Susan Burns

Susan Burns leads the overall strategic direction of Global Footprint Network as well as overseeing communications and finance. Prior to launching Global Footprint Network, she founded the pioneering sustainability consulting firm Natural Strategies. She has over 18 years of experience working with more than 50 corporations and other organizations on a variety of sustainability-related issues including product design, consensus building, management systems, business strategy, forest policy, and stakeholder communications. An expert in the application of The Natural Step framework for sustainability, she has also led the development of the screening methodology for Portfolio 21, the US’s first mutual fund dedicated to environmental sustainability. Susan has spoken widely on the subjects of sustainability, corporate responsibility, and strategic environmental management, having been a keynote or featured speaker at over 100 national and international events. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Engineering.