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2005-01-24 EC Agenda PacketAGENDA GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road Council Conference Room Monday, January 24, 2005 7:00 P.M. I. Call to Order II. Approval of Minutes — November 22, 2004 III. Envisioning Humane, Environmental Sustainability in Golden Valley & the Northwest Metro — Presentation by Greg Klave (20 -minute presentation; 10 -minute question -and -answer session) IV. 2005 Meeting Dates V. Envision Guide Feedback VI. Status of Buckthorn Comments VII. Management Plans for Nature Areas VIII. Program/Project Updates — ➢ Golden Ridge Development ➢ Sunnyridge Lane Soil Contaminants ➢ TH 55/Boone Avenue/General Mills Boulevard ➢ Wirth Lake Berm Repair ➢ Recycling Program ➢ Proposed Developments IXI. Commission Member Council Reports X. Joint Meeting of Council, Boards and Commissions — Reminder XI. Other Business XII. Adjourn GAEnvironmental Commission\Agendas\2005\012405.doc GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes January 24, 2005 Present: Richard Baker, Dawn Hill, Christopher Kaisershot, Alan Kuentz, Jon Pawluk, Golden Valley Residents Greg Klave and Becky Kopp Absent: Tracy Anderson; Al Lundstrom, Environmental Coordinator; Tracy Pharr, Administrative Assistant City Staff: Jeff Oliver, City Engineer I. Call to Order Baker called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. II. Approval of Minutes - November 22, 2004 No changes. MOVED by Pawluk, seconded by Kuentz, and the motion carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the November 22, 2004 meeting as submitted. III. Envisioning Humane, Environmental Sustainability in Golden Valley & the Northwest Metro - Presentation by Greg Klave Greg Klave, resident of Golden Valley, led a presentation entitled "Envisioning Humane, Environmental Sustainability in Golden Valley and the Northwest Metro." He distributed a handout packet of information about environmental sustainability to Commission Members. Mr. Klave gave a 30 -minute overview of the handouts. Kopp asked how their group could support their ideas within the Environmental Commission's agenda. Klave said that he felt that they might be able to contribute to the Commission's buckthorn removal program. Baker responded that he thought this was a good idea. He continued that the sustainability group might be able to offer support in revising the new City's new lawn maintenance ordinance, or working on removal of exotic species. Baker added that he would like Klave's group to look for and recommend to the Environmental Commission any small steps in which they feel the City might participate. IV. 2005 Meeting Dates Baker asked if everyone was okay with the 2005 meeting schedule as proposed. The meeting schedule was approved as submitted. V. Envision Guide Feedback Baker asked the Commission how many members would be attending the January 25 all -commission meeting. Due to the upcoming Envision discussion at this meeting, Baker asked to table the Envision Guide Feedback agenda item until the February meeting. All agreed. Kuentz asked each of the Commission Members to review the environmental topics from Envision on the City's website in advance of the next meeting. VI. Status of Buckthorn Comments Baker asked Oliver what the schedule is for the Council to address items from the last Council/Manager meeting. Oliver responded that the Council has given staff official direction. Staff is beginning to review ordinances that will enable activities (such as buckthorn removal) on public property. Hill asked how this differs from the ordinance review the Commission had performed. Oliver said that the ordinance revisions will now be transferred to the City Code, which is a more detailed process involving the City's attorney. Oliver stated that the Council had also asked staff to account for the recommendations in the budget process for 2006. He continued that 2005 will be "played by ear" as to funds requested for the pilot project. Baker requested Commission Members receive a copy of the Executive Summary on buckthorn removal presented at the January 11 Council/Manager meeting. Oliver stated Pharr would include this in the February meeting agenda packets. Baker said that the memo indicated that the pilot project would not be budgeted for until 2005-06. He continued that he was certain that Jeannine Clancy, Director of Public Works, had said that $5,000 was already set aside for the pilot project. Baker stated that this seemed to be a contradiction. Oliver responded that he would check on this and report back at the February meeting. Kuentz asked about the volunteer kit referenced in the Executive Summary. He wondered if staff has been given direction to proceed on this item. Oliver responded that staff had developed kits for the Adopt -a -Highway and Storm Sewer Stenciling Projects, and the buckthorn removal kit would likely be similar. Kuentz asked who is responsible for the kit's development. Oliver answered that he believed Lundstrom would be working on this. VII. Management Plans for Nature Areas Baker asked to table this agenda item indefinitely. All Commission Members were in agreement. 2 VIII. Program/Project Updates Golden Ridge Development — Oliver said that work on this project is on hold through winter. Work on the Habitat units is continuing. Several weekend events have been scheduled to include participation by volunteers from the community and City staff. Sunnyridge Lane Soil Contaminants — The City's remediation plan has been approved by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The contaminated soil will be treated via neutralization and stockpiled on City property in the spring. Partial funding will be provided by Hennepin County. TH 55/Boone Avenue North/General Mills Boulevard — Roadwork has been completed for the season. Installation of curb and gutter, signal work and striping will take place during the 2005 construction season. Excavation of the flood mitigation pond took place in December and early January. Work on the lift station has also begun. Wirth Lake Berm Repair— Construction, in conjunction with the Park Board, will begin in the spring. Recycling Program — No new information. Proposed Developments — A proposal has been submitted by TCF Bank to redevelop the site vacated by B. Dalton Books. A development proposal has also been received from Allianz to construct their second phase in the spring. IX. Commission Member Council Reports No Commission Member attended any of the December or January City Council meetings. Baker asked for volunteers to review the February Council agendas, and determine if Commission presence was warranted at the Council meetings. Kuentz will attend the February 1 meeting if necessary and Hill will consider the agenda for the February 15 meeting. Baker requested Oliver ask Pharr to provide a list of the 2005 City Council meetings. Oliver will do so. X. Joint Meeting of Council. Boards and Commissions - Reminder This agenda item was referenced earlier. No further discussion ensued. XI. Other Business Items of Other Business: ➢ Baker noted that he had been serving as Commission Chair for some time. He would like to open the position up for a vote at the February meeting. 3 ➢ Baker asked staff to check the status of the Commission Member vacancy. Hill also mentioned that a few member terms may be expiring in 2005. Oliver will check into these issues for the February meeting. ➢ Hill asked to have discussion regarding covered recycling containers added to the February agenda. Oliver asked Hill to relay her request to Lundstrom prior to the meeting in order to provide him advance preparation time. ➢ Kaisershot asked about having agenda packets double -sided. No additional business was addressed. XII. Adjourn The next scheduled meeting will be on February 28, 2005 at 7:00 pm. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm. Respectfully submitted, Tracy E. Phar Administrative Assistant Department of Public Works 4 JAAA- P q a-64AnA rr Wednesday, November 17, 2004 7pm to 8:30pm Brookview Community Center 200 Brookview Parkway Golden Valley, l6'1!N Turn right'/4 mile south of Winnetka & Hwy 55 Citizens in local communities around the world are using the Natural Step Framework, developed in Sweden to move their towns and cities rapidly toward environmental, social and economic sustainability. It uses the 4 ecological principles to map a plan for a system that is ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just and humane. Sean Gosiewski, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Sustainability will give a short introduction to the Natural Step framework for sustainability and short examples of sustainable city efforts around the world. Sean give a short update on current sustainable city efforts in the Twin Cities. For the second half of the meeting everyone will divide into sub groups use the natural step framework to create a sustainability vision and action steps for Golden Valley and surrounding communities for specific topics they are interested in. A representative from Envision Golden Valley will explain how our new Long Term Sustainability volunteer team can plug into the citizen participation efforts of Envision Golden Valley . o RSVP and/or for more information contact: Call or email Greg Klave , 763-287-8444 Greg lave(&msn.coni For more information also see • Twin Cities Sustainable City efforts see - www.allianceforsustailiabilitv.net "Neighborhood Sustainability" • The Natural Step Framework and planning for sustainability- w�� .plannin, .ori/poliev�,,uides/sustairiabiiitr,,htm ; and http:/!santa-monica.or(-,/endfscpi' =uidiiig.litm • Envision Golden Valley - hit.//wwv .ci.golden-valley.nip..uicommunity/Epylsion.ht n Brought to you by Northwest Suburb Greens J �v, A -R ,�, (/ (A nn, MA -t Environmental Commission Proposed 2005 Meeting Dates January 24 February 28 March 28 April 25 May 23 June 27 July 25 August 22 September 26 October 24 November 28 (Monday after Thanksgiving) December 19 (December 26 - not available; holiday for City staff) GAEnvironmental Commission\Miscellaneous\2005ProposedMtgSched.doc "Golden Valley Date: November 29, 2004 Environmental Commission To: Mayor and City Council Members From: Environmental Commission - Richard Baker, Chair Subject: Report on Citizen Participation and Buckthorn Removal Project Introduction In June 2004, the City Council requested the Environmental Commission "evaluate code revisions, program requirements, financial impact, re -vegetation requirements, etc. to support a buckthorn removal program." This memo is the result of that request. In examining the specific issue of buckthorn removal, we explored the broader issue of citizen participation in City projects on public land. The recent Envision report talks in several areas—Community Engagement, Environment, and Recreation—about city beautification and the valuable parks and nature areas within our borders. In addition, the Envision report encourages citizens to participate in making Golden Valley a city in which they're proud to live. We considered citizen enthusiasm and participation to be as important as the specific issue of buckthorn removal on our public lands. This memo is a result of our two -fold plan. First, we offer general recommendations about actions the Council should take to make it easier for citizens to become involved on City -owned lands. Then, we address how that involvement may be channeled specifically into a buckthorn eradication project. Citizen Participation Recommendations Financial Impact We recommend that $5,000 be budgeted annually to provide City support for at least one citizen project on City land each year beginning in 2005. This budgeted amount is based on a single buckthorn removal project described below. Code Revision We recommend implementation of revisions to Section 7.04 of the City Code, which will legalize citizen participation in approved City projects on public land. Liability for Volunteers We recommend that the City purchase additional accident coverage for $1,500, as recommended by Allen Barnard in his letter to Jeannine Clancy, dated October 18, 2004. In addition, we recommend that the City add coverage for up to $1,000 of medical costs at an additional cost of $675. Procedure for Citizen -Initiated Projects The City should make it as easy as possible for groups to participate in projects that improve the City's public lands. The following recommendations are general and should be applicable for a variety of projects. An application form should be prepared that allows groups to describe the scope of the project as simply as possible. It should include such things as: name of the sponsoring entity, location of the proposed project, description of work to be done, expected number of participants, proposed work dates and follow-up plans. Staff should negotiate with each applicant to develop the scope of each project. This coordination is to include cost estimates and revisions as needed to make the project acceptable to both the City and the applicant. Once the initial work is completed, staff should monitor the site and recommend follow-up by the City if necessary. Buckthorn Project The desire to initiate a Buckthorn Removal Project in Golden Valley was the impetus for this report. We anticipate that the City's first citizen participation will be a buckthorn removal project based on the recommendations above. Multiple buckthorn removal projects by citizens over a period of years will help control the buckthorn problem, but we realize that it is not a solution to that problem. We recommend that one buckthorn removal project of up to five acres be initiated in 2005. City support should include the following items. (Estimated costs are based on the maximum size project of five acres.) ➢ Provide weed wrenches (5 wrenches at an average cost of $200 each) $1,000 ➢ Provide chemicals for treating stumps (5 acres at $250 per acre) $1,250 ➢ Haul pulled and cut material from site and dispose of it (5 acres at $500 per acre) $2,500 Additional costs that the City will likely incur are described below. Estimates are not provided for these because they will be site specific. ➢ City workers to cut larger trees with chain saws. Required for 2-1/2 inch and larger trees. GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos\BuckthornComments.doc 2 Provide plantings and supervision for re -vegetation if required. Replanting should be required only in unstable soil situations such as steep grades. We expect volunteers to do any required planting, but the City should provide the plants. ➢ Supervise project as needed. Required. Follow-up in the second through fifth years after the initial removal project. Buckthorn is a very successful plant that requires several years of follow-up eradication effort to allow other vegetation to flourish. However, we do not believe that the buckthorn situation will be worsened even if volunteer groups do only a one- time removal and do not follow-up. The worst case situation for the City that we have identified is up to $5,000 per year for four years on a five -acre project site for which volunteers do not provide follow-up eradication efforts and the City opts to provide that function by contracting with outside contractors. We feel that this is an unlikely scenario. GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos\BuckthornComments.doc 3 P—hA,-d ej euj a+_�&W Historical Roots of Sustainability The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it arose. The wind goes coward the south and turns about to the north, it whirls about continuously and the wind returns again according to its circuits. All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full. Unto the place where the rivers come, they return again. The thing that has been; it is what shall be; And that which is done is that which shall be done. — Ecclesiastes 1:5-9 The frog does not drink up the pond in which it lives. — Native American proverb In every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decision on the next seven generations. Great Law of the Hau de no sau nee (Iroquois Nation) According to Jewish teachings in the Talmud, God brought Adam to the Garden of Eden and warned: Take heed not to corrupt and destroy My world. For if you corrupt it, there will be no one to set it right after you. — Ecclesiastes Rabba 7.13 Definitions of Sustainability A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong if it tends otherwise. — Aldo Leopold, Sand County Almanac, 1949 A sustainable agriculture is one that depletes neither the people nor the land. — Wendell Berry, 1984 .'o achieve sustainability, a system must be ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just, and humane (embodying our highest values --how we treat animals, people and the Earth). — Alliance for Sustainability, Manna, 1984 and www.allianceforsustainability.net Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. — U.N. World Commission on Environment & Development, Our Common Future, 1987 Triple Bottom Line, focusing on "economic prosperity, environmental quality and social justice." John Elkington, Cannibals with Forks: The Triple Bottom line of 21"' Century Business, 1998 Also referred to as the 3 Ps (People, Planet, and Profits) or 3 Es (Equity, Ecology and Economy): Natural Step Framework: In a sustainable society, nature won't be subject to systematically increasing: 1. concentrations of substances extracted from the earth's crust; 2. concentrations of substances produced by society; 3. degradation by physical means; and, 4. in that society, human needs are met worldwide. The Natural Step, www.naturalstep.org Copyright 2003 Terry Gips, Alliance for Sustainability In the Hillel Center at the University of Minnesota, 1521 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 612-3744765 tginsArntmorE www.allianceforsustainabilitv.net © 2003 Alliance for Sustainability 1 www.allianceforsustainability.net Natural Step Framework — Action Check List Four conditions for $ustainabilfty Now Commit 3 months 1. What we take from the earth's crust - Metals/Minerals and Fossil Fuel Conserve energy by tuc ing off lights and computers when not in use Use compact fluoresce t bulbs and energy-efficient liances and equipment In winter, decrease heating (68' if home, 58° if no insulate, and have energy audit In summer' use fan, reduce cooling_ (720 if home, 85° if not), and use trees for shading Reduce hot water use with showers, baths, launder and front loading Use natural landscaping, human or electri�ed lawn mower, avoid leaf blowers Use alternative ener assive & active solar, eothermal and urchase een ener __PY_(p _ . _— _ 1 _�.._.__ Bike, walk, use public transit �tel ecommute, carpool or clean/ener-efficient vehicle Ifyou drive, keep your car pro oer tuned, tires inflated and "eco -drive" - Recycle cans, fluoresce its, cell hones, computers and reuse bottles �if not, rec cle Use rechargeable batter es_and re—ycle. at end of their life _ Avoid heavy metals (us non -uranium fire alarms, avoid leather tanned with chromium)i Avoid mined fertilizersotassium andQhosphorous) and use natural ones —'----- i Other Other 2. What we make - H ardous Chemicals Pesticides, Plastics Use non—toxic, natural glean materials and natural personal care r� oducts_�__ e Reducplastics: reuse bags and cutlery, scotton barefill water bottles _ _�__. _ �'rueo ._.- _ _ bags, refill -- - - ____ — _ .-----.---__._ _ _.__.__ i ............. Recycle plastic bottles and containers andpurchase products with recycled content ..--.... ......... ....... ......... _...... Replace hazardous pes cides with natural pest control in home, yard, men, and work Grow your own organiq food or buy certifled organic food, preferably local Avoid drrcleaning, use non-toxic green cleaners, avoid chlorine bleach- B_uy clothes made_ from iorganic cotton and hemp, wear re -used clothes— Other Other 3. What we do to the earth - Species, Trees, Water and Other Eco -systems Reduce paper use with two-sided copying, cloth napkins handkerchiefs Use 30%+ post- consumer contentcopy paper, station�yr ,_towels, tissue &toilet paper Get off junk mail lists (see www.allianceforsustainabili net Reuse wood and use no -Old Growth certified sustainably -harvested wood products Pay online and ask for email -only bills if available Reduce water use with qfficient shower heads faucets toilets and b usin&j Lra water - Protect and enhance wiRife habitat, minimize paving.and run-off Address sprawl, reduce ork commute, encourage sustainable home development Avoid sea food from endangered species and industrial fish and shrimp farms Eat lower on the food clpain (plant -based foods) and more organic produce and grain -. Other Other 4. How we meet humap needs - Health and Well-being, Social Justice Community Smile, treat everyone w�th respect and practice random acts of kindness Practice a healthy lifestyle; diet, exercise, meditation yoga, masse, art, Sabbath Slee Develop a sense of communityand participate in community activities & organizations Work to create a just society; donate time, mond &resources to help the disadvantaged When traveling,practice eco -tourism and better understand different cultures — Assure that investments and perasion funds are in socially responsible businesses Buy Fair Trade, products from artisans and shop at,co�ops, local sustainable business Other -~~ Other 0 2003 Alliance for Sustainability 2 www.allianceforsustainability.net 146uv -Gl, Cd, o -1A+ A+ Envisioning Humane, Environmental Sustainability in Golden Valley & the Northwest Metro Wednesday, November 17, 2004 7pm to 8:30pm Brookview Community Center 200 Brookview Parkway, Golden Valley, MN Brought to you by Northwest Suburb Greens Purpose - Citizens in local communities around the world are using the Natural Step Framework, developed in Sweden to move their towns and cities rapidly toward environmental, social and economic sustainability. It uses the 4 ecological principles to map a plan for a system that is ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just and humane. Agenda 1. Introduction to Sustainability - Sean Gosiewski, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Sustainability will give a short introduction to the Natural Step framework for sustainability and short examples of sustainable city efforts around the world. Sean give a short update on current sustainable city efforts in the Twin Cities. 2. Small group visioning for sustainability - For the second half of the meeting everyone will divide into sub groups use the natural step framework to create a sustainability vision and action steps for Golden Valley and surrounding communities for specific topics they are interested in. 3. Getting involved with Envision Golden Valley. Representatives from Envision Golden Valley will explain how our new Long Term Sustainability volunteer team can plug into the citizen participation efforts of Envision Golden Valley For more information contact: Greg Klave , 763-287-8444 GregKIave@msn.com or Sean Gosiewski, Alliance for Sustainability 612-331-1099 x 1 sean@allianceforsustainabiliiy.net Ielpful Links • Twin Cities Sustainable City efforts see — www.allianceforsustainabiliiy.net "Neighborhood Sustainability" • The Natural Step Framework and planning for sustainability— www.plannine.org-/policyguides/sustainability htm , and http://santa-monica.org/epd/scp/guiding.htm • Minnesota Sustainable Communities Network — free bi-weekly e -newsletter, www.nextsteD.state.mn.us Get Involved • Participate in Envision Golden Valley - hqp://www.ci.&olden-vallev.mn-us/communibL/Envision.htm • Attend a Natural Step Framework Seminar - Wednesday, Dec 8 and Thursday Dec 9 6:15-9:45 pm Alliance for Sustainability President Terry Gips will lead a 2 -part Natural Step Framework Seminar, "Saving Money, Time and the Earth while Living a Healthy, Fun Life: An Interactive, Inspiring Look at Sustainability and the Natural Step Framework." Registration and optional organic meal both nights from 5:30-6:15 pm. The IN, 983 East Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55414 www.allianceforsustainabiliiy.net • Join the Alliance — Free and contributing members welcome, monthly email newsletter MANNA — 612-331-1099 www.aUianceforsustainability.net (your contribution matched by the Horst Rechelbacher Foundation.) • Monday, Dec 6 7-9 pm Workshop with Alliance for Sustainability President Terry Gips and life coach Michael Leverentz, "From Despair to Breakthrough -Creating a Healthy, Sustainable Life and World in the Next Four Years." The IN, 983 East Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55414 • Carry out a Sustainability Project on your block — Protect your elm trees, install CFL light bulbs, host a block home weatherization event, put up a solar panel on your local coffee shop. See the Alliance web site www.allianceforsustainabiliiy.net for 25 Fun Actions to take on your block to help the earth Send a email to Sean(naallianceforsustainability net to subscribe for free monthly "neighborhood sustainability email updates." Host an Environmental Education/Action forum at your place of worship — resources available through Minnesota Environmentally Engaged Congregations (MEEC) See www.allianceforsustainabilLty.net for details. BACK TO BASIC SCIENCE Some basic truths about the natural systems we depend on for life provide the foundation for our work. The Natural Step principles and approach to sustainability are grounded in the science underlying the earth's systems. www.naturalstep.o EVERYTHING SPREADS Energy and matter tend to spread spontaneously and everything has a tendency to disperse. This is best understood through The Second Law of Thermodynamics, or the Law of Entropy. Entropy is a measure of the amount of disorder there is in a system and in every isolated system — such as the universe — entropy always increases. Examples of increases in entropy include organic matter decaying, colored dye in clear water dispersing and ice samples taken in the Arctic Circle containing measurable amounts of man-made PCBs. Thus, materials generated by or introduced into human society eventually will disperse in nature, no matter what we do. THERE IS VALUE IN$TRUCTURE We determine material q ality by the concentration and structure of the matter that makes up a material. For example, food and gasoline are val able because they have a high concentration and structure. If you drop a teacup and it breaks on the floor, some of the val a from its structure is lost, but each of the original atoms is still present. We cannot consume energy or matter, only its(concentration, purity and structure. PLANTS CREATE STRUCTURE AND ORDER WITH ENERGY FROM THE SUN In the earth system net increases in material quality are generated almost entirely by the sun -driven process of photosynthesis. Chloroplasts in plant cells capture energy from sunlight and form bonds that provide energy for other forms of life, such as animals. According to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, disorder increases in all isolated systems and the Earth is a closed system with respect to matter. However it's an open system with respect to energy because it receives light from the sun and it's this flow of sunlight that continues to create structure and order from the disorder. The Natural Step Framework Four Conditions for Sustainability By Terry Gips, President, Alliance for Sustainability www.allianceforsustainabiliiy.net The scientific consensus principles on which the Natural Step Framework (NSF) is based were used by Swedish physicist Dr. John Holmberg and NS founder and Swedish medical doctor and oncologist Dr. Karl -Henrik Robert to generate four basic "system conditions" or conditions for sustainability that are the focus of the NSF and have been modified as stated below: The Natural Step Framework holds that in a sustainable society, nature won't be subject to systematically increasing: I ...Concentrations of substances extracted from the earth's crust; 2 ... Concentrations of substances produced by society; 3 ... Degradation by physical means; And, in that society, 4 ... human needs are met worldwide. (Source: Natural Step US, 2002 www.naturaistep.org) To address the first three, strategies include both dematerialization (using less resources to accomplish the same task), substitution of alternatives, more efficient use of materials and the 3 Rs and 1 C: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Compost. To make these four principles more accessible to the public, the Alliance for Sustainability has been de. -eloping an easy - to -understand, practical way of addressing the principles: 1. What We Take From the Earth: Mining and Fossil Fuels — Avoid "systematically increasing concentrations of substances extracted from the earth's crust." Simply, we need to use renewable energy and nontoxic, reusable materials to avoid the spread of hazardous mined metals and pollutants. Why? Mining and burning fossil fuels release a wide range of substances that do not go away, but rather, continue to build up and spread in our ecosphere. Nature has adapted over millions of years to specilc amounts of these materials. Cells don't know how to handle significant amounts of lead, mercury, radioactive materials and other hazardous compounds from mining, often leading to learning disabilities, weakening of immune systems and improper development of the body. The burning of fossil fuels generates dangerous levels of pollutants contributing to smog, acid rain and global climate change. Action: We can support policies and take action to reduce our overall energy use. We can drive less, carpool, use public transportation, ride bikes or walk. We can conserve energy through energy-efficient lighting, proper insulation, passive solar, and reduced heating .and cooling. We can support a shift to renewable energy such as solar and wind power instead QCT' of nuclear, coal or petroleum. We can also decrease our use of mined metals and minerals through recycling, reuse and preferably, reduced consumption. We also can avoid chemical fertilizers. '. What We Make: Chemicals, Plastics and Other Substances — Nature must not "be subject to systematically .icreasing concentrations of substances produced by society." Simply, we need to use safe, biodegradable substances that do not cause the spread of toxins in the environment. Why? Since World War I1, our society has produced more than 85,000 chemicals, such as DDT and PCBs. Many of these substances do not go away, but rather, spread and bio - accumulate in nature and the fat cells of animals and humans. Cells don't know how to handle significant amounts of these chemicals, often leading to cancer, hormone disruption, improper development, birth defects and genetic change. Action: We can support green procurement policies and use non-toxic natural cleaning materials and personal care products. We can decrease our use of plastics and reuse the ones we have, such as plastic bags, plates, cups and eating utensils. We can stop using CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances. We can use safe, natural pest control in our schools, parks, homes, lawns and gardens. We can support farmers in becoming sustainable and eliminating hazardous pesticides by voting with our dollars for certified organic food and clothing. We can support the elimination of factory farm feedlots and manure ponds that cause air and water pollution. 3. What We Do to the Earth: Biodiversity and Ecosystems — Nature must not "be subject to degradation by physical means." Simply, we need to protect our soils, water and air, or we won't be able to eat, drink or breathe. Why? Forests, soils, wetlands, lakes, oceans and other naturally productive eco -systems provide food, fiber, habitat and oxygen, waste handling, temperature moderation and a host of other essential goods and services. For millions of years they have been purifying the planet and creating a habitat suitable for human and other life. When we destroy or deplete these systems, we endanger both our livelihoods and the likelihood of human existence. Action: We can purchase certified, sustainably -harvested forest products rather than destroying rainforests. We can reduce or eliminate our consumption of products that are not sustainably harvested, such as certain types of fish and seafood. We can shop with reusable bags rather than using more paper bags. We can decrease our use of water and use composting toilets that return valuable nutrients to the earth. We can fight urban sprawl and encourage the cleaning up of brown fields. We can support smart growth and safeguard endangered species by protecting wildlife habitat. Meeting Basic Human Needs - "Human needs are met worldwide." Simply, we can use less stuff and save money while meeting the needs of every human on this planet. Why? The US makes up only 4% of the world's population but consumes about 25% of its resources. The people living in the lowest 20% by income receive only 1.4% of the world's income. Just to survive, they see no choice but to cut down rainforests, sell endangered species, and use polluting energy sources. Action: Make business, government and nonprofits aware that we can achieve the ten -fold increase in efficiency needed to become sustainable, and, in some cases, a 100 -fold increase in productivity that will save money, create jobs and reduce waste as part of a new Industrial Revolution. We can encourage discussions about basic needs (see the work of Manfred Max-Neef ), ask if we really need more stuff, and design our workplaces, homes and organizations to give us more of what we want (healthy, attractive and nurturing environments) and less of what we don't want (pollution, stress and expense). To get more information, contact the Alliance for Sustainability (612-331-1099, iasa _,mtn.org , or www.allianceforsustainability.net) or the Natural Step -US (415-318-8170, www.naturalstep.org). Terry Gips is an author (Breaking the Pesticide Habit and The Humane Consumer and Producer Guide), economist, ecologist, NSF facilitator, President of the Alliance for Sustainability, and President of Sustainability Associates, an environmental consulting firm. He can be reached at 2584 Upton Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55405; T: 612-374-4765; F: 612-377-6019; or e-mail: tgips@mtn.org Copyright April 3, 2003 Terry Gips, Alliance for Sustainability IN Implementing the Natural Step Framework At home, at work and in your community www.naturaistep.org PHASE ONE Building Awareness and Understanding The first phase involves aligning key decision -makers and stakeholders around a common understanding of sustainability and the `whole -systems' context for their organization. The Natural Step provides a Sustainability Briefing that details the state of the earth's systems, including ecological, social and economic trends that are influencing our ability to create and manage healthy and prosperous businesses and communities. A presentation of The Natural Step principles of sustainability, basic science and whole -systems approach provides a platform from ;which strategies for living in balance with nature and our global community are developed. PHASE TWO Conducting a Baseline Assessment This phase consists of conducting a Sustainability Analysis of the major flows and impacts of a business or organizational system. This allows us to, identify critical sustainability issues, their business implications and opportunities for moving forward. Bounded by natural systems and communities, this analysis includes the impacts of an organization's entire supply chain and an evaluation of prodlucts and services, energy, capital and human resources from `cradle to grave'. Another critical component of the assessment is the social context and organizational culture, which provide dimensions to the analysis essential for understanding how changes can be positively introduced into the system. PHASE THREE Creating a Vision and Strategic Plan In phase three, key decision -makers and stakeholders work together to create a compelling long-term vision for a sustainable enterprise. It is here that businesses often begin to identify the service they are providing the world independent of any one product (for example, providing energy versus oil). Incorporating this awareness into the visioning process unleashes innovation and releases the company from certain existing limitations. From this vision, they develop a strategy and action plan for moving towards sustainability, starting with the baseline assessment of where they,are today. Strategies are developed based on looking backwards from a vision of success, a method we call "back -casting" from principles. This prevents the group from setting a direction based on simply overcoming the problems iof today. Instead, they begin moving towards a shared vision and goal of sustainability. PHASE FOUR Supporting Effective, Stop -by -Step Implementation Phase four consists of advising and supporting the execution of specific initiatives by providing appropriate training, techniques, and tools for implementation, followed by measuring progress towards goals and suggesting modifications as needed. Organizations are not expected to achieve long-term goals immediately. On the contrary, they are encouraged to move systematically by making investments that will provide benefits in the short-term, while also retaining a long-term perspective. Sustainability principles provide new design parameters that drive product and process innovation throughout the business system. This phase also incorporates organizational learning and change methods, which are both essential for effectively moving people into new ways of thinking and behaving together. 11 Learning from other Sustainable City Initiatives Local Examples lIennepin County Peter McLauglin, Hennepin County Commissioner 612-348-7884 peter.mclaughlin@co.hennepin.mn.us Topics — Waste and toxicity reduction efforts in Henepin County, Opportunities for other Cities to participate in joint green purchasing, Green Power, Green Buildings • Angie Timmons, Staff- Hennepin County Environmental Services, at 612-348-2477 angie.timmons(@co.hennepin.mn.us Cooperative Green Purchasing for Metro area cities and counties • Ginny Black, Council Member, City of Plymouth, 651-215-0284, inny.blackQmoea.state.mn.us Topics - What Municipalities and citizens can do help with storm water management — rain barrels rain gardens, non-toxic yard care, Street Sweeping, new construction with rain gardens. Dakota County • Lynn Morastzka, Council Member, City of Hastings, 952-891-7033 IM.moratzkana.co.dakota.mn.us — Dakota County, Street Narrowing for traffic calming and stormwater management, working with School Disctrict for joint use of facilities, and lawnmowers, , Sustainable Building Guidelines, New Lebanon Hills Visitor Center Minneapolis The City of Minneapolis will soon be one of the first cities in the nation to adopt a comprehensive sustainability plan. Currently available for public review are two resources that will help to shape the Minneapolis Sustainability Plan: "Fifty-year Vision and Indicators for a Sustainable Minneapolis": hLtp://www.crcworks.org/msi/indicators.pdf The indicators were developed through the Minneapolis Sustainability Roundtable, facilitated by Ken Meter (612) 869-8664 kmeter@crcworks.org of the Crossroads Resource Center, www.ercworks.org funded by Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA). This process engaged 85 city residents and professional experts in creating a detailed nifty -year vision for city sustainability. The core vision is that Minneapolis should reduce its dependence on the car. 'Minneapolis Environmental Report — Towards Sustainability" - hq://www.ci.minnegpolis.mn.us/environment/docs/MPLSEnvOverview07l604 pdf Which summarizes the current and planned sustainability efforts of many city departments. Contact: Guy Fischer of Minneapolis Environmental Services • Guy Fischer, Minneapolis Environmental Services, 612-673-5863 guy.fischer@ci.minneapolis.mn.us • Dean Zimerman, Council Member, City of Minneapolis, 612-673-2206, dean.zimmerman(a ci.minneapolis mn us • Gayle Prest, Staff, City of Minneapolis, ( won't be able to attend, and will give info to Council Member Zimmerman), 673-2931-G4vle.Prest ,ci.minneapolis.mn.us St. Paul • Ric Person, City of St. Paul Public Works, 651-266-6122, rick.personaci.stpaul.mn.us Examples of neighborhood Sustainability Activities and CO2 reduction efforts in St. Paul and how they were passed. White Bear Lake • Scott Somers City Manager's Office White Bear Lake, Mn 651.429.8505 ssomers@.whitebearlake.org National Examples and Resources • Cities for Climate Protection International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, http://www.iclei.org, • Chicago- http://w15.cityofchicago.org_/mgyor/govemment enviro html • Santa Monica Sustainable City Program- hqp://pen.ci.santa-monica.ca.us/environment/12olicy • Portland Office of Sustainable Development- http://www.sustainableportiand.org • Seattle Office of Sustainability & Environment- hqp://www.citvofseattle.net/environment/int_links htm • Berkeley- Environmental Services- hM://www.ci.berkelev.ca.us/oed/busserv/envserv.htm Sustainable Cleveland Partnership, bgp://www.nhlink.net/enviro/scD/descriDtion.html Ecocity Cleveland, http://www.ecociiycleveland.org • Sustainable Chattanooga, TN, b=://www.chattanooga.net/sustain/sustain home html • Southern California Council on Environment and Development: hqp://www.scced.org/worldsummitla s National Examples Santa Monica -Sustainable City Program http://pen.ci.santa-monica.ca.us/environment The City of Santa Monica recognizes that we live in a period of great environmental crisis. As a community, we need to create the basis for a more sustainable way of life both locally and globally through the safeguarding and enhancing of or resources and by preventing harm to the natural environment and human health. We are resolved that our impact on the natural environment must not jeopardize the prospects of future generations. Portland Office of Sustainable Development- hqp://www.sustainableportiand.or Susan Anderson, Directory 503-823-6800 susanandersonaa.ci.portland.or.us Portland City Council created the Office of Sustainable Development (OSD) in the fall of 2000 to research and promote environmental, social andi economic health in the City. Sustainable development means protecting our community for future generations. The City must consider the long-term impacts of actions by government, business and residents on our natural resources and the community. How does OSD do that? 1. We create policiesand rograms that integrate efforts related to energy efficiency, renewable resources, waste reduction and recycling, lobal warming, green building and sustainable practices and education. When we combine these City resources, more resi ents and businesses take action. 2. We provide leadership On sustainability and reward innovation. We lead by example and provide a model for residents, businesses, government and other communities. 3. We provide a meeting place or nexus for all members of the community. We hold conferences and workshops, neighborhood and faith -based meetings and business trainings. We convene technical work groups to help us with technical and financial research, marketing and implementation. Seattle Office of Sustain bility and Environment- http://www.ciiyofseattle.net/environment/int links htm The Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE) was created in the Fall of 2000 (Ordinance 1.20121) to help put sustainability into practice, both within City government and in the community at -large. While our primary focus is on "municipal sustainability"! (more sustainable City operations, facilities, and services), we also seek to promote and increase "community sustainability" (more sustainable practices by businesses, other institutions, and individual households and citizens). International Examples and Resources International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, btlp://www.iclei.org, ICLEI is the international environmental agency for local governments. ICLEI's mission is to build and serve a worldwide movement of local goverryments to achieve tangible improvements in global environmental and sustainable development conditions through cumulative local actions. Building a worldwide movement requires that ICLEI functions as a democratic, international association of local governments. Serving a worldwide movement requires that ICLEI operates as an international environmental agency for local governments. More than 400 cities, towns, counties, and their associations from around the world are full Members of the Council, with hundreds of additional local governments participating in specific ICLEI campaigns and projects. As a movement, association, and agency, ICLEI continues to work towards its environmental and sustainable development goals. • Sustainable Sweden Fours — www.sustainablesweden.org • C112M Hill -Sustainable Development Policy- http://www.ch2m.com/flash/Services/Services frame htm • The Federation of Canadian Municipalities http://www.fcm.ca/newfcm/Java/frame.htm • European Good Pra lice Information Service- http://www3.iclei.orglegpis/document.htm • Whistler, British Col umbia, hqp://www.whistleritsoumature.ca • Uppsala- (Minneapol s Sister City) hLtp://wwW.UD]2sala.se/english/environment/environment.htm The Natural Step for Co nmunities How Cities and Towns c n kid Change to Sustainable Practices http://www.newsociM.co oo/3841 By Sarah James and Torbjorn Lahti Sustainability may seem like one more buzzword, and cities and towns like the last places to change, but The Natural Step for Communities provides iinspiring examples of communities that have made dramatic changes toward sustainability, anr, explains how others can emulate their success. Chronicled in the book are towns like Overtorneh, whose government operations recently became 100 per cent fossil fuel - free, demonstrating that urlsustainable municipal practices really can be overhauled. American Planning Association Policy Guide on Planning for Sustainability Adopted by Chapter Delegate Assembly, April 16, 2000 ^,atified by Board of Directors, April 17, 2000, New York, NY ,!!P://www.i)lanning.orp-/r)olicvauides/sustainabiliiy.htm Sarah James & Associates 363 Concord Avenue Cambridge, MA 02138 617-576-1745 siamesassocnacompuservecom I. The American Planning Association and its Chapters support planning policies and legislation that encourage alternatives to use of gas -powered vehicles. Such alternatives include public transit, alternatively -fueled vehicles, bicycle and pedestrian routes, and bicycle and pedestrian -friendly development design. Reason: Use of privately -owned gas powered vehicles significantly contributes to increasing carbon dioxide concentration and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at the global level, and to air pollution, as well as nuisance and societal costs of traffic congestion at the local and regional levels. Planning and development actions that reduce the need to drive can in turn help to reduce carbon dioxide and other emissions, as well as help reduce traffic congestion and add system capacity. 2. The American Planning Association and its Chapters support planning policies and legislation that encourage all types of development to use alternative renewable energy sources and meaningful energy conservation measures. Reason: Use of alternative renewable energy sources will contribute to reduced dependence upon fossil fuels for heat and power, also helping to reduce concentrations of carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere. Increased use of alternative energy sources will also contribute to healthier, more stable local economies through reduced dependence on one or two energy sources whose own economic future is uncertain. 3. The American Planning Association and its Chapters support planning policies and legislation that encourage development, agriculture, and other land uses that minimize or eliminate the use of extracted underground substances such as mercury, cadmium, phosphorus. Reason: The increasing concentrations in natural systems of extracted underground metals and minerals —for example, mercury, cadmium, phosphorus - which do not readily disappear or get re- absorbed by the Earth - are increasing toxicity in natural systems. This in turn jeopardizes ecosystems, wildlife, water supplies, soil, food, and human health. Development and agriculture that reduces or eliminates the use of these substances can contribute to the increased long-term safety of human, animal and plant health, and ecosystems both for the near future and for generations to come. 4. The American Planning Association and its Chapters support planning policies and legislation that encourage development and businesses to reduce the use of chemicals and synthetic compounds in their construction and building materials, operations, products, and services. Reason: Chemicals and synthetic substances that do not easily break down also are increasing in society, producing increased toxicity in ecosystems, water supplies, soil, food, the built environment, the working environment, and human health. Planning, economic development strategies, and policies that affect the built environment can help safeguard the natural and man-made environments through encouraging development that reduces or eliminates the use of these substances. 5. The American Planning Association and its Chapters support planning policies and legislation that encourage methods of landscape design, landscape and park maintenance, and agriculture that reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers as well as encouraging the use of compost and conserving water. Reason: Pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers accumulate in natural systems, water supplies, soil, food, animals, and humans. Landscape design, maintenance of parks and open space, and agricultural practices that use alternative approaches to pest control can help reduce toxicity in ecosystems, water, food, and human health. 7 6. The American Planning Association and its Chapters support planning policies and legislation that result in compact and mixed-user development that minimizes the need to drive, re-uses existing, infill, and brownfields sites that have been thorouglkly reclaimed and remediated before using open land, and that avoids the extension of sprawl. ("Sprawl" refers to low-density, land-consumptive, center-less, auto-oriented development typically located on the outer suburban fringes). APA's "Growing Smart" Initiative is consistent with this Policy Position. Reason: Scattered, ;land-consumptive development is bringing about the deterioration and loss o o en lands, forests, ecosystems and species. These are essential elements of Nature's capacity to re-create the materials upon which all life — including ours — depends. Threatened also is the traditional and historic character of our communities and countrysides — a major source of community "quality of life'; heritage and economic viability. Encouraging compact development and redevelopment of existing sites can g avoid further encroachment upon diminishing land and other natural resources, helping to safeguard these for our well-being and those of future generations. 7. The American Planning Association and its Chapters support planning, development, and preservation policies and legislation that cons rve undeveloped land, open space, agricultural land , protect water and soil qu li consciously restore ecos tems, and that minimize or eliminate the disruption of existing natural ec sy tems�and floodplain. Such polici and legislation include Growing Smart and other innovative planning approaches. Reason: Safeguarding important lands, water, wetlands, soil, forests, coastal areas as natural ecosystems also helps to preserve the productivity and diversity of life upon which human life and well- being depends.. Efforts are needed to protect the critical land mass required to maintain the level of agricultural production needed to maintain viable agricultural operations and provide su,,f tient food supply for our population. These critical natural and open space resources contribute as well to " quality of life" as an essential part of local and regional community character. 8. The American Planning Association and its Chapters support planning icies and leslation tha forms of development, business, and agriculture that reduce the use of water, re-using waste ater ont site, a dgthat employ innovative wastewater treatment that minimizes or eliminates the use of chemicals (example: using plants for sewage treatment). Reason: Groundwater over pumping is occurring in many of the nation's regions. Reducing use of and re-using water using alternatives to chemical treatment, can use this resource more efficiently, allowing for its renewal through groundwater recharge, and minimizing or eliminating increased concentrations of chemicals in natural systems. 9. The American Planning] Association and its Chapters support planning policies and legislation at all levels of government that support and implement sustainable development policies that seek to equitably protect public health, safety and welfare,) and which incorporate the needs of those currently disenfranchised in the process. Reason: Certain planning decisions may improve the quality of life for some individuals at the expense of others for example, constructing a roadway, siting a bus depot or sewage treatment plant, or building housing near an industrial zone. This problem is acute in disadvantaged communities where equal consideration, fair siting decisions, and open planning processes are not always offered. Sustainable planning and development goals aim to provide equal protection and access to opportunities in all communities regardless of income status, race, gender, or ethnicity. 10 The American Planning Association and its Chapters support planning policies and legislation encouraging businesses, communities, institutions and development that pursue reduction and re-use of by-products and waste, especially approaches that 61so employ waste as a resource, such as eco-industrial development. Reason: Reducing themount of wastes and by-products reduces the likelihood of pollution while also reducing disposal problems and related costs for communities and businesses alike. Communities and businesses that make use of their own or each other's excess energy, water, and materials by-products can reduce or eliminate disposal and pollution problems and save, if not generate, significant revenues. 11. The American Planning Association and its Chapters support planning policies and legislation encouraging participatory and partnership approaches to planning, including planning for sustainability, integrally involving local community residents in setting the vision for and developing plans and actions for their communities aqd regions. Planning decisions that follow should be consistent with those community visions. Reason: Plans that are citizen-based, reflecting citizen intents and visions for their communities' futures, have the highest probability of successful adoption and implementation. Citizen participation in planning helps ensure fair and efficient targeting of resources to community needs. .. The American Planning Association and its Chapters support initiatives and partnerships with other organizations that: a) support research and development of technology promoting the four general policy objectives for sustainability; and b) provide best available economic, social, and environmental data and indicators on impacts, alternatives, costs, and benefits for integrated decision-making at all levels of government. Reasons: Well-informed policy choices that take into consideration the fundamental links among the economy, the environment, and society will be more likely to result in actions that serve all three rather than one at the expense of the others. Most of the innovation or technology to achieve greater sustainability either does not exist, is in the early stages of development, or is not readily available. For example, the use of alternative fuels is growing. However, some private users or transit authorities are reluctant to purchase alternative fuel vehicles because the fueling stations are scarce and the technology is still new. 13. The American Planning Association and its Chapters support planning policies, programs, and state and federal legislation that support incentives and other economic tools to improve the sustainability of our natural environment, enhance natural resources, and improve community subdivision and building design standards. Reason: Economic tools such as incentives hold promise for bringing about the implementation of sustainable development. Local, state, and federal legislation can support and strengthen the use of these approaches. Curriculum Natural Step Framework Sustainable Business and Community Seminar J AA- AA e.6, or Terry Gips Sustainability Associates 2584 Upton Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55405 T:612-374-4765 F:612-377-6019 Email: tgips@mtn.org Alliance for Sustainability 1521 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 T: 612-331-1099 F: 612-379-1527 iasa@mtn.org www.mtn.org/iasa Natural Step US P4 :Box 20372 San Francisco, CA 94129 T: 415-561-3344 F: 415-561-3345 tns@naturalstep.org www.naturalstep.org 1 p Natural Step Framework Sustana-ble Business and Community Seminar Involvement with Natural Step ■ Early 90s Inger Kailander, Head of the Swedish Ecological Farmers Association ■ 1995 Earth Day Conference in NYC with Dr. Karl -Henrik Robert • 1996 Paul Hawken and First Natural Step Instructors Program ■ 1996 Visit to Swedish TNS Eco -municipalities ■ 1997 Sustainable Sweden Tour: Alliance for Sustainability and Science Museum of MN Group Agreements • Have Fun - Relax & enjoy yourself. ■ Take Care of Yourself - Feel free to stretch, take a break or not participate if you need to. • Create a Positive Learning Environment - Listen deeply, respect other's learning styles, ask clarifying questions, hold discussion till appropriate, and support each other & the seminar in accomplishing our goals. ■ Be Respectful of Time - Support the facilitator in starting & ending sessions on time and moving through materials. Terry Gips Background 30 years in private, public & non-profit sectors: • Private — Neuberger & Berman, Cargill, Aveda Corporation and Sustainability Associates ■ Public — U of CA/Cooperative Extension Service Sacramento Community Garden Program and White House & Congressional Aide ■ Non -Profit — Intl. Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture and Alliance for Sustainability: Breaking the Pesticide Habit and The Humane Consruner and Producer Guide • UC Davis, Yale University School of Management and Natural Step US Instructor Program Learning Goals and Outcomes ■ What is the Natural Step (TNS) Framework, how it's utilized, & what are the benefits ■ How TNS can be applied at home, work and in the community ■ What is sustainability & why it's important ■ Develop first steps in an action plan for sustainability ■ Empower you to bring about sustainability and create support system Agenda for First Half ■ Welcome, Intros, Logistics, & Overview ■ What is Sustainability, Summary Overview of TNS Framework and A -B -C -D Analysis • Break ■ Benefits, Vision, Story & Status of TNS ■ Systems Thinking, Basic Science, Natural Cycle & Evolution ■ Break ■ Four Conditions for Sustainability ■ Application Exercise Agenda for Second Half ■ Review of Assignment, Natural Capital, Ecological Footprint, Funnel and Real Drivers: The Economic case for TNS ■ Break ■ Case Studies ■ Break ■ Practical Appl*ation ■ Reports, Dialogue, Questions, Evaluation and Neat Steps Fueled Fueled by a million man-made wings of fire— the rocket tore a a tunnel through the sky – and everybody cheered. Fueled only by a thought from �God ' 2, the seedling urged its way through the thickness of black—and as it pierced the heavy ceiling of the soil—up into outer space no one even clapped – Marcy Hans We're All Astronauts on Spaceship Earth \ Each day we're at the controls of our spaceship in terms of how we live, what we ! eat, and what we do, ■ The challenge is that unlike John Grunsf@Id and the other NASA astronauts, we were never trained how our. spaceship operates. ■ No wonder we've got trouble onboard. 0 2002 Sustainability Assod, X More than any time in history, humankind faces a crossroadk One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness, the other to total extinction. Let us pray that we have the wisdom to choose correctly. — Woody Allen Any Astronauts? ■ Did anyone here want to be an astronaut? • When young I used to practice being an astronaut with John Grunsfeld. Good News about Spaceship Earth ■ It's designed to get cleaner, purer, more abundant and more diverse on its own ■ There's no shortage of energy – all of the solar panels, trees, plants & green cells use 1/13,000'1 of all the energy of the sun ■ There's no shortage of materials–petroleum reserves are larger than ever and the only thing we've mined more than half of is copper ■ It's not bad to be a human. We are meant to be here and are part of the Natural Cycle. 2002 Sustainabibty Associates 2 k .y i Our Challenee ■ Over the past 200 years we've been violating the operating rules of Spaceship Earth. • If we stay on our present path we will create conditions that will no longer allow us to continue living here. ■ Life on Earth will go on but minus human beings. • So, what are the operating rules of our Spaceship Earth? From Despair to Sustainability • We have a vested interest in the outcome. ■ The purpose of today is to learn what the 4 rules are and how we can apply them. The Natural Step Framework is for humans and is based on human self-interest, to show us the benefit from making changes in our lives. It offers us the possibility of fundamentally transforming life on this planet, to turn things around in 5-10 years to meet the basic needs of everyone and bring about true wealth, health, and sustainability for us while assuring a sustainable future for all our children. An Impossible Dream? • Infant Formula Action Network and the Nestle Boycott brought about the greatest consumer victory in human history ■ Pesticide Action Network and the Dirty Dozen Campaign ■ CERES Principles for corporate environmental responsibility The Opportunity ■ There are just four basic operating rules. ■ If we follow these four rules we'll have a sustainable future. ■However, we have to follow all four rules. 3 of 4 isn't enough. It's all or nothing. _f.> i= and 4 to 100 -fold increases in productivity, leading to huge savings in money, the best thing that could ever happen to business, government or people. On Impossibility "There is no use trying." said Alice; "One can't believe impossible things." The Queen replied, "I dare say you haven't had much practice. When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." — Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland W and Sheroes (Maya Angelou) ■ Rachel Carson and Silent Spring: Ban of DDT, Earth Day, EPA, UNEP ■ Gandhi and Non-violence Movement ■ Dr. Martin Luther King and Civil Rights ■ Harriet Tubman and Abolitionists • Cady Stanton and Suffragettes • Nelson Mandela and end of Apartheid • Mother Jones and Coal Miners • Cesar Chavez and Migrant Workers ■ Fall of the Berlin Wall other brave acts by unsung heroes and sheroes o Zoog sugainability E Paired Sharing What's one challenge or question you've had regarding the environment or sustainability (at work, home or in your coauutuntty) that ya ItV like addressed?. If it were answered it would make the seminar worthwhile. Sustainability Thinking The frog does not drink up the pond in which: It lives — Native American proverb Sustainability Thinking According to Jewish teachings in the Talmud, God brought Adam to the Garden of Eden and warned: Take heed not to corrupt and destroy My world. For ifyou corrupt i4 there will be no one to set it right after you. Ecclesiastes Rabba 7.13 Sustainability Thinking The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it arose. The wind goes toward the south and turns about to the north, it whirls about continuously and the wind returns again according to its circuits. All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full Unto the place where the rivers come, they return again. The thing that has been; it is what shall be; And that which is done is that which shall be done. Ecclesiastes 1:5-9 Sustainability Thinking In every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decision on the next seven generations. Great Law of the Han de no sau nee (Iroquois Nation) Definitions of Sustainability A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong if it tends otherwise. — Aldo Leopold Sand County Almanac, 1949 rd %n ` Definitions of Sustainability A sustainable agriculture is one that depletes neither the people nor the land --- Wendell Berry, 1984 of Sustainability Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs U.N. World Commission on Environment & Development Our Common Future, 1987 7The Shell Report •• Profits and Principles - does there have to be a choice? i^ Ch J, P""", Definitions of Sustainability To achieve sustainability, a system must be ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just and humane (embodying our highest values—how we treat animals, people and the Earth) Alliance for usustainability Manna, 1984 Sustainability Triple Uditm Line 'rt'vr r co omy mane Which Definition of Sustainability Most Appeals to You? 5 Compass Scien ework Natural Step Tools for Sustainability Skills Ma Org anal. ems Learning Thinking 2001 Sustainability Associates ecline in Eco -System Goods and Services (Supply) Now-�� The Challenges Increase in Population & CoVnsumpption (D!m_�IIIe 7 D fir, e ". cw Strategic Sustainability Action Plan Steps to Sustainability Evaluation & Metrics & Feedback Indicators Summary Overview of the Natural Step Framework in Eco -system (The Funnel and Services _ Now -= Ctu-!!r, (Sustainability) Increase in Population & Consumption r. 7 Wi41 Based on TNS Framework I I Based on TNS Framework I 02002 Sustainabifity Associates 02002 Sustainability Associates 0 w w{ Y1.�; 'Y CjL `i I Z t W G(�V'� P (=G v" - y r ' r Y`� t(l y G�G..y ; l ce �J H &w, va' w 40-W i /( 3 ecline in Eco -System Need for Action Goods and Services Now Restore Future (Sustainability) Increase in Population Consumption Do&wn to Action Plan Now 1 2 3 4 5 ... yes rs ` Action 1 Action 2 X oa TNS Framework X Action 3 X ® 2002 Sustainability Associates The Natural Cycle Blosphere Green C eltsAnimds Earth's Crust Lithospherehere Based on TNS Framework ® 2002 Sustainability Associates Unsustainable Society biosphere Challenge & Opportunity: Inefficiency in making things e Take FrRels Earth: & #1 Linear System: --i Fossil lithosphere Take -Make -Waste ® 2002 Sustaioabilft Associates(Earth's crust 6% 94% What Action to Take First? We've tried designing eco -systems such as Biosphere 2 in the Arizona Desert: ■ Top scientists from around the world spent more than $200 million to design extensive eco -systems under glass for 8 people. ■ The Result? Ran out of oxygen and water and bumped off species. Perhaps we need to learn from Biosphere 1, Spaceship Earth, how she has been functioning for millions of years and caring for 6 billion people. TAW Natural Cycle p biosphere green s Moanimal cells 2001Suttainabiht Associates larth'scrnSt `r6l eft' �tjvt Unsustainable Society biosphere The Challenge: It doesn't go away. Itspreads everywhere lq*Only 1/7 Visibl Take From the (Landfills) Earth: Metals & #1 Rest is in air, C,04 Fossil Fuels lithosphere water and soil ® 2002 Sustamahiliry A—iaie (Varth'c er-0 V5 Unsustainable Society biosphere #2 Eco -Systems and Biodiversity t1ith phere L, % Compass for ecline in Eco -System Goods and Services Sustainability Now W-Phere / Restore •F ture Great Cees I az The Funnel, � Natural Cycle, Animals System Conditions "' & Action Plan = uthas hen / ompass Increase in Population The C & Consumption Down to Action Plan Now 1 2 3 4 5 ... years Action 1 Action 2 X ?( Based on TNS Framework Action 3 X ® 2002 Sustainability Associates Awareness of Sustainability Principles: TNS Framework The Natural Step. Framework holds that in a sustainable society, nature won't be subject to systematically increasing: 1 ... Concentrations of substances extracted from the earth's crust; 2 ... Concentration! s of substances produced by society; 3 ... Degradation by physical means; And, in that society, 4 ... human needs are met worldwide. Unsustainable Society 't"biosphere What We Make: #2 Chemicals & #3 Plastics #4 met Hums Eco -Systems eeds and Biodiversity Take From the #1 Earth: Metals & lithosphere Fossil Fuels ® 2002 Sustai—hiliN A—wixt.Marth's crust) Natural Step Framework Steps to Sustainability A -F3 -C -D Analysis V ` Awareness of Sustainability Principles¢�apnigtn2ana5usta»a0ietyAssaoaxs Natural Step Framework Steps to Sustainability A-(-C-D Analysis --- - -- for Today Y 6: COpyt{rhC 2Mi2 SUSlaifiatlFlitY AS'x4id[?3 r r L Baseline Analysis Practical Example Applying the TNS Framework's 4 Sustainability Principles to an Issue, Product or Organization Create Sustainability Vision Practical Example Applying the TNS Framework's 4 Sustainability Principles to an Issue, Product or Organization Down to Action Planning Practical Example Applying the TNS Framework's 4 Sustainability Principles to an Issue, Product or Organization Natural Step Framework Steps to Sustainability A -B -C -D Analysis Create Sustainability n/ �vlsionfor A we y Mount Sustainability O ropyrl6;u tooz Susta�nab8ity Associates Natural Step Framework Steps to Sustainability -• A -is -C -D Analysis C l l� if Down to Action Planning Steps Backcasting or Reverse Engineering A•+.."' rB Mount Sustainability r Q COWIN 4002 5 90MAMW AM6=41 -Eco-systems: loss of species, atmosphere, oceans, land, water •Health of workers, society, self -Competition, prices, shortages, insurance ,.Customer pressure, boycotts, bad publicity •Governments, standards, taxes, regulations 4 V-4 F 19 I JAS "Hitting th •Recrung, retaining, social stigmas, pariah I hf e^ '—W.&I Sustainability Principles Form Funnel Wa Steering to Sustainabi i Benefits from Utilizing f_ TNS Framework �yV i'n�S I �r'bAUC71 Jlr�j , h,nm2m.c w'I Modified from Paul Hawkeq I -Henrik Robdst & S tJ -Availability of financial capital, socially responsible -Risk and legal B{ financial responsibility — .AL l -Companies greening their Supply Chain -- E *Avoiding Social Disturbance — the Wa ' ustainabhlity Principles Form Funnel Walls Steering to Sustainability Benefits from Utilizing TNS Framework 0 2002 Sustainability Associates otavv,L of Visioning ■ It's pretty hard to get somew ere you don't �-Alfl:lt now where you rva a we are is the result of what we have gh . — Budd • If you can imagine it you can create it If you can dream it, you can become it - William Arthur ■rltlagic has often been thought of us the art of making dreams come true; the art of realizing visions. Yet before we can bring birth to the / v�c�ian��^•o o F '' Starhawk _� ■ What is now proved was once imagined — William Blake Organizational Benefits from TNS Framework 1 . Save Money Easy to Understand V f Eliminate Waste f Educational Tool �/■ Improve Overall ' Aligned Teams with Performance Shared Vision ■ Discover New Strategir� Creative, out-of-the-box L/ Opportunities Solutions ■ Positive Public �■ Recruitment/Retention Perception J Valuable w/ EMS, ISO ■ Become Socially and 4001 GRI & LCA Environmentally Responsible Useful Framework ---4L rather than program A Vision of Sustainability fi F TNS Accomplishments in Swed-1- x wed■ More than 60 corporations ■ More than 70 municipalities such as Stockholm ■ 100,000+ youth in school & community ■ Adoption by conventional farmer's organization ■ 19 professional networks (10,000 people) ■ International organization (9 countries) . Mutual fund based on TNS ■ Consensus documents on forestry, mining,, energy, agriculture & municipalities 10 Electrolux solar -powered, silent robotic lawnmower PRODUCTS. .l1e sunpowerd lawnmower of Husgvarna I -crest S Garden, Solar Mowerru,represenletelynew. thinking.'Itruns *1 solar cells all isan excel0s example of how we can switch from a limited resource, petroleum, toarene able.source, solar energy, The Solar Mower eliminates pollution emissions' and is practically silent. Electrolux Front -loading Washer • Half the Water ■ Half the Energy ■ Cleans Clothes Better in Less Wear and Tear on Clothes Sfinga-Saby Conference Center owned by conventional farmers • World's Most Environmental Conference Center • Completely Fossil Fuel Free ■ Converted Conventional to Model Organic Farm • Serve organic food IKEA'S a.i.r (stair is a resource") furniture saves material and energy -The new "flat -pack sofa" weighs only about 1/6 of the weight of a standard sofa and contains fewer materials. -Easy to separate for recycling at end of useful life. -When packed flat, requires only about 15% of the space of a conventional sofa. Source: www.ikea.com Sanga-Saby Model Indicators for Sustainability First Principle: Substances from Earth's Crust Key Ratio Numerator Denominator 1994 129s 1"6 Results eaviroam. Biefuel- Aa vehicles 0,8 1,00 1,00 vehides, driven 15 prop. vehicles Heavy Mems, Hg in sludge, Hg in sludge, 3,97 7,81 9161 mercury 6mitvalue mean valuelyr mg/kg Heavy Metal, Ca in sludge, Co in sludge, 0,87 2 2,05 copper limit value mean value/yr mg/kg DS Heavy Metal, Pb in sludge, Pb in sludge, 1,43 2,47 4,6 lead limit value mean valuetyr mg/kg Heavy Meml, Cr in sludge, Cr in sludge, 4,76 8,33 6,15 chromium limit value mean valuelyr mg/kg DS 1997 Sanga-Saby Environmental F 1,00 iii 9,50 2,20 Ir 4,60 I "V 6,80 .epolt 11 TNS Accomplishments in Sweden ■ More than 60 corporations ■ More than 70 municipalities such as Stockholm ■ 100,000+ youth in school & community ■ Adoption by conventional farmer's organization ■ 19 professional networks (10,000 people) ■ International organization - 9 countries: Sweden, Great $ritain, US, Canada, Australia, New kealand, Israel, Japan, & South Africa The Eco 10gY of Commerce Poul tlawkcn "This is a crisis. It Is a funeral march to the grave if someone doesn't do something to reverse the deadly decline. Business & industry — the largest, wealthiest, most powerful, most pervasive institutions on earth & the ones doing the most damage — must take the lead. "Once one understands this crisis, no thinking person can stand idly by & do nothing. When you get past denial, you must do whatever you can.",- Ray Anderson TNS in the United States 1992 - Meeting of Dr. Karl Henrik -Robert with Dr. Peter Senge and Paul Hawken • 1993 - Ecology of Commerce by Paul Hawkers 1994 - Use of TNS by Ray Anderson and Interface 1997 — Scientific Consensus Collins Pine, Home Depot, Nike, Mitsubishi Electric USA, Norm Thompson, Starbucks, C112M Hill Mutual fund - Portfolio 21 www.portfolio2l.org Academic institutions - U of Texas & schools Government—Connecticut, Oregon, Santa Monica ■ Religious institutions - St. Joan of Are Church, Minneapolis ■ Hospitals — Ridgeview Medical Center, Waconia, MN ■ The Natural Step -US and Local Networks Ray Anderson read Paul Hawken's Ecology of Commerce and said it was "a spear in my chest," especially Harvard biologist E. O. Wilson's statement about "the death of birth." Realized that "every eco -system on earth is in decline...." Interface, Inc. ■ Founded 1973 & headquartered in Atlanta ■ Largest commercial carpet manufacturer in the world ■ $1.28 billion in sales & $32 million in net income in 2000 • 7700 employees worldwide ■ 26 manufacturing sites in US, Canada, Europe, Australia & Thailand & sells in more than 110 countries 12 Interface, Inc. ■ Products: 40% of all carpet tile used in commercial buildings plus commercial broadloom, textiles, chemicals, architectural products & access flooring systems • Known as Interface, Bentley, Prince Street, Guilford of Maine, Re:Source Technologies • Saved $165 million through its sustainability efforts between 1994 & 2000 • Named one of the top 100 companies to work for by Fortune Magazine Interface Sustainability Initiatives 1994 Ray Anderson reads Ecology ojConrnierce by Paul Hawken. Delivers sustainability vision �; ; at Global Environmental Meeting 1995 Quality Using Employee Suggestions & Teamwork' (QUEST) EcoSense — measures progress First Evergreen lease signed Prince Street Technologies moves into''' environmental showcase factory in Cartersville, GA IL 1996 Commitment to Natural Step & training all 6,300 employees Merged QUEST & EcoSense & formed 18 teams S Interface Carpet Tile Take - Make --► Waste 294 million lbs • 252 million lbs • 5843 tons solid waste material (nylon, material or 25 • 22 million gallons waste water polypropylene, million sq in of (dyes, etc) polyester. tiles with IS year. 87 tons regulated pollutants (CO, chemicals) average life particulates, VOCs, vinyl acetate, 7.4 trillion BTUsoxides of N & sulfur) embodied end 17,800 tons of global warming 600 billion BTUs potential pollutants (CO2, arsenic, process energy cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, lead) Annual figures for 19%, • 2 tons photochemical ozone Interface Sustainability Report creation potential (ethylene effect) • 32 tons acidification potential • 495 lbs TRI emissions Interface Sustainability Initiatives 1997 One World Learning formed World Meeting Eco -conference in Maui Ray Anderson name co-chair of President's Council on Sustainable Development 1998 Interface Sustainability Report MPdCourse Correction by Ray Anderson More than 400 sustainability Initiatives 2000 First carpet made from PLA (polylactic acid), carbohydrate derived from corn A Family Commitment The Collins Company was founded July 8, 1855 in Pennsylvania by T.D. Collins. The 24 year-old Truman Doud (Teddy) Collins, along with four partners, bought 1,600 acres of virgin white pine and a steam sawmill near our present location in Kane, Pennsylvania. By 1860, Teddy had bought out his partners and the company has become the second largest private landowner in Pennsylvania. In the late 1800s, Collins expanded operations beyond Pennsylvania, westward. Today, over 145 years later, The Collins Companies remains family-owned, and manages additional certified forests in California and Oregon. Tbere Is no logging allowed on the rivers, streams, creeks or wetlands in the Collins Pennsylvania Forest. 4 k^ "hbe ao 13 /' 5 Two New Books: Dancing with the Tiger: Learning Sustainability Step by Natural Step by Brian Nattrass and Mary Altomare The Natural Step Story. Seeding a i Revolution by Ka Henrik Robert City of'Santa Monica • Successful Green Purchasing Program • World's fn-st Green Power City ■ Affordable Green Housing(Design Guide ■ IPM reduced pest control costs 30% ■ Eliminated 3200 pounds of toxics/yr ■ Ranked #1 Transit System in US 3x From Dean Kubani, http://santa-monica.orgle Conflicting Headlines Lead to Confusion and Debate in the Leaves t ■ "Polar Ice Caps Melt' ■ "Global Warming—n4 issue" ■ "Salt is Greater Hazard than Pesticides" • "Pesticides Linked to Breast Cancer and Frog Changes" • "Ozone Layer is Returning to Normal" • "Hole Opens in Ozone -Layer" ®2002 Sustainability Associate Dedication ceremony for UT -Houston's Solar Energy Initiative Santa Monica Achievements, 1990-2000 ■ Reduced City-wide water use 6% • Solid Waste diverted from landfills grew from 14% to 55% ■ Reduced Greenhouse gas emissions 6% ■ Alternative fuel vehicles increased from 10% to 70% ■ Bus Ridership grew 17% The Character of Environmental Problems has Changed: Local _ _ _- -.-..Global -- Few Large Sources --------Diffuse Short Time Delay Long Time Delay Low Complexity— High Complexity 14 4 . Systems Thinking A system is a collection of parts which interact with each other to function as a whole. Systems thinking encourages us to look at the whole system rather than solely at individual pieces or Parts of a system. If you don't understand the connections between things, often the solutions become your problems. The primary cause of theprobleins is the solutions. — Amory Lovins Why Do We Need Systems Thinking? I. Big problems can be addressed — Systems thinking is a way of tackling challenging problems that don't fit into various specialties. 2. Picture of the whole — The average person (not just scientists & experts) gets a clear basic picture of how the world works without having to be an expert & know all of the details of every subject. 3. Collaboration — It provides an opportunity for collaboration across areas of knowledge based on a shared mental model & language, both of which are necessary to have a shared goal to make decisions & to act. A Systems Perspective Emphasizes: a Principles rather than details ■ Shared framework & a common language ■ Focusing "upstream" ■ Necessary (non-negotiable) conditions for sustainability (system conditions) Systems Thinking The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we used when we created them. — Albert Einstein System Overview Foliage - details % Trunk & roots - fundamental principles ®2001 Sustainability Associates M Science Principles Matter & energy canno a created or destroyed (Conservation Law & 1u Law Thermodynamics) Matter & energy tend to spread spontaneously (2nd Law of Thermodynamics) C— h' Biological & economic value (quality) is in the concentration & structure of matter (What we consume) tsreen-rMs are essentially the only ne producer of the concentration & structure (Photosynthesis) 15 Law of Conservation of Matter = Nothing Disappears The Earth is a closed system for matter but an open system for energy. If a car is filled with gas and drives several hundred miles until it' empty, what happened to the gas? Did it Concentration and Structure of Matter Does anyone like to eat soil? Clean Water and Ink: in a<Pen Is Anyone Here a Consumer? Two Cycles: Natural & Technical Bill McDonough and Michael Braungart point out there are two distinct cycles that materials should be kept within: 1. Natural Cycle — Plant -based material should be kept within this loop. 2. Technical Cyclo — Material produced by our industrial society that can not be immediately reabsorbed by natural systems should be held in the technical cycle, "cradle to cradle." Second Law of Thermodynamics =Everything Breaks Down & Spreads = Entropy If I have nice new tires and drive 40,000 miles so I have no tread, what happened? New cars.rust but do thgy become new. again? A nice new carpet wears down but does it become new again? I organize my office but a half hour later chaos reigns. Green Cells and Photosynthesis We can make things but how efficiently do we use resources? How about a vacuum cleaner that's very efticlent at organizing and structuring? Green Cells accomplish this because they have a free source of energy and operate in a cyclical system where waste = food. Emphasis on importance of supporting Natural Cycle and basing business and societal decisions on cyclical flows, "cradle to cradle" instead of "cradle to grave." ® 2002 SuStaimbilitY Assoc The History of Spaceship Earth 4.5 billion 3.6-3.85 billion 1-2 million 200 -Today Years 0 2001 siutainabiGty Associates 16 4 Natural Cycle biosphere green ce s animal cells lithosphere 2001 Sustaioebilit Associates(Earth's crust The History of Spaceship Earth Reversing Evolution ® 2001 Sustainability Associates Break Unsustainable Society biosphere What We Make: `1 #2 Chemicals & #3 Plastics 4Z� !, #Unmet Huma Biodiversity Take From the #1 Earth: Metals & lithosphere I Fossil Fuels 2 Sustainability AssociueiEarth's crust) Reflection and Sharing TNS Framework Principles or System Conditions for Sustainability The Natural Step Framework holds that in a sustainable society, nature won't be subject to systematically increasing: 1 ... Concentrations of substances extracted from the earth's crust; 2 ... Concentrations of substances produced by society; 3 ... Degradation by physical means; And, in that society, 4 ... human needs are met worldwide. 2 c 17 Original Version TNS First Condition for Sustainability: What we Take from the Earth Mining of Metals & Burning of Fossil Fuels "Substances from the Earth's crust must not systematically increase in nature. This means that fossil fuels, metals & other minerals must n t be extracted at a faster rate than their s ow redeposit into the Earth's crust." First Condition — Why? • Mining & burning fossil fuels release a wide range of substances that do not $o away, but rather, continue to build up & spread in our ecosphere. • Nature has adapted over millions of years to speck amounts of these materials. • Cells don't know how to handle significant amounts of lead, mercury, radioactive materials & other hazardous compounds from mining, often leading to learning disabilities, weakening of immune systems & improper development & functioning of the body. -The burning of fossil fuels generates dangerous levels of invisible pollutants which contribute to smog, acid rain & global climate change. r LV Material Flows Must Be Kept In Balance -Natural systems have evolved over time to very specific amounts of inputs. -These material flows must be kept in balance because of their impact on cells. -Cell function is non-negotiable. -You can't convince them to break down freons or urge them to survive a pollutant they've never adapted to. First Condition for Sustainability: What we Take from the Earth Mining of Metals & Burning of Fossil Fuels Simply: We need to use renewable energy & nontoxic, reusable materials in order to avoid the spread of hazardous levels of mined metals & pollutants. Material Flow Theory and the First Condition of Sustainability "Avoid deviations from the natural state that are large in comparison to natural fluctuation& In particular, deviations should not be allowed to increase systematically." Dr. John Holmberg, Chalmers Institute of Technology, Sweden Phosphorous as a Challenge -Everything can be a toxin, it is just a matter of concentration. -Any systematic increase can harm the supporting conditions of life & lead to dangerous effects. For example, too much phosphorus, the essential building block of life, can cause problems. -Life is adapted to only small amounts of phosphorus & it's the limiting factor of growth. •If we flood the system with lots of phosphorus, we get runaway growth of algae. Nature doesn't know what to do with it. Mercury -Potent Neurotoxin • Just one gram (1/100 of a teaspoon) — the amount found in a fever thermometer, thermostat or dental mercury amalgam — can contaminate a 20 -acre lake. ■ Schools average 2.5 IN from spills, science lab and nurse station equipment, and chemical storeroom shelves. ■ MN PCA is donating $300 worth of mercury -free replacements to schools, www.oca.state.mn us/nroarams/mercurv- free/index.html Strategies for Success Questions to ask for each Principle Can Consumption be Reduced? Do we really need it? Can waste be an opportunity? Can we be more Productive or Efficient with Resources? Can we Dematerialize, use less stuff to make the same thing? Can we Reuse and Design for Disassembly and Future Use? Can we Recycle, making the same thing again & again and keeping the material within the technical loop? Can we compost and allow organic matter to return to the Natural Cycle? Can we Substitute non-toxic material to accomplish the same task? Take --i Make ---,-Waste Paul Hawken estimates that to make one 4 pound laptop computer... ' First Condition for Sustainability: What we Take from the Earth Action: -Reduce our overall energy use -Drive less, carpool, use public transportation, ride bikes or walk -Conserve energy through energy-efficient lighting, proper insulation, passive solar & reduced heating & cooling -Support a shift to renewable energy such as solar & wind power instead of nuclear, coal or petroleum -Avoid chemical fertilizers & reduce our use of mined minerals through recycling & preferably, re -use. Resource Inefficiency in Linear Production • 6% Product 94% it..:,. Waste Take -------Make -----o-Waste 19 Inefficient Use of Resources • The National Academy of Engineering estimates that we are only about 2-3% efficient in our use of resources and at least a 10 -fold increase in productivity is needed to become sustainable. -r_ ,- 1✓ompact Fluorescent Bulb -Costs $8-12 -Saves $40-80 per bulb -Uses 75% less energy •23 watts produces POW light -Wide variety of shapes, sizes,, & types of light -Far cooler — no fire problem -Lasts 8-10 times longer ThinkiAgDUtside the Boz Shift from Product to Service `w Do you want to _ .. _.._..._.. buy energy? t 4 ' It's not energy that I want. I want a nice indoor climate. Recycling of Aluminum Cans -Only just over half of aluminum cans are �„ recycled -Americans throw away enough aluminum cans in 3 months to rebuild entire US commercial air fleet -Making new aluminum cans from used ones takes 95% less energy •20 recycled cans can be made with the energy needed to produce one can using virgin ore. -Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to keep a 100 watt bulb burning almost 4 hours or runs a TV set 3 hours Squrce: www.anchoraeerecvcHne.com/alumf LaFree Electric Bike -Millions in China & Europe -12mph with no sweat -Use on bike paths `Sturdy — carry groceries -20 stiles on 4-6 hour charge -$900-1000 retail OK Petroleum ■ Sweden's largest oil company ■ Manufactures cleanest fuels in the world ■ Supports carbon taxes � ■ 2172 employees ! 20 Toyota Fuel Cell Vehicle ~, tteeai Mta.fr �• tMsresea ANNE- tistsk tumrs csr9oa titeok [4tsa�wk Sanga S'aby Indicators of Sustainability First Condition for Sustainability Substances from the Earth's crust must not systematically increase in nature Proportion of environmental vehicles I 0.8 Motor vehicles, blofuel- 0.6 driven/motor 0.4 vehicles 0.2 0 1995 1996 1997 Target 1998 Indicators for elements extracted from the lithosphere Element Cone. In Weathering Mining Fossil fuels i Soils & Vokanic lktoul lktonl B+C=Irides Ime/kel Iktoul A MetalsA B C Index Aluminum 72000 1100000 18000 34000 .048 Iron 26000 390000 540000 34000 1.4 Potassium 15000 230000 24000 340 .11 Magnesium 9000 140000 3100 690 .028 Titanium 2900 44000 2500 1700 .096 Manganese 550 8300 8600 170 1.1 Zirconium 230 3500 880 140 3 Vanadium 80 1200 32 350 32 Zinc 60 910 7300 260 lu Chromium 54 830 3800 34 4.6 Copper 25 380 9000 55 Lithium 24 360 9.9 220 .64 Nickel 19 300 88o 570 4.8 Lead 19 290 3300 85 U Gallium 17 260 .055 24 .093 Niobium 11 170 14 14 .17 Uranium 2.7 41 47 3.4 1.2 ® John Holmberg. Chalmers Innitute offechnology. Sweden Hypercar www.hypercar.com •Performance -Safety -Fuel savings -Reliability •Comfort & styling -Flexibility -Affordability -US energy savings Sanga-Saby Indicators of Sustainability First Condition for Sustainability Substances from the Earth's crust must not systematically increase in nature Heavy metal, mercury, in sewage sludge 10 Hg content In sludge, limit 8 value 6 mgAcB/Hg content In 4 sludge, annual 2 mese value w0ji 0 1995 19% 1997 Target 1998 Four Faucet Analogy ■ Mop up ■ Threshold Specialist ■ Economist T �1hSuranco 21 99'S.. 'food FO2'tAee-e!ZI KI �t pari «r 97ME.Iwine c -- - Lake Ontario Herring gull Biomagnification of PCBs 25,000,000x w� ~ WLA.ut Mysid 45,000x melt 835,000x 2,800,000x EPhytoplankton 250x Original TNS Version of Second Condition for Sustainability: What we Make Chemicals & Plastics "Substances produced by society must not systematically increase in nature. This means that substances must not be produced faster than they can be broken down & reintegrated into the cycles of nature." TNS Framework Principles or System Conditions for Sustainability The Natural Step Framework holds that in a sustainable society, nature won't be subject to systematically increasing: I ... Concentrations of substances extracted from the earth's crust; 2 ... Concentrations of substances produced by society; Second Condition for Sustainability: What we Make Chemicals & Plastics Simply: We need to use safe, biodegradable substances that do not cause the spread of toxins in the environment. 22 , A Second Condition: Why? -Since World War II, our society has produced more than 85,000 chemicals, such as PCBs, CFCs & endocrine disruptors like DDT. -Most do not go away, but spread and harm the ozone & eco -systems or bio -accumulate in the fat cells of animals & humans. -Cells don't know how to handle significant amounts of these chemicals, often leading to cancer, improper development, birth defects & long-term genetic change. Significance of Food Choices *Food choices are one of the 3 largest impacts we make on the environment (Union of Concerned Scientists) •The.organic; 16ods industry sales are now.. more than $6 billion in the US and represents the fastest growing area of the supermarket industry with 20-25% growth over the past few years (Natural Foods Merchandiser) Changes at McDonald's Sweden • Use of non-toxic cleaners • Elimination of styrofoam containers • Sale of organic milk, veggie burgers & hamburgers with organic beef • Ask customers if they want straw & lid for drinks, saving each restaurant several thousand dollars a year • Water pipes made from recycled plastic & other green materials reduced construction material use by 5-10 percent. Second Condition for Sustainability: What we Make Action: -Use non-toxic, natural cleaning materials & personal care products -Decrease our use of plastics & reuse the ones we have, such as plastic bags & eating utensils -Stop using CFCs & other ozone-depleting substances -Use safe, natural pest control In our homes, lawns & gardens -Support farmers in becoming sustainable & eliminating hazardous pesticides by voting with our dollars for certified organic food & clothing -Support the elimination of factory farm feedlots & manure ponds that cause air & water pollution. ® 2001 Sustainabi6cv Assoc McDonald's (Sweden) ■ Part of the largest food servii company in the world ■ More than 100 restaurants (Sweden) ■ More than 7000 employees ■ Faced severe public relations challenge • Began Natural Step in 1993 Funding for Going Organic ■ Countries such as Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands provide funding for farmers to convert to organic agriculture. • MN Natural Resources Conservation Service is supporting organic conversion with Environmental Quality Incentives Program payments for crops at $50/acre/year and for livestock at $25/acre/year. • www.umbsn.org/News/word%20docume nts/organicnewsarticle2.adf 23 Sanga-Saby Indicators of Sustainability Second Condition for Sustainability Substances produced by society must not systematically increase in nature Percentage of Certified, Organic Food Sold 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 199s 14% 1997 Target 98 Original TNS Version of Third Condition: What We Do to the Earth Protect Biodiversity & Ecosystems "The physical basis for the productivity & diversity of nature must not be systematically deteriorated. This means the productive surfaces of nature must not be diminished in quality or quantity & we must not harvest more from nature than can be recreated & renewed." SangaSaby Indicators of Sustainability Second Condition for Sustainability Substances produced by society must not systematically increase in nature Chlorine for drinking water 250 200 Goat nightsisalt for 150 chlorination of 100 drinking water s0 0 wLrLl 1995 1996 1997 Target 98 TNS Framework Principles or System Conditions for Sustainability The Natural Step Framework holds that in a sustainable society, nature won't be subject to systematically increasing: 1 ... Concentrations of substances extracted from the earth's crust; 2 ... Concentrations of substances produced by society; 3 ... Degradation by physical means; Third Condition for Sustainability: What We Do to the Earth Protect Biodiversity & Ecosystems Simply: We need to protect our soils, water & air, or we won't be able to eat, drink or breathe. 24 Zo �•911KeFtfFn w M U � .... �( ar�cu�easnv oo�0041M �oNESpEspew n►o Tf& AUraa s nauWE � TW -M. � A wry 4t1E me Nwnv[ Original TNS Version of Third Condition: What We Do to the Earth Protect Biodiversity & Ecosystems "The physical basis for the productivity & diversity of nature must not be systematically deteriorated. This means the productive surfaces of nature must not be diminished in quality or quantity & we must not harvest more from nature than can be recreated & renewed." SangaSaby Indicators of Sustainability Second Condition for Sustainability Substances produced by society must not systematically increase in nature Chlorine for drinking water 250 200 Goat nightsisalt for 150 chlorination of 100 drinking water s0 0 wLrLl 1995 1996 1997 Target 98 TNS Framework Principles or System Conditions for Sustainability The Natural Step Framework holds that in a sustainable society, nature won't be subject to systematically increasing: 1 ... Concentrations of substances extracted from the earth's crust; 2 ... Concentrations of substances produced by society; 3 ... Degradation by physical means; Third Condition for Sustainability: What We Do to the Earth Protect Biodiversity & Ecosystems Simply: We need to protect our soils, water & air, or we won't be able to eat, drink or breathe. 24 rd Condition: Why? *Forests, soils, wetlands, lakes, oceans & other naturally productive ecosystems provide food, fiber, habitat, oxygen, waste handling, & a host of other essential goods & services. -For millions of years they have been purifying the planet & creating a habitat suitable for human & other life. we destroy or deplete these systems, we er both our livelihoods & the likelihood of existence. One pound of beef can take up to 5200 gallons of water to produce = all the water a person uses in showering for one year (U of CA Extenstion Soil and Water) 2002 -THE F0_ OD REVOLUTION i0{f NO{O {Y O{{Y ONNI{Y. Y.O. IKEA ■ Largest furniture company in the world ■ $10.8 billion worldwide sales in 2001 ■ Participated in Founding Conference Forest Stewardship Council 1993 ■ Long-term goal of ensuring that all wood raw material used originates from independently verified well-managed forests according to FSC or equivalent ■ No use of intact natural forests unless certified by FSC ■ Encourage suppliers to do the same ■ Have pilot take back of old upholstered furniture Third Condition for Sustainability: What We Do to the Earth •P sustainably harvested forest products rather than Z yang rainforests •R uce or eliminate our consumption of products that are not ustainably harvested, such as fish & seafood •S p with reusable bags rather than using more paper bags .Decrease our use of water & use composting toilets that r¢tsuv valuable nutrients to the earth Fight urban sprawl & encourage the cleaning up of brownfields & other contaminated sites -safeguard endangered species by protecting wildlife habitat Post -consumer Recycled Paper Savings if every US household replaced just one roll of 500 sheet virgin fiber bathroom tissues with 100% recycled: •297,000 trees •1.2 million cubic feet of landfill space =1400 full garbage trucks • 122 million gallons of water, a year's supply for 3,500 families of four -And no chlorine bleaching www.seventhgeneration.com MN Sustainable Forestry ■ MN Minnesota Sustainable Forest Incentive Act is a property tax law effective January 2002. ■ Forest owners can earn at least $1.50/acre/ year (substantial offset to most forest property tax bills) for sustainably managing at least 20 contiguous acres for at least 8 years. ■ see www.frc.state.mn.us; call 651-603- 0109 25 What Nature Can Teach Us • Pound for pound, a spider's web is stronger than steel and even the toughest human -made substance, Kevlar. • It's also far more flexible. • Yet rather than making it by heating, beating and treating as we do in resource intensive an environmentally destructive industrial processes, spiders just eat insects. BIOMIMICRY Third Con r for Sustainability The physical basis for the productivity & diversity of nature must not be systematically diminished BOD7 content in sewage Original TNS Version of Fourth Condition for Sustainability: Just & Efficient Use of Resources to Meet Human Needs "There must be just & efficient use of resources with respect to meeting human needs. This means that basic human needs must be met with the most resource efficient methods possible, including equitable resource distribution." Third Condition for Sustainability The physical basis for the productivity & diversity of nature must not be systematically diminished Water consumption of guests TNS Framework•Principles or System Conditions for Sustainability The Natural Step Framework holds that in a sustainable society, nature won't be subject to systematically increasing: 1 ... Concentrations of substances extracted from the earth's crust; 2 ... Concentrations of substances produced by society; 3 ... Degradation by physical means; And, in that society, 4—human needs are met worldwide. Fourth Condition for Sustainability: Meet Human Needs Simply: We can use less stuff & save money while meeting the basic needs of every human on this planet. Associates 26 Fourth Condition for Sustainability Meet Basic Human Needs ■ Every day the equivalent of 100 jumbo jets filled with children and their families crash with everyone aboard dying of hunger and related diseases. ■ i billion+people don't have &e—ir-basic needs met • The people living in the lowest 20% by income receive only 1.4% of the world's income. Just to survive, they need to cut down rainforests, over fish & burn dirty coal. ■ The US makes up only 4% of the world's population but consumes about 25% of its resources. ■ We're 30% beyond the planet's carrying capacity and if everyone in the world consumed as we do, we'd need three more alanets. Key Thoughts on Basic Needs ■ Social Injustice is not good for business: civil unrest, unstable markets, and dangerous work conditions. • Meeting basic needs offers huge new business opportunities: Electrolux in China. ■ The UN Development Program estimates it would cost $60 billion to meet the needs of the world's poor: food, water, shelter & sanitation. ■ That's the equivalent of Star Wars or just 4% of the net wealth of the 250 wealthiest people on the planet. Manfred Max-Neef Basic Human Needs are: ■ defined & possible to classify • the same in all cultures & in all historic times (but with different ways to satisfy them) ■ not interchangeable among each other • possible to satisfy at a high degree & at the same time decrease society's use & disposal of natural resources. Max-Neef, Maned, "Development and human needs;' in Max-Neef, Manfred & Ekins, Paul (eds.), Rea( -life economics: Understanding wealth creation, Routledge Publishing, New York Is it possible to cure our Consumption Addiction? • The Basic Needs work of Alternative Nobel Prize -Winning, Chilean Economist Manfred Max-Neef, widely in Latin America for bottom-up, people -centered • We can have unlimited amounts o.0 - learning, laughter, love, community and other basic needs. Basic Human Needs according to Chilean economist Manfred Mas-Neef • Subsistence ■ Protection/Security • Affection ■ Understanding ■ Participation • Leisure • Creativity ■ Identity/Meaning ■ Freedom ■ Transcendence leef, Manfred, "Development and human needs," in Max-Neef, Manhed & Paul (eds.), Real-life economics: Understanding health creation, Routledge vng, New York 27 The Naturhal Step In (Inward) A Creative Perspective on Max-Neef s Basic Needs by Ed Kopp, Pop Sustainability A Sustainable Self is composed of a • Physical body that is healthy, exercises, eats a proper diet, gets jample rest and is • Protected and S ure with ample shelter and surrounded by 4m-ily and friends and is allowed to express • Affection/(Emo' n) and share feelings, desires, and emo 'ons so that you gain ■ Understanding o yourself, others and the world around yo which lets you The Natural Step In (Inward) A Creative Perspective on Max-Neef s Basic Needs by Ed 1�opp, Pop Sustainability • Identity that special something in you that makes you distinctly you which leads to • Transcendence and one's connection to all things, to know that you are one small piece of the whole which liberates you to ■ Freedom and control of your own destiny. Your choices, your intentions, and your actions create your reality. The Natural Step In (Inward) A Creative Perspective on Max-Neef s Basic Needs by Ed Kopp, Pop Sustainability ■ Participate/Serve and contribute to your family, friends, causes, charities, and to allow yourself to be contributed to which can be balanced by • Leisure to take time out, to "not do," to do things for the sake of pure enjoyment, to relax which allows for ■ Creativity/(To create) to allow your own essence, your distinct personality to come through in any form it wishes be it music, art, dance, writing, sports which gives you a sense of ® 2001 Alliance for Sustainability Fourth Condition for Sustainability: Meet Basic Needs Action: ■ Understand our basic needs (work of Manfred Max-Neet) and discuss with others ■ Ask if we really need more stuff and design our lives to give us more of what we want (healthy, attractive & nurturing environments) and less of what we don't want (pollution, waste, stress & expense) ■ Support policies assuring social justice and equity throughout society We can no longer have everything we want, but we can be more than we ever imagined — Mike Nickerson, Sustainability Project 613-269-3500 www.cyberus.ca/choose.sustain M Agenda for Second Half ■ Review of Assignment, Natural Capital, Ecological Footprint, The Funnel and Real Drivers: The Economic case for TNS ■ Break ■ Case Studies ■ Break ■ Practical Application ■ Reports, Dialogue, Questions, Evaluation and Next Steps TNS Framework Principles or System Conditions for Sustainability The Natural Step Framework holds that in a sustainable society, nature won't be subject to systematically increasing: 1 ... Concentrations of substances extracted from the earth's crust; 2 ... Concentrations of substances produced by society; 3...Degradation by physical means; And, in that society, 4 ... human needs are met worldwide. Assignment: Applying the Four Principles Unsustainable Society biosphere We What We Make: #2 Chemicals & Plastics #4 Unmet Huma O"W'z,: Eco -Systems Beds and Biodiversity Take From the #1 Earth: Metals & lithosphere Fossil Fuels ® 2001 Sustainabilrty Associat arth's crust wt Measuring the World in Monetary Units Makes Us Olind to the Ecological Constraints on Sustainability : u..t.:. ut...�....a..a s ur t:,.... D. �, (o�t4toor) Overshoot is growth beyond carrying capacity. Carrying capacity limits can be overshot without a "big bang" because of the availability of large capital stocks. 1996 Mathis Wackemagel & William Rem The Boiled Frog Syndrome. A frog placed in slowly heating water will not notice the gradual but eventually lethal trend. 1996 Mathis Wackemagel & William Rees The Ecological Footprint is a measure of the "load" imposed by a given population on nature. It represents the land area necessary to sustain current levels of resource consumption & waste discharge by that population. 41 1W A fair Earthshare is the amount of land each person would get if all the ecologically productive land on Earth were divided evenly among the present world population. If your present Earthshare were a circular island it would have a diameter of just 432.64 ft. One sixth of your island would be arable land, the rest pasture, forest & wilderness, & built-up area. Clearly, as the population increases, our earthshares shrink. 996 Mathis Wacketnueel & William Rea } Kill � o ? Overshoot is growth beyond carrying capacity. Carrying capacity limits can be overshot without a "big bang" because of the availability of large capital stocks. 1996 Mathis Wackemagel & William Rem The Boiled Frog Syndrome. A frog placed in slowly heating water will not notice the gradual but eventually lethal trend. 1996 Mathis Wackemagel & William Rees The Ecological Footprint is a measure of the "load" imposed by a given population on nature. It represents the land area necessary to sustain current levels of resource consumption & waste discharge by that population. 41 1W A fair Earthshare is the amount of land each person would get if all the ecologically productive land on Earth were divided evenly among the present world population. If your present Earthshare were a circular island it would have a diameter of just 432.64 ft. One sixth of your island would be arable land, the rest pasture, forest & wilderness, & built-up area. Clearly, as the population increases, our earthshares shrink. 996 Mathis Wacketnueel & William Rea } Kill . A For urbanization, food, forest products & fossil fuel use, the Dutch use the ecological functions of a land area over 15 times larger than their country. LAND APPRopR1A704TM SRA (�„ 9 V (IN NELTLRg) I ECO'T"- V VE LANG A1051 AVAaAME IMCA,gA(VMLy ) (IM NEM.35) 0 z9uaer Our Ecological Footprints Keep Growing While Our per capita "Earthshares" Continue to Shrink 01996 Mathis Wackemagel & Wi1Gam Rees For each person whose Ecological Footprint exceeds his/her fair earthshare by, say, a factor of three (as do North Americans'), three other people would have to content themselves with only a third of a share for global sustainability. Wanted: Two (Phantom) Planets. If everybody lived like today's North Americans, It would take at least two additional planet Earths to produce the resources, absorb the wastes, & otherwise maintain life support. Unfortunately, good planets are hard to rind... "Regular purchase & disposal of this product will claim just over 10% of your daily Earthshare." 31 F, Even though a greenh production is much production, when we a energy, fertilizer & othe requirement per toms use's physical Footprint per unit nailer than that for open-field .aider the Ecological Footprints of inputs, the greenhouse's total land 1 is actually 10 to 20 times larger .wn to scale). nu N H rri . The Ecological Footprint of one person traveling 6 miles each workday varies according to transportation mode: for bicycles, it is about .03 acres, for buses .07$ acres & for cars .378 acres. The concept U the Funnel ::]Decline in Living Systems i Margip for Action ? 1997 Population & Demand ® 1996 Paul Hawkes, Karl -Henrik- Robert & The Natural Step Preliminary estimates show that living in a multi -unit condominium or apartment of similar market value to a suburban house, & using a compact, energy-efficient car rather than a standard -sized vehicle, can reduce a household's transportation & housing Footprint by a factor of three. 1996 Mathis wackecnmei & William Res Capacity & quality of- -Water f•Water, oceans & fisheries •Arable land •Climatic stability •Capacity of environment to absorb waste •Forest Cover -Food , restoration I Sustainable Society Population & demand Karl -Henrik Robin & The Natural 32 ,00l YOU VOMNI'1EN'SALIM HAVE Got 10 UNOEMPItiD 15 'SHE DES'faUMON OF 'SHE PLPNEI PAI BE THE PRICE w 046SE TO PAY FOR A "EPX1H`( ECOMO M`( ! oAmmiN dsam,Q Capacity & quality of- -Water f•Water, oceans & fisheries •Arable land •Climatic stability •Capacity of environment to absorb waste •Forest Cover -Food , restoration I Sustainable Society Population & demand Karl -Henrik Robin & The Natural 32 ,_ 'Eco -systems: loss of species, atmosphere, oceans, land, water "Hitting Wall" Sustainability Principles Form Funnel Walls Steering to Sustainability Benefits from Utilizing TNS Framework Modified from Paul Hawken, Kari -Herr& Robert & TNS 02 Sustainability Associates •Eco -systems: loss of species, atmosphere, oceans, land, water •Health of workers, society, self •CompeHHon, prices, shortages, insurance "Hitting th Wall" Sustainability Principles Form Funnel Walls Steering to Sustainability Benefits from Utilizing TNS Framework Modified from Paul Hawker, Karl -Henrik Robert & TNS %,systems: loss of species, atmosphere, oceans, land, water •Health of workers, society, self •CompeHHoo, prices, shortages, insurance •Customer pressure, boycotts, bad publicity "Hitting th wall" Sustainability Principles Form Funnel Walls Steering to Sustainability ///Benefits from Utilizing TNS Framework Modified from Paul Hawken, Karl -Henrik Robes & TNS •Eco -systems: loss of species, atmosphere, oceans, land, water •Health of workers, society, self "Hitting th Wall" Sustainability Principles Form Funnel Walls Steering to Sustainability //Benefits from Utilizing TNS Framework Modified from Paul Hawker, Karl -Heat& Robert & TNS ® 2002 Sustainability Associates Hybrid Gas -Electric Car 61 mpg Emerging Market Force ■ More than 22% of all Americans (50 million people) are concerned about issues related to sustainability and will use their market power (Paul Ray and Sherry Anderson, The Cultural Creatives ■ It generally takes only 6% of consumers to win a boycott (Cesar Chavez) ■ Social theory shows it only takes 15% of a society to bring about fundamental change 33 E Neod8topa Nome Depot E vNY nmdda.=19Z egad ems- e- -Eco-systems: loss of species, atmosphere, oceans, land, water *Health of workers6 society, self -Competition, prices, shortages, insurance *Customer pressure, boycotts, bad publicity •Governmeats, standards, taxes, regulations "Hitting th •Recruidng, retaining, social stigmas, pariah Wall" Sustainability Principles Form Funnel Walls Steering to Susti<inability /'OBenefits from Utilizing TNS Framework Modified from Paul Hawken, Karl -Henrik Robert & TNS •Availability of financial capital, socially responsible investing -Risk and legal &financial responsibility "Hitting the Wall" Sustainability Principles Form Funnel Walls Steering to Sustainability Benefits from Utilizing TNS Framework 0 2002 Sustainability Associates •Eco -systems- loss of species, atmosphere, oceans, land, water •Health of workers, society, self •Competidon, prices, shortages, insurance •Customer pressure, boycotts, bad publicity •Governments, standards, taxes, regulations "Hitting t\ K_ Sustainability Principles Form Funnel Walls Steering to Sustainability /Benefits from Utilizing TNS Framework Modified from Paul Hawken. Karl -Henrik Robert & TNS •Availability of financial capital, socially responsible investing "Hitting the Wall" Sustainability Principles Form Funnel Walls Steering to Sustainability //Benefits, from Utilizing TNS Framework ® 2002 Sustaimbility Associates •Avaflability of financial capital, socially responsible investing -Risk and legal & financial responsibility •Companies Greening their Supply Chain "Hitting the Wall" Sustainability Principles Form Funnel Walls Steering to Sustainability Benefits from Utilizing TNS Framework ® 2002 Sustainability Associates 34 ,Availability of financial capital, socially responsible investing *Risk and legal & financial responsibility 'Companies Greening their Supply Chain "Hitting -Avoiding Social Disturbance the Wall" Sustainability Principles Form Funnel Walls Steering to Sustainability Benefits from Utilizing TNS Framework ® 2002 Sustainability Associates University of Texas at Houston Health Science Center. Video Applying A -B -C -D Analysis Step A: Awareness of Sustainability Principles: The Natural Step Framework Natural Step Framework Stepsto Sustainability A• -C . Analysis NiRftirli Investing for the Future Societal demands ket demands Nature's requirements A defensive enterprise is forced to implement changes at a later stage at higher cost. Applying the Natural Step to Business and Other Organizations Applying A -B -C -D Analysis Step B: Baseline Analysis for Today: Apply TNS Framework 4 Principles for Sustainability to assess where and where not aligned Natural Step Framework Steps to Sustainability V--C-D Analysis cart^m4crro��,.. Bated on TNS Framework www,nahuaistep.org ® 2002 Sustainability Associates 35 Applying A -8 -C -D Analysis Step C: Create Sustainability Vision for Tomorrow: Imagine product or' organization as sustainable (meeting all 4 TNS principles) What would it look like? Based on Natural Step Framework Steps to Sustainability A•3•C•DAnalysis �. Mount Susairabibly aM.r•-2r�,v..�n,.�, ® 2002 Sustaimbility Associates 3 -Part Applijcation Exercise Baseline Analysis of issue, products or organization: List under each of the 4 Principles Create Sustainability Vision: Brainstorm I& meet all 4 sustainability, principles Down to Action Planning Steps: Utilize Back casting to develop specific steps to get from C (vision) to B' ( ree s nt) Natural Step Framework Steps to Sustainabillly r A.%C•DAnalysis 1 Dmmtok6m "5tras Was6sia a MountSus'ainabiHty p Rnc.A nn 7NC Fra.nrwnrir ..nv.o lnnrnrnlcrrn nrn � 7!1!17 C..�n:..nF.: KH Robert's 6 Systemic Questions regarding a persistent toxin (dioxin) 1. Is this material natural? No. 2. Is this material stable? Yes. 3. Does it degrade into harmless substances? No. 4. Does it accumulate in bodily tissues? Yes. 5. Is it possible to predict the acceptable tolerances? No. 6. Can we continue to place this material into the environment? Noy not if we want to survive. Paul 53 Applying A -B -C -D Analysis Step D: Down to Action Planning Steps Utilize Backcasting or Reverse Engineering to get from C (vision) to B (present) What Steps? Natural Step Framework Steps to Sustainability A•6 -C -D Analysis 1� D� raRW kt Nal"tit+ A y : - • Mown SwAinab(lly ewa..r..waye Applying the System Conditions Does this decision: Yes No 1. Decrease dependence on materials from Q earth's crust? 2. Decrease dependence on compounds produced by society that can accumulate iiin nature? 3. Increase the physical basis for productivity & biodiversity in nature? 4. Increase the efficiency & fairness with which resources are used to meet basic human needs? Action Program Already year year Conditia done 1 2 met m electricity z mol powered vehicles z al components on Porniture & lamps are replaced r wooden components n -Gee air-conditioning : tics without persistent unnatural additives iputets w/o persistent unnatural antisammables ogica0y, grown timber port to environmental projects notation of old industrial land er recycling ning agent with refill system energy Lamps replace ordinary light bulbs I X 36 in Eco -System and Services Now �07�1ere •�'� as Future ` Green Cels Compass for Sustainability Restore The Funnel, Natural Cycle, Animals System Conditions & Action Plan = /Increase in Population The Compass & Consumption Down to Action Plan Now 1 2 3 4 5...years Action 1 Action 2 R X Based on TNS Framework Action 3 X ® 2002 Sustainability Associates The Compass The overall frame of reference Valid at any scale Links principles to details Enables control over outcome Uses language of the CEO Makes sense of other tools: auditing, Life Cycle Analysis, ISO 14001 environmental management system Business Case Study he Program Back -casting: ill each measure bring us closer to our vision? * Is each measure a platform for the next? Focus on low hanging fruits '�� MAO' I * Savings * Early return on investment �- * Using today's structure — �4 * EAsting market demand +kt V" How does the Natural Step apply to business? ■ Economy & environment are linked ■ Nature's limits have economic consequences ■ Understanding these limits allows for more effective planning ■ Results in ecological benefits & long-term competitive advantage Scandic Hotels ■ $386 million sales in 1995 ■ Lost $5 million annually for 3 years prior to TNS ■ Over 100 hotels in 11 countries ■ 4225 employees 1 kl-t 37 A New Soap & Shampoo System System, conditions 1, 2, 4 In the past The new concept ■ Made of Made of Cane sugar petrochemicals I tensides ■ Soaps in 15 gr. Bar Dispenser dosage ■ Shampoos in system bottles/sachets PET bottles recycled Less 40% of chemicals 100% biodegradable Less 8 tons of waste City of Santa Monica Sustainability Efforts Application Exercise with Your Home, Organization or Community 0 °"�' b M r Sustainable Sweden Case Studies 3 -Part Application Exercise Baseline Analysis of issue, products or organization: List under each of the 4 Principles Create Sustainability Vision: Brainstorm & meet all 4 sustainability principles Down to Action Planning Steps: Utilize Back casting to develop specific steps to get from C (vision) to B (present) �lob2� �c�to�" ��or'> Natural Step Framework Steps to Sustainability A•B-C-0 Analysis /i r! sui Bad+asiiga Y�E^; Mount Sustainability 0