Janine Benyus is a sustainability stalwart: a biologist, author, innovation consultant and founder of The Biomimicry Institute. Her long-term work in the field has been on biomimicry, also known as biomimetics, defined as an approach to solving complex human problems by imitating models, systems and elements of nature.

She came to Oakland, California, for VERGE 18 to discuss how designing biomimicry into offices, factories and other facilities can be a part of communities' sustainability plans. The "regenerative force" of biomimicry can design and produce more sustainable materials, structures and systems.