target species.

Partners In Restoration

Sustainable Conservation`s Partners In Restoration looks at environmental stewardship differently - and finds ways to help private landowners to care for the environment. We cut the "red tape," make it easier to get technical assistance, and eliminate the fees for permits to install conservation projects. Our unique approach has preserved habitats and reduced soil erosion in watersheds throughout California.

Wetlands

Sustainable Conservation shares our knowledge about creating valuable and unique wetlands habitats. Through our outreach and education programs, we are developing a demonstration project of our own that will provide environmentalists and industry with reliable information on the best sustainability practices.