Hunter Lovins presented multiple issues and facts dealing with sustainability in a lecture in the Alliant Energy-Lee Liu Auditorium at Iowa State Wednesday. Lovins is the founder and president of Natural Capitalism Solutions, an organization determined to inform businesses, governments and civil societies of the principles of sustainability.

One of Lovins’ major topics was renewable energy and how companies across the country are committing to use 100 percent renewable energy by a certain timeline.

“Wal-Mart has committed to become 100 percent renewable. Currently in California, 75 percent of Wal-Mart is renewable,” said Lovins.

Lovins touched on many issues in places around the world. She specifically touched on sustainability in Iowa.

“Iowa is already getting 20 percent of its energy from sun, wind and biofuels,” Lovins said.

As an example of excellent commitment to renewable energy, Lovins praised the state of Iowa.

“The wind companies here in Iowa are creating jobs,” Lovins said. 

“If you unleashed the Iowa green economy by 2020, there would be 20,000 new jobs, saving customers one billion dollars.”

Lovins brought up countries around the world, talking about the methods they are using to create sustainability within. She continued to speak of how not only do countries use common methods, but they are constantly trying to innovate new strategies and plans.

“Who innovates rule the world,” Lovins said. “China is innovating; Europe is innovating.”

In closing, Lovins said, “We’ve had a good run with unsustainability. It has brought us all of the prosperity that we now enjoy. But it’s got to change.”

After her lecture, Levins answered questions from members of the audience and sat for a book signing.

Lovins concluded her presentation by reciting a quote from Buckminster Fuller.

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” Lovins said. “Are we smart enough to invent the future?”