 2009 The Natural Step Backcasting from Sustainability – Introduction to The Natural Step Framework Elaine Hanson TNS Associate November 11th, 2009

 2009 The Natural Step : new products, new thinking Sustainability not yet been “imbedded” in corporate strategy Many reasons: Corporate culture, Gov’t legislation, understanding of resource use, etc. Thousands frameworks/roadmaps, mostly proprietary & case specific. Little knowledge being shared between sectors, organizations, department Context

 2009 The Natural Step The Natural Step International NGO Scientific approach Holistic, generic framework Strategic advice & education Leadership and role models Innovative tools and services Networks & partnerships

 2009 The Natural Step Swedish Eco- municipalities City of Madision, WI Who uses it?

 2009 The Natural Step Funnel Metaphor Declining resources and ecosystem services (filtering water/climate regulation) Increasing demand for resources and ecosystem services (land & water used by organizations) Supply & Demand

 2009 The Natural Step Cycles of nature Slow geological cycles (volcano eruptions and weathering) Slow geological cycles (sedimentation and mineralization) Closed system with respect to matter 1) Nothing disappears 2) Everything disperses Open system with respect to energy « Photosynthesis pays the bill » Sustainability is about the ability of our own human society to continue indefinitely within these natural cycles

 2009 The Natural Step How we influence cycles Extract large flows of materials from the Earth’s crust Introduce persistent compounds foreign to nature Physically inhibit nature’s ability to run cycles Create barriers to people meeting their basic needs worldwide

 2009 The Natural Step 4 Sustainability Principles...concentrations of substances extracted from the Earth’s crust,...concentrations of substances produced by society,...degradation by physical means,...people are not subject to conditions that systematically undermine their capacity to meet their needs. In a sustainable society, nature is not subject to systematically increasing... and, in that society...

 2009 The Natural Step The Natural Step Framework

 2009 The Natural Step Backcasting 1. Begin with the end in mind 2. Look backwards from the vision to the present 3. Move step by step towards the vision Present Future Begin with a desired outcome

 2009 The Natural Step Backcasting from Principles

 2009 The Natural Step ABCD methodology

 2009 The Natural Step A “Compass” Think of the Natural Step Framework like a compass. Where a compass helps an individual know where true North is and the uses this point to guide their movements, the Natural Step Framework helps organizations or communities know where sustainability is and guide their innovation efforts towards this point.

 2009 The Natural Step Challenge of Alignment Many individuals in an organization (and organizations within a community) with energy and enthusiasm

 2009 The Natural Step TNS as a Compass The Natural Step Framework is a shared language and acts as a compass

 2009 The Natural Step TNS as a Compass The Natural Step Framework is a shared language and acts as a compass

 2009 The Natural Step Key Concepts Generic vs proprietary platform Clear definition of sustainability Backcasting vs Forecasting Framework based on systems thinking Common language for collaboration

 2009 The Natural Step 1.Nike 2.Whistler Case Studies

 2009 The Natural Step “We see corporate responsibility as a catalyst for growth and innovation. It is an integral part of how we can use the power of our brand, the energy and passion of our people, and the scale of our business to create meaningful change.” -Mark Parker, CEO

 2009 The Natural Step

“ Consider the present, consider the future, consider the world : our only playing field. Rooted in the tradition of Nike innovation, “Considered” is our commitment to create extraordinary performance products for athletes while navigating our business within nature’s limits. A North Star to Guide Innovation

 2009 The Natural Step WHISTLER2020 Moving Toward a Sustainable Future Whistler, B.C.

 2009 The Natural Step Planning Framework A Sustainable Community (2060) Current Reality (2005) Declining resources & life supporting systems Increasing population & resource consumption Whistler’s Vision (2020) 16 Key Strategy Areas -energy, water, culture & heritage, economic development, etc 16 Key Strategy Areas -energy, water, culture & heritage, economic development, etc

 2009 The Natural Step Today’s decisions… … guided by strategic questions Does this action move Whistler toward our shared Vision of Success? Does this action move Whistler toward our shared Sustainability Principles? Is the action a good financial investment? Does the action present a flexible platform for further movement toward Success in the future? Screening Actions and Investments

 2009 The Natural Step 1.eLearning courses: 2. Toolkits/case studies 3. Certification Courses programs Toronto: November 25 th and 26 th Montreal (en francais): December 2 nd and 3 rd Ottawa: December 10 th and 11 th Want to Learn More?

 2009 The Natural Step Thank You The Natural Step Canada 355 Waverley St., 1st floor Ottawa, ON