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The Natural Step. A Global Framework for Sustainable Development. 11/25/00. The Purpose of The Natural Step.
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The Natural Step A Global Framework for Sustainable Development 11/25/00
The Purpose of The Natural Step To develop and share a common framework comprised of easily understood, scientifically-based principles that can serve as a compass to guide society toward a just and sustainable future.
The Character of Environmental Problems has changed: Local -------------------------------------- Global Few Large Sources ---------- Diffuse Sources Short Time Delay ----------- Long Time Delay Low Complexity ------------- High Complexity
Science Principles: • Matter and Energy cannot be created or destroyed (the Conservation Law, or 1st Law of Thermodynamics) • Matter and Energy tend to spread spontaneously (Entropy, or the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics) • Biological and Economic value (quality) is in concentration and structure (order) of matter (this is what we consume) • Green cells are essentially the only natural net producer of concentration and structure (Photosynthesis)
A Systems Perspective Emphasizes: • Focusing “upstream” • Principles rather than details • Shared framework and a common language • Necessary (non-negotiable) system conditions
System Condition No. 1 • Substances from the Earth’s crust must not systematically increase in the biosphere. This means: fossil fuels, metals and other minerals must not be extracted at a rate faster than their redeposit and reincorporation into the Earth’s crust.
System Condition No. 2 • Substances produced by society must not systematically increase in nature. This means: substances must not be produced faster than they can be broken down and be reintegrated into the cycles of nature or be deposited into the Earth’s crust.
System Condition No. 3 • The physical basis for the productivity and diversity of nature must not be systematically deteriorated. This means: the productive surfaces of nature must not be diminished in quality or quantity, and we must not harvest more from nature than can be recreated or renewed.
System Condition No. 4 • There needs to be fair and efficient use of resources with respect to meeting human needs. This means: basic human needs must be met with the most resource efficient methods possible, including equitable resource distribution.
Four System Conditions • Substances from the Earth’s crust must not systematically increase in the biosphere. • Substances produced by society must not systematically increase in nature. • The physical basis for the productivity and diversity of nature must not be systematically deteriorated. • There needs to be fair and efficient use of resources with respect to meeting human needs.
Margin for Action The Concept of the Funnel Natural Capacity: Decline in Living Systems ? Demand:Population x Affluence x Technology
Ecology - species, atmosphere, oceans, land, water • Health of workers, society, self • Competition, prices, shortages, insurance • Social stigmas, recruiting problems Capacity • Government regulations, standards Demand Hitting the Wall
Capacity • Societal Demands • Market Demands DefensiveEnterprise • Nature’s Requirements Restoration Long TermProfitability StrategicEnterprise Demand Investing for the Future A defensive enterprise is forced to implement changes at a later stage at higher cost.
Sustainable Future Capacity and quality of: • Water, oceans and fisheries • Arable Land • Climatic stability • Capacity of environment to absorb waste • Forest Cover & capacity to fix CO2 • Food Sustainability Today Need and Demand
Applying the System Conditions • How can we reduce our dependence on mining and fossil fuels? • How can we reduce our dependence on persistent, unnatural substances? • How can we reduce our dependence on nature-consuming activities? • How can we increase our resource efficiency(do more with less)?
Applying The Natural Step to Business • The economy and the environment are linked. • It has long been held that the environment is a subsidiary of the economy. • It is now becoming understood that the economy is really a subset of the environment. • Nature’s limits have consequences. • Understanding these limits allows for more effective planning. • Such planning results in ecological benefits and long-term competitive advantage.
Electrolux • Largest appliance maker in the world. • Initially pressured by a large customer. • Now TNS is part of corporate strategy. • Sales of environmental appliances has doubled.
IKEA • Largest furniture company in the world. • Educating 25,000 employees worldwide. • Developed a four year plan. • Created a furniture line that meets all system conditions.
Interface • World’s largest commercial floor covering company. • First U.S. company to adopt TNS principles. • Goals: Zero waste & no oil from the ground. • Saved $25 million in first two years.
Collins Pine • 143-year old NW forest products firm. • Long history of sustainable forestry practices. • Training 600 Klamath Falls employees. • Using TNS principles for all capital purchases.
Company Best Practices • Best start: senior management commitment. • Educate all employees. • Start with low hanging fruit. • Incorporate into long-term planning. • Set & measure long-term goals.
The Evolution of TNSin a Company • Awareness - That the environment is now inseparable from competitiveness and success. • Knowledge - Number one measure of success is employee education. The more people educated, the greater the success of the program. • Practice - If it doesn’t reach this level, it is a failure; but TNS must not tell companies what to do, or it becomes just an organizational or management consultant. • Goals & metrics - If it isn’t measured it won’t count. But if only outflows are measured, environmental metrics will not lead to environmental success. (ISO 14000, EMAS, BS 7750)
Who Controls the Flows? All companies have two flows. 35,000 environmental managers. less efficient Energy Matter Product / Service Waste Energy Matter more efficient Product / Service Waste
SUMMARY: Where to go from here • Use the system conditions as a compass. • Leave implementation up to each group;let their expertise prevail. • Recognize that this is the Natural Step not the Natural Leap: look for small wins. • Have the courage to start the journey.
