Biography     Curriculum Vitae     Credentials

Denis Drever/NRTEE

David Chernushenko is a sustainability advocate who explores and communicates ways to create healthy, abundant livelihoods for all citizens. He helps people and organizations prosper by tapping into personal values, creativity and enthusiasm and directing them toward actions that are both practical and fulfilling. He works to promote the idea of Living Lightly on the Earth.

 

Born in Calgary, Alberta, in 1963, David has lived, worked or studied in more than 30 countries. He holds a B.A. in Political Studies from Queen's University and a Master's in International Relations from Cambridge University. He is a fluent French speaker.

 

David served as Vice Chair of Canada’s National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) and was an appointed member from 2006-09. This non-partisan panel provides policy advice to the federal government, and works to promote the integrated pursuit of excellence in environmental, social and economic practices in Canada’s public, private and civil society sectors.

 

David  is a “green building” professional accredited by the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification program. As owner of the consulting firm Green & Gold Inc. since 1998, David has advised public, private, and non-profit organizations on adopting more sustainable and socially responsible practices.

 

David is currently producing The Living Lightly Project, whose goal is to share the stories, solutions and passion of a growing movement of people working to build a rich future for all on a healthy planet. He directed and produced Be the Change (2008), the first Living Lightly Project film and Powerful: Energy for Everyone (2010)

 

David has written several books on sustainable management practices, including Sustainable Sport Management (UNEP, 2001) and Greening Our Games: Running Sports Events & Facilities that Won't Cost the Earth (Centurion,1994), and the electronic publication Greening Campuses and their Communities (IISD/ACCC/UNEP, 1996).

 

From 1998 to 2004, David served on the International Olympic Committee’s commission on Sport and the Environment. In 2001, he co-founded Clean Air Champions, a national charity that engages athletes in raising awareness about air pollution, climate change and the benefits of physical activity. He is a director of the Sustainable Ottawa Energy Co-operative.