Kd04 Atkisson a Review of Practical Sustainable Development

8/10/2019 Kd04 Atkisson a Review of Practical Sustainable Development

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AtKisson Group

A Review ofA Review of

PracticalPractical

SustainableSustainableDevelopmentDevelopment

3 Frameworks,3 Frameworks,

4 Models,4 Models,

5 Metodolo!ies,5 Metodolo!ies,Several Processes,Several Processes,

Some "ews,Some "ews,

and a #unc of $deasand a #unc of $deas

Presentation by

Alan AtKisson

Baltic University

Planning Conference

9 Dec 2004 2004


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What practical sustainable

development requires

Indicators

Systems Analyses

Innovations

Strategies

Agreement & Action

Principles, Visions, Goals AtKisson, Inc.

Information, data, knowledge

Cooperation, thinking skills

Concepts, imagination

Best practices, creativity

Experience, judgment, intuition

Trust, commitment, discipline


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Sustainability ... a 20-year Snapshot

1983 2003


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What are people doing when they say

they "do" sustainable development?Environmental Management

Corporate Social ResponsibilityGreening of Operations

Industrial Ecology

Stakeholder Engagement

Life-Cycle Assessment

Pollution Prevention (P2)

Sustainable Development

Design for Environment (DfE)

Green Design

Urban Reinvestment

Brownfield Redevelopment

ISO 14001

Waste Reduction

Closed LoopsRadical Resource Productivity

Radical Transactiveness

Sustainable Technology

Systems Thinking

Corporate Governance

Clean Technology

Eco-EfficiencyEco-Effectiveness

Biomimicry

Triple Bottom Line

Inclusive Capitalism

Base of the Pyramid

Community Capitalism

Corporate Citizenship

Voluntary Regulation

Civic Entrepreneurship

Full Cost Accounting

EMS

Risk Management

Leapfrog TechnologyCradle to Cradle

Restorative Technology

Balanced Scorecard

Take-Back

Transparency

Source: Stuart Hart,

with thanks to Marty LaGod

with additions by AtKisson

Digital Divide

Cultural DiversityNatural Capitalism

Ecological Footprint

Product-to-Service

Integrated Product Mgmt

Natural Step

Building the Pyramid

Compass IndexSROI

Blended Value

GRI

Precautionary Principle

Green Procurement

Green BuildingSMS

ISIS

CDM

EUAs

B24B


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The uture o! Sustainability ducation

Brochure from aSwedish College:

Want to change theworld?

Get trained as a

sustainability

strategist!


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Some #mportant $istinctions

Sustainability

Sustainable Development

Framework

Model

Methodology

Process

Tool

Whats the difference?


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Sustainability is ...

A set of conditions and trends in a given

system that can continue indefinitely



Sustainable $evelopment is ...

A strategic process of continuous change

in the direction of sustainability



ramewor%

A framework is a set of definitions, principles,

and often symbols that describes a complex

concept. A framework provides definition andstructure to the concept.

Think of it as a conceptual platform on which a

group can stand to talk about a complex topic, so

that everyone can be reasonably sure that they are

talking about the same thing.



&odel

A modelis a symbolic representation of

something in the real world. A model is used to

reveal important elements and/or dynamics in athing or a process.

For example, if you draw a map of a water system

on the wall, showing where it goes and how it all

links together, you have created a modelof that

system.


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'rocess

A processis, in this context, something you do in

collaboration with other people (e.g., "group

process"). Like a methodology, it is also a

structured sequence of steps. But it may or may

not have a specific result as its purpose.

For example, going once around a group and

allowing everyone a minute to share their point ofview is a process, but it is not an designed to

produce a result, solution, or product.



Tool

Toolis an all-purpose word. A tool is anything you useto accomplish a task. It includes all of the other terms,and more.

A framework is also a tool: it is something you use to puta set of structured definitions in place, to set the context.

A methodology is a tool: you use it to think your way to asolution, or to create another tool (for example, anindicator, or a systems map).

Processes and models are also, of course, tools.

Books are tools. Powerpoint files are tools. Teachinggames are tools. Even a song can be a tool, if you areusing it to accomplish a task.



( )uic% *oadmap

SustainabilityFramework

Typical

Models

Typical

Methodologies

Typical

Processes

Other

Tools

Triple

Bottom

Line

Specific toenterprise

Managementsystems

Stakeholderengagement

CorporateBoard training

The

Natural

Step

Funnel v.Cylinder

ABCD,Flei!le"latforms#

$roupdialogueprocesses%ABCD&

Metrics,Consensusdocuments

ISIS

'nnovation(heory)Systemsmodelscreated

'ndicator

selection)systemsmodeling

$roupconsensus*drivendecision*making

Backgroundreports) +e!documentation



The 'lan ...

Present three Frameworks

Describe their implicit theory of change and someof the methodologies, models, and processes they use

Anchor them to case studies Report some news

Show a few more tools

Map out some ossibilities for courses andprofessional development training in appliedsustainability


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ramewor% +,ramewor% +,

Triple Bottom LineTriple Bottom Line



ramewor% +, Triple ottom /ine

Phrase Coined by John Elkington of SustainAbility, Ltd. (a London-based consultancy)

Adds Society and Environment to the traditional Economic

bottom line

Informs many other applications, including the Global ReportingInitiative

Used by many corporations and institutions to integrate sustainabilitythinking into their operations; some communities use it

Not a designed to be a comprehensive planning frameworkbut usedthat way anyway



The Triple ottom /ine is (lso the

Three /egged Stool is (lso the ...

Environment Economy

Social / Equity



The T/ Theory o! hange

Doing sustainable development requires:

Attempting to integrate (or perhaps just balance)

environmental, social, and economic values ...

... which will suffice to make/inspire/guide

change toward sustainability.



'racticalTool

The 1*#ramewor%

Emerging international

standard for

sustainability reporting



What (re the 1*# 1uidelines?

[...] a framework [including a number of methodologies] for reporting on an

organisations economic, environmental, and social performance. The Guidelines:

present reporting principles and specific content to guide the preparation of

organisation-level sustainability reports;

assist organisations in presenting a balanced and reasonable picture of their economic,

environmental, and social performance;

promote comparability of sustainability reports, while taking into account the practical

considerations related to disclosing information across a diverse range of

organisations, many with extensive and geographically dispersed operations;

support benchmarking and assessment of sustainability performance with respect tocodes, performance standards, and voluntary initiatives; and

serve as an instrument to facilitate stakeholder engagement.


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ase Study (lcoa

Our 2002 Sustainability Report

yields meaningful insight on the

economic, environmental, and

social progresswe are makingand the challenges we still face

in reaching our sustainability

goals.

Annual Sales > $20 billion


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ase Study (lcoa

Over time,sustainable

development will demand that

every business take the far-

sighted view, to leave behind anenterprise that is valued by society

and positioned for future growth.


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ase Study (lcoarom the 2002 Sustainability *eport

3ote- The report does not re!erence 1*#4

Dozens of statements on principles,

values, integrity

Ethics and compliance hotline

Community forums

High financial accountability

standards

ISO 14001 EMS

Climate change leadership

Long-term shareholder value

Cost savings initiatives

Landcare initiatives

Worker health

Worker safety

Recycling

Renewable energy Responding to citizen pressure

Supporting biodiversity

Diversity of the workforce

Requirements for business conduct

Community giving Product responsibility

... but the company is still attracting criticism for its

large hydropower project in Icelnad


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AtKisson Group

ramewor% +2ramewor% +2

The Natural StepThe Natural Step


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$evelopment o! The 3atural Step

Started by a Swedish cancer researcher and physician, Dr. Karl-Henrik

Robrt, originally concerned about addressing the root causes of

pediatric cancer

Based on an original scientific consensus about basic (first)

principles -- about how cells work, how Nature works, how theplanet works

Now a strategic planning framework, especially for defining and

managing environmental sustainability

Has been used by communities, government agencies and companies

all over the world


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T3S The ore (ssumption

We live in

a mostly

closed

system


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The T3S 5unnel6 ( model o!

systematic deterioration over time'7//8T#73

*S78*S

T7*3 S7#(/ (*#

$ST(#/#9(T#73

Sustainability

TimeSource: Det Naturliga Steget, Sweden


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... Which leads to the

5our System onditions6

In a sustainable society, nature is not subject tosystematically 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.


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The T3S Theory o! hange:

Doing sustainable development requires:

A consensus on overarching principles for sustainability that are elegantly simple ...

... and agreement to use those principles ...

... to do Backcasting: building todays to-do list from a future vision of success thatmeets principles ...

... and then taking action in ways that create flexible platforms-- that is, that dont lock youinto directions that prove to be dead ends / blind alleys.

* As derived and inferred from a review of their methods and materials


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;ey Technique ac%casting

(id

Principerfr

hllbarhet

Source: Det Naturliga Steget, Sweden

(Principles

for Sustainability)

(Time)


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The T3S 5($6 (nalysis

5ac%cast6 !rom 'rinciples( (wareness

Agree: Align around a common understanding of sustainability

aseline &apping

Assess: What does the situation look like today?

lear


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'lanning ramewor% = /evels

1. Principles for the constitution of the system (e.g. ecological andsocial principles).

2. Principles for a favorable outcome of planning within the system

(e.g.principles for sustainability).

3. Principles for theprocess to reach this outcome (e.g.principles for

sustainable development).4.Actions, i.e. concrete measures that comply with the principles for

the process to reach a favorable outcome in the system (e.g.

recycling and switching to renewable energy).

5. Tools to monitor and audit (i) the relevance of actions with

reference to principles for the process (e.g. indicators ...).

System

Success

Strategy

The Levels

Actions

ToolsSource: K.-H. Robrt et al. / Journal of Cleaner Production 10 (2002) 197214


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( T3S Typology o! (pproaches

(LEVEL 2)

ACTIONS(LEVEL 4)

IMPACTS

(LEVEL 3)

(LEVEL )

Su!taina"ilit#

(Brun$tlan$)

S#!tem%

So&iet# an$ E&o!#!tem!

esourceproductivity

-ess +aste

S#!tem &on$ition 3S#!tem &on$ition '

ematerialiation Su"!titution

ene+a!leesource

productivity-ess +aste ature*like

esourceproductivity

-ess +aste-ess areare/uired

Mana*ement

routine!

esourceproductivity

-ess +asteService*oriented

0/uity

ematerialiation Su"!titution ematerialiation Su"!titution ematerialiation Su"!titution

S#!tem &on$ition 2 S#!tem &on$ition 4

A!undant Degrada!le

(LEVEL ')

ST+ATE,-einvestments

Backcasting

Flei!le platforms$ood return of investment

"recaution...

Social

0ncouragement

Dialogue(ransparency

..."olitical

Differentiaded taes

Su!sidies'nternational agreements

-egislation

...

TOOLS'ndicatorsFactor 1

0F-CA

M'"S...

0MS

0MAS'S2 34553

...

(i)

(ii)


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Scandic >otelsSweden

Company was experiencing huge losses

The brand was perceived as worthless

Management realized that the company hadnot moved to meet new values in themarket and in society at large

Natural Step training led to hundreds ofconcrete steps throughout the company,including ...


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Scandic >otelsSweden

First hotel to offer a hotel room that was 97%recyclable

Enviro-hotels, certified by the Nordic Swaneco-labeling system (today, all but eight are solabeled)

Improved brand recognition and value

The company returned to profitability All employees must take web-based course on

TNS once a year (low employee turnover)


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ramewor% +ramewor% +

ISISISIS


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#.S.#.S.#.S.#.S.

I.S.I.S.I.S.I.S.Integrated Strategic Planning, Training, and ReportingIntegrated Strategic Planning, Training, and Reporting

for Sustainability Outcomesfor Sustainability Outcomes

Indicators

Systems

Innovation

Strategy


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#S#S ...

... is the Egyptian goddess who put the pieces back together

and gave birth to a new era

... stands forIndicators, Systems, Innovation, andStrategy

... grows out of an international & interdisciplinary

sustainability research network

Th #S#S Th ! h


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The #S#S Theory o! hangeDoing sustainable development requires:

A comprehensive description or operating definition of sustainability, and the sustainableoutcome you wish to create

Gathering information and data to produce interpretive indicators of relevant trends

Using those indicators to develop a shared systems understanding of key dynamics andleverage points

Identifying sustainability innovations to introduce into the system that will improve itsoverall condition

Creating strategies for diffusion and adoption of those innovations

Securing the agreement of critical actors to implement the strategies

Monitoring impact with the indicators, and regularly cycling through an evaluativeplanning process to adjust course appropriately


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Nature

Society

Wellbeing Economy

The ompass

( Sustainability ramewor%

Uses: Introduce sustainability ... assess it ...

develop sustainability indicators ... communicate results ...

AtKisson, Inc.


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'yramid( Sustainable $evelopment ramewor%

INDICATORS

SYSTEMS

INNOVATIONS

STRATEGIES

AGREEMENTS & ACTIONS

Su!taina"ilit# Prin&iple!

an$ Vi!ion!. E

N

Trust, Commitment, and Discipline

Which kinds of change should we make?

How do we accomplish those changes?

We commit to a course of action ... and do it

Where are we headed?

Whats driving us? Where must we change?

S


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T e # S # S

# c e b e r g

Foundation (At the Bottom):Vision or principles for how theworld should be(Sustainability)

Level 1:Information and

understanding of what's actuallyhappening (Indicators & Trends)

Level 2:Theory about how things

work, what needs to be changed, and

how(Systems)

Level 3:New ideas for making positivechange (Innovation)

Level 4:Plans for success (Strategy)

Capstone (Visible to Others):Whatyou're doing now(Agreements and

Actions)


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3ews !rom the3ews !rom the

*eal World*eal World


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The /imits to 1rowth

5( Terrible


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@ponential 1rowth

Source: BBC Website, Planet Under Pressure, 2004


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#ndicators o! *esponseSpread o! &S and /(2, 'rograms

in the altic Sea *egion 3 ur4


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( Tale o! Two rands

1996

2004


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(doption o! ramewor%s


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ommon push

51ear 8p61. Comply

2. Volunteer

3. Partner

4. Integrate

5. Re-Engineer

or Reverse


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#S#S in (ction#S#S in (ction

Case Studies from AtKisson-SupportedCase Studies from AtKisson-Supported

Projects Around the WorldProjects Around the World

altic 2,


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altic 2,#nternational initiative !or the altic Sea *egion


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altic 2, (genda 2, !or the altic Sea *egion4

Eleven nations in a cooperative initiative for regional

sustainable development

Mandate from the Prime Minister level

Driven through government ministries, but multi-stakeholder in character and governance

Was seeking a new strategic direction for 2004-2010

Adopted ISIS and Pyramid to develop new strategy, with

multi-stakeholder input Result needed to be approved at Prime Ministerial summit

in June 2004


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*esult The 5*iga 'roposal6

Proposed new vision for the initiative ... and region New strategy with focus higher-level impact on policy

making, through foreign ministers down to Brussels

New program for creating high-visibility Lighthouse

Projects to demonstrate value-added of sustainabledevelopment

Proposal was later approved by Prime Ministers with only modest changes

&ABlb S d


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&ABlbyC Sweden( -/egged Stool 'yramid

Brought together nine sectoral

working groups for for intensive

one-day working session using

Pyramid

Created rough draft of indicator

report on the spot, with estimate

of long-term trends

Generated 100s of ideas for

innovation, prioritized to the top

! initiatives

"ost enacted #y city council as

policy


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Strategic 'osition (nalyses !or

7rganiDationsExample:

Compass Analysis

Snapshot of how well acompany has integratedsustainability goals andmetrics into publicreporting

Benchmarked againstthe top 50 sustainabilityreports in the world

INTE,+ATION


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5&agic yes6 E 83'

Training Sustainability Change Agents in SE Asia


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'yramid Training

Theory + practice ofsustainable development

Group- and team-worktraining in a simulationenvironment

Build physical model toreflect systems, linkages,and multistakeholderengagement


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Pyramid model is both content- and context-rich


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Model has been tested in many cross-cultural and cross-sectoral settings


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Final Capstone: Consensus, Agreement ... and Action


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7pportunities7pportunities

for thefor the

Baltic University ProgramBaltic University Program


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What practical sustainable

development requires

Indicators

Systems Analyses

Innovations

Strategies

Agreement & Action

Principles, Visions, Goals AtKisson, Inc.

Information, data, knowledge

Cooperation, thinking skills

Concepts, imagination

Best practices, creativity

Experience, judgment, intuition

Trust, commitment, discipline


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,. ourse on sustainability

indicators and assessment Different types (e.g., headline indicators,

sustainable production indicators, etc.)

Emerging standards on sustainability assessment(GRI, SIA, etc.)

Technical aspects of indicator development

Selection processes

Presentation methods Communication strategies

Many project/thesis opportunities


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ourse on systems thin%ing !or

sustainability Historical roots of sustainability movement partly insystem dynamics

Basic modeling skills

Systems games etc. for teaching counterintuitive concepts Study of some leading global models (World3, TARGETS,

Threshold 21, Etc.)

Applications in business, e.g., Peter Senges the Fifth

Discipline Rich literature available

And ...


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ourse on innovation and

sustainability Marry the literature on innovation theory (e.g., Rogers)with practical case studies on kinds of innovations, howlong they took to emerge, diffuse, etc.

Broad survey of current and emerging best practices in awide range of areas, from natural resource management togreen job development

Combines technical and process/cultural issues


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ourse on strategic approaches

to sustainability Essentially an expanded version of this short seminar, butfar more in depth

Tracking historical emergence of sustainability from green

and back to the land movement, science, andinternational policy (Brundtland) to present day practice

In depth analysis of different frameworks in application.When do they work? When do they fail? And why?

Analysis of global (Agenda 21), international (Baltic 21),national (e.g. Sweden, UK), state, region, communitystrategies/plans. Do they work? What do they do?

Etc. etc.


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7r ... one survey course on all o!

the above A one-term survey covering the whole Pyramid, or someother organizing framework

A sampling from all the foregoing: Introduction toSustainability/Sustainable Development Tools andMethods


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*each out to other emerging programsC

and programs outside the altic

The Natural Step has started a Masters Program inStrategic Sustainability at Blekinge Institute, Karlskrona,Sweden, with 40 students from all over the world

The Netherlands has some of the worlds leading programson sustainability, business degrees as well a traditionundergraduate coursework


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reate a pro!essional training program

!or altic Sea *egion emerging leaders

in Sustainable $evelopment 1-2 weeks, 4 times over a year, plus distance learning

High profile, affiliated with something like Baltic 21 as aLighthouse Project (to get some political support/attention)

Draw on existing models like LEAD International

Keep the focus intensely practical and useful, grounded inscience, economics, regional issues in a global context, etc.


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Kd04 Atkisson a Review of Practical Sustainable Development

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