Sustainability alum named to Phoenix '40 Under 40'

Colin Tetreault is not one to sit around and wait for something to do. He’s the senior policy advisor for sustainability at the Phoenix Mayor’s office. He’s a faculty associate with ASU’s School of Sustainability. He’s the inaugural president of the school’s alumni chapter, having earned his master’s here in 2010. He is secretary of the board for the Greater Phoenix Green Chamber of Commerce and a director of the Valley Forward Association.

Perhaps more telling of his bustling nature, Tetreault managed in one weekend to squeeze in his wedding rehearsal, a presentation at TEDxPhoenix, his rehearsal dinner, his wedding, and an Ironman Triathlon.

It’s fitting that the dynamic Tetreault, dressed in suit and green tie, graced the cover of the Phoenix Business Journal’s special 40 Under 40 superhero section.

ASU’s Tetreault joins the "40 Under 40" class in the journal's 12th year of honoring extraordinary individuals serving the metropolitan community.

In January 2012, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton appointed Tetreault as his senior policy advisor for sustainability. As Stanton’s advisor, he is responsible for overseeing and advising the creation of all policy related to sustainability for the City of Phoenix.

Tetreault envisions a community-based sustainability advisory committee, sustainable internal operations for the city, and converting vacant lots into “living, learning laboratories” in the form of green space.

Tetreault’s holistic view of sustainability provides him advanced decision-making skills for his mayoral appointment.
 
“Sustainability is about more than just one narrowly defined field of work,” he says. “By incorporating the many aspects, backgrounds, viewpoints and opportunities around us, we can better craft a shared vision that provides for a great economic environment, a great place to live, and a beautiful environment in which to enjoy it.”

Tetreault’s fusion of business and environment comes from his experiences as a student and faculty member in ASU’s School of Sustainability.

“The School of Sustainability and ASU have grounded me in the impactful science of sustainability, challenged me to incorporate the numerous viewpoints and values of constituents and stakeholders, and given me the capacity to execute programs focused on benefiting the greater good,” says Tetreault.

“As a faculty member," he says, "I challenge students to find creative and equitable solutions to complex sustainability challenges within the business world."