JUST WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS . . .
ANOTHER SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANT.
Okay. But hear me out.
I have 30 years of experience helping companies, NGOs, and governments measure, improve, and own their impact. I’ve seen some crazy stuff and have an impressive client list. While I’m usually hired to help develop cultures of sustainability and communicate impact, I’ve pretty much touched it all.
I offer a creative, no-nonsense approach to sustainability that includes the practical application of strategies that map directly to traditional ROI metrics. No fluff.
clients
GOOGLE * apple * microsoft * dell * subaru * nbc universal* U.S. national park service * state of maine * amazon * clifbar * cities of portland and south portland * u.s. coast guard * interface carpet * wicked joe coffee * baxter brewing * ecobonus * e+co * green spa network * nelma * u.s. lumber coalition * the world bank * sea maine aquaculture accelerator * dogwood alliance * think blue massachusetts * clynk * maine hardware * kaplan thompson architects * tfh architects * simmons architect * inst. for sustainable communities * Greenscapes * mt. washington observatory * partnerships for health * native energy * hawaii native corporation * 562 media group * tilson engineering * Re:Purpose * Maine department of agriculture * EARTHSHIFT GLOBAL * northeast ENERGY efficiency partnerships * Montrose Environmental Group * manomet CONSERVATION SCIENCES * environment northeast * american institute for architects * brightbuilt * brightstar * climate counts * the positivity company * eolian energy * maples organics * SMRT architects and engineers * portland symphony orchestra * softwood expoRt council * maine organic farmers associations * Small Woodland owners association of maine * ocean approved SEAWEED * WEX * VANs/VF Group
how i can help
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For generalist agencies I can provide expertise, strategy, writing and pitch development for new business and client-growth opportunities.
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We’re a seat at the strategy table to ensure that the modern bottom lines are not just a noble distraction. We build sustainability action plans and drive their implementation and execution.
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As much as you can handle or as little as you need. We can get you started or get you there on a part-time contract basis. Retainers provided in 5 hour weekly blocks.
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Need a marketing officer, but only a little? Is sustainability the heart of your business? We can provide on-going support to your small business as you grow. Retainers provided in 10 hour monthly blocks.
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From B Corporation certs and re-certs, to required environmental certifications, we help untangle the tangled.
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Think of it as a heat map for your organization. Where are the hot spots for engagement and change? Who are the champions? Where do we need to start the conversation?
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Our unique and robust audit protocol to make sure the sustainability strategy is uniquely you. We measure the difference between what you say and what you do revealing authenticity gaps that create friction in your business.
The audits are iterative, increase in complexity and detail as needed.
Level 1: Scan for hot spots via internal interviews and public documents
Level 2: Screen for related internal influences (policies and procedures)
Level 3: Full review including external influence and influencers (stakeholders)
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Global or local, we can help craft your employee engagement program to make sure sustainability is authentic and participatory.
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From facilitating workshops to developing procurement score cards and codes of conduct, we build partnerships that advance sustainability.
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Data is a cultural artifact. We help organizations and communities measure, disclose and mitigate their environmental impacts.
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Iron Eyes Cody in the Keep America Beautiful campaign shaped a generation. But so did Coke is Happiness. Campaigns matter.
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Incentive systems matter. So do policies and procedures. But they all need to be culturally relevant. We help craft them.
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People who recycle newspapers are more likely to also recycle plastics. We help measure behavior patters, and leverage them for broader impact.
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We focus on use- and end of life-phase research to bring data to the table along with actionable insights for behavior change. We also help design and manage LCA projects and consultants.
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Compulsory (supply chain or investor pressure), regulatory, voluntary (GRI, SASB, CDP) or hybrid, we can help you gather, understand and tell the story of your data.
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Mostly qualitative deep research into beliefs, patterns, and norms that help you understand stakeholder culture. Surveys have a place. But that place is not everywhere.
I built our own AI research tool specifically for sustainability called Forager-RS.
contact john rooks
About me
In the 90s, I earned a masters degree in writing and cultural theory. I have worked for an environmental engineering firm, an ad agency, an environmental compliance software start-up, and a life cycle assessment consultancy. I started my own firm focused on sustainability in 2003. In 2013, with partners, I launched Rapport.io a sustainability analytics platform for the SME market. In 2025, with partners, I launch an AI-enabled sustainability research system called Forager-RS.
I have worked with Fortune 5 giants, Start-ups, Federal, State and Local Governments, and NGOs large and small.
I am a frequent speaker at business conferences on the subjects that circle the intersection of sustainability, culture and business.
what’s up with the name norm?
Unfortunately, for most, sustainability is still a business add-on. It is business adjacent. The name NORM embodies my philosophy that sustainability must be an ingredient of the entire business strategy. It must be held accountable to the same ROI metrics as marketing, HR, legal, accounting and so on. We must make it a normal part of our businesses. It must be accountable.