The Center for a Sustainable Future would like to offer a
special thanks to our underwriters!!!
Sustainability and Innovation: The Natural Step to Prosperity
Presented by the IU South Bend Center for a Sustainable FutureFriday, November 4, 2011
Thanks to Our Underwriters
Thanks to Our Underwriters
Thanks to Our Underwriters
Thanks to Our Underwriters
Thanks to Our Underwriters
Thanks to Our Underwriters
Arctic sea ice drops to its second lowest level on record
Scientists call event “tipping point" in global warming.
-South Bend Tribune (08/28/08)
The Greatest Challenge
Is Also Our Greatest Opportunity!!!
Human Impact on Planet
Carrying Capacity at Risk
10 Mega-Issues on the Horizon
1. Energy
2. Water
3. Climate
4. Food
5. Pollution/Disease
6. Poverty
7. Racial/Ethnic Tensions
8. Citizen/Investor Accountability
9. National Security
10. Erosion of Trust
What got us here?
Scientific and Industrial Revolutions
The Next Step
A SUSTAINABILITY REVOLUTION
Driven by the same capability for INNOVATION that fueled the scientific and industrial revolutions, but this time informed by the lessons of nature and in harmony with the conditions of sustainability.
What is Sustainability?
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs-United Nations World Commission on Development and Environment (1987)
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability brings three elements into harmony:
Environment Economy Society
+ +
People Prosperity Planet
Triple Bottom Line
Why a Framework?
• Complexity• Uncertainty
The Natural Step: what is it?
• International NGO• Scientific approach• Holistic, generic
framework• Strategic advice &
education• Leadership and role
models• Innovative tools and
services• Networks & partnerships
“The whole world has dreamt about a solid definition of sustainability that would allow systematic step-by-step planning. When the definition arrived, delivered by The
Natural Step, it was remarkable to see how simple it was. Why hadn’t anybody thought about it before?”
Paul Hawken, Author. The Ecology of Commerce, Natural
Capitalism, and Blessed Unrest
Entrepreneur and Author Paul Hawken
TNS Core Purpose
To develop a genuine commitment to,
and competence in,
sustainable development
throughout society.
The Natural Step: Key Concepts
The Funnel
Systems Thinking
ABCD & BackcastingPlanning in
Complex SystemsSystem Conditions
1 2
3 4
Karl-Henrik Robert, PhD
Cancer Cell Scientist
Building Block of Life
What makes it possible for this cell to emerge and to sustain itself?
Scientific Foundations
Basic Laws of Physics
1st and 2nd Laws of Thermodynamics
Law of Conservation of Matter
Scientific Foundations
Evolution
Evolutionary Biology
4.5 billion years – Swirling stew
3.5 billion years – First plant cell
1.5 billion years – First green plants
0.7- 1 billion – First animal cells
2 million years – Human ancestors
Scientific Foundations
Planetary Cycles
Water
Carbon (CO2)
Earth is like a terrarium
• Closed system
• Sun pays the bills
The System
• Like the terrarium, Earth is a closed system with respect to matter
• The system has a natural tendency towards running down (Entropy)
• The sun provides the energy to keep the system from running down and is the source of all life through Photosynthesis
There is no away
The sun pays the bills
Metaphor of the funnel
Decliningresources and ecosystem services
Increasingdemand for resources and ecosystem services
Through innovation, creativity & the unlimited potential for change we can open the walls of the funnel
4 System Conditions of a Sustainable Society
...concentrations of substances extracted from the Earth’s crust,
...concentrations of substances produced by society,
...degradation by physical means,
...people are not subject to conditions that systematically undermine their capacity to meet their needs.
In a sustainable society, nature is not subject to systematically increasing...
and, in that society...
Scarce metals Abundant metals
Fossil Fuels Renewables
Inefficient Use Efficient Use
Dissipative Use Tight Technical Cycles
Operating Manual for the PlanetObjective 1
1. Reduce and eventually eliminate our contributions to the systematic accumulation of materials taken from the earth’s crust.
Dissipative use
Persistent and Unnatural
Abundant & breakdown easilyTight Technical Cycles
Inefficient use Efficient use
Operating Manual for the PlanetObjective 2
2. Reduce and eventually eliminate our contribution to the systematic accumulation of substances produced by society.
Inefficient use of resources and land
Resources from poorly managed
ecosystems
Resources from well-managed ecosystems
Efficient use of resources and land
Operating Manual for the PlanetObjective 3
3. Reduce and eventually eliminate our contributions to the ongoing physical degradation of nature.
Unsafe and unhealthy production and use
Safe and healthy production and use
Violations of human rights
Respect for human rights
Economic barriers Sufficient resources for livelihood
Operating Manual for the Planet Objective 4
4. Reduce and eventually eliminate our contributions to conditions that systematically undermine people’s abilities to meet their own needs.
Operating Manual for the Planet
1. Reduce/eliminate our contributions to the systematic accumulation of materials taken from the earth’s crust.
2. Reduce/eliminate our contribution to the systematic accumulation of substances produced by society.
3. Reduce/eliminate our contributions to the ongoing physical degradation of nature.
4. Reduce/eliminate our contributions to conditions that systematically undermine people’s abilities to meet their own needs.
Operating Manual Quiz
Read through the list of sample initiatives that an organization may undertake and circle the System Conditions of Sustainability that the initiative most closely relates to. When you are done, share and compare your answers with your small group. Note any questions or discrepancies you may find.
Initiative #1: When an organization openly and freely shares their sustainability learning and best practices, which sustainability
condition is primarily supported?SC#1 (Earth’s crust) SC#2 (Society made) SC#3 (Degrade nature) SC#4 (Needs)
Initiative #2: When energy conservation is promoted in a town reliant on fossil fuels, which sustainability condition is primarily
supported?SC#1 SC#2 SC#3 SC#4
Initiative #3: When a woodlot owner becomes FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified, which sustainability condition is primarily supported?
SC#1 SC#2 SC#3 SC#4 Initiative #4: When an organization introduces a green cleaning products program, which sustainability condition is primarily
supported?SC#1 SC#2 SC#3 SC#4
Why should you care?
“Indiana Michigan Power announced in late September that it is seeking a rate increase of 9.5 percent for commercial and industrial customers along with a 22.7 percent increase on Indiana residential customers.”
South Bend Tribune, October 31, 2011
Why should you care?
Why Should You Care?
Interface Carpet
Since 1994:
Cut greenhouse gas emissions 82%Cut fossil fuel use 60%Cut waste 66%Cut water use 75%Invented and patented new machinesIncrease sales by 66%Doubled earningsRaised profit margins “If anyone can do it, then everyone can
do it.”-Ray
Anderson
What’s in it for me and my business or organization?
What does sustainability offer me and my business or organization?• New Market Potential• Competitive Differentiation• Platform for Innovation• Improved Public and Community Relations• Reduced Energy Bills and Operating Costs• Improved Employee Morale• Increased Productivity and Reduced Employee Absenteeism• Risk Avoidance (law suits, new environmental regulation and
taxes, and market shifts)• Do well by doing good• Be a hero to your children and grandchildren
The Center for a Sustainable Future would like to offer a special thanks
to our underwriters!!!
Break
Strategies for Planning and Implementation
Systems Thinking
Learning Organization
“We started treating everyone and training them up to be mini-entrepreneurs in the company. I think that’s what made the difference and made the company grow. I credit my army of entrepreneurs. In the recession they know exactly what to do. This year we’ll have a 26% percent growth year. The leaps are becoming larger... Part of that is that our people are more owner-like than employee-like.”
Strategies for Planning and Implementation
CREATE A SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Identify a set of priorities for actions and innovations that put the sustainability objectives into practice, evaluated on the basis of the following questions:
1. Does the action/innovation step towards all four guiding objectives of sustainability simultaneously?
2. Does the action/innovation create a flexible platform for future steps, or does it lead to a blind alley?
3. Will the action/innovation give a good return on investment, i.e., time and money.
Why is it so hard with organizations?
Forecasting
Backcasting
1. Begin with the end in mind
2. Move backwards from the vision to the present
3. Move step by step towards the vision
Present
Future
Visioning
Practicing SustainabilitySERA ARCHITECTS, INC. © 2009
Established 1970• 73 employees
• Over 45% LEED-APs• 100% ESOP employee-owned
• Services:– Architecture
– Interiors– Urban Design
– Planning
Corvallis CoHousing
The Civic Mixed-UseThe Nines Redevelopment
SERA Architects Inc.
8NW8 Affordable Housing
Practicing SustainabilitySERA ARCHITECTS, INC. © 2009
A. AWARENESS
SERA’s Sustainability Framework
Practicing SustainabilitySERA ARCHITECTS, INC. © 2009
B. BASELINE MAPPING – OUR SYSTEM MAP
1. Map the office practices, i.e. service tasks
2. List system resource flows: material, energy, human resources (Aspects)
3. Establish a numerical rating scale using
the 4 System Conditions, include Frequency and Degree of Control and
evaluate system resource flows (aspect analysis score)
4. Summarize office service task impacts
Practicing SustainabilitySERA ARCHITECTS, INC. © 2009
BIGGEST IMPACT …
Commuting to Work
Aspect Analysis Score
383
B. BASELINE MAPPING – OUR SYSTEM MAP
C.CLEAR AND COMPELLING VISION
What would we look like in a fully sustainable society?
Our Vision of the Fully Sustainable Workplace:Is connected to Community SystemsSupports an Accessible InfrastructureIs Safe and HealthyFacilitates Human InteractionIs connected to Natural FlowsProvides Natural Thermal ComfortAllows Material Efficiency and Zero Waste OperationsandIs a Fun and Inspiring Place to Work!
Practicing SustainabilitySERA ARCHITECTS, INC. © 2009
Practicing SustainabilitySERA ARCHITECTS, INC. © 2009
How are we managing and prioritizing steps to sustainability?
Sustainable Action Committee (SAC):ENERGY
Renewable SourcesWithin Local Economy
Habitat Friendly
PAPER
100% RecycledLocal Source
Non-Toxic, Chlorine Free
CHEMICALS
Non-toxic, BiodegradableReusable container
Local Sources
PLASTICS, METAL + GLASS
Non-toxic, BiodegradableReusable container
No impact on environment
TRAVEL
Do we need to go?Lowest impact means
Should client make the trip?
FOOD
OrganicLocal Source
Recyclable or no packing
FURNITURE, FIXTURES + EQUIPMENT
100% Recycled contentNo harmful emissions
FSC certified wood
MATERIALS LIBRARY
Manufacturer take back materialsWhite papers available on all materials
Local sources
HUMAN RESOURCES
Socially responsible investmentsVendors who share our core values
Interoffice community
D. DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN
Practicing SustainabilitySERA ARCHITECTS, INC. © 2009
GUERILLA TACTICS… OVERNIGHT:• Removed all individual trash cans • Established expanded recycling-center• Provided custom individual utensil sets • Provided recycled paper notebooks
Initiated:– Foam-core alternatives (“Eco-board”)– Catering policy– Vendor criteria for printing / reprographics– Purchase of independent shade-grown coffee– In-house composting– Alternative transportation incentive – Socially responsible investments (ESOP and 401K)
D. DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN
Practicing SustainabilitySERA ARCHITECTS, INC. © 2009
Alternative transportation incentive
Commute Policy + BET-C Credits
http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/CONS/BUS/BETC.shtml
Total Participants (80%)
Total Vehicle Miles Reduced
Total Gallons of Fuel Saved(average 25 mpg)
Gas money saved
Total in BET-C Pass Through Tax Credits (valued at 25.5% of project cost)
76
+80,000
3,202
$9,971
$ 15,196
In a twelve-month project period:
door to door pick up / drop off!
SERA 2002/2006 Commute Comparison
77% participation in commute benefit
85 employees
Typical Month, 2002
December 2006
walk 8%car 18%
carpool 5%
bus/train 55%
bike 14%
car 33%
carpool 8%
walk 8%
bike 10%
bus/train41%
Before backcasting
37 employees
Practicing SustainabilitySERA ARCHITECTS, INC. © 2009
60
Largest wholesalers of organic produce in PNW
3 facilities; Employ 140; 14 tractors, 16 trailers, 5 bobtails
04/10/2023
OGC Mission and Core Values
04/10/2023 61
TO PROMOTE HEALTH THROUGH ORGANIC AGRICULTURE AS A LEADING SUSTAINABLE ORGANIZATION
HEALTHNurture the overall health of the workplace, community, food supply, soil and planet.
INTEGRITYHonestly represent the food we distribute and the services we provide building on our experience as growers, wholesalers, retailers and brokers.
PARTNERSHIPSMaintain positive long-term relationships that are built on trust with people and organizations across the spectrum of food production and consumption. We are all interdependent.
SUSTAINABILITYEmbrace the challenge of creating a more sustainable business model that distributes organically grown food in accordance with the principles of “good, clean, and fair”.
The Challenge Ahead
04/10/2023 62
How do we achieve a sustainable food production and distribution system?
How do we bring the ecological and social principles that underlie our farming practices into the entire supply chain?
63
OGC + Natural Step
• 2005 Sustainability Summit with farmers and customers
• Re-wrote mission statement • Hired Sustainability Manager• Company-wide training in the Natural Step • Formed cross-functional Steering Committee
to determine goals and continual improvement process (A-B-D-C Backcasting)
04/10/2023
Annual Sustainability Planning Process
04/10/2023 64
ASustainability Training
B/CMeasure Baseline
Develop Vision for OGC
DBrainstorm
Annual Projects & Targets
DImplement Projects in
TeamsMeasure Progress
OGC’s Long Term Sustainability Goals
04/10/2023 65
Goal #1: Achieve carbon neutrality and eliminate fossil fuel use
Goal #2: Eliminate solid waste and toxic substances
Goal #3: Achieve on-farm sustainability and small/medium farm viability
Goal #4: Foster a healthy and fulfilling workplace (added 2007)
Goal #5: Build customer and broader community awareness and support for a healthy and sustainable food system. (added 2008)
Facilities: Energy and Efficiency
• Switched to 100% clean wind power and/or green power in all three facilities.
• Installation of high efficiency lighting and occupancy sensors is saving $2,764 annually.
• Refrigeration system upgrades, insulation and dock seals saving $3,635 annually.
04/10/2023 66
Waste Reduction: Avoid Landfill
04/10/2023 67
Organically Grown Company Waste2006 2007 2008
Waste to landfill
376 tons 276 tons 176 tons
Waste to recycle
644 tons 686 tons 1042 tons
Waste to compost
110 tons 216 tons 215 tons
Employee SMART Commuting Program
04/10/2023 68
Number of Participants
Number of TOTAL Days of
Alternative Transport
Average Commute Distance
Pounds of CO2 Saved
PORTLAND 55 2010 19.2 37,385EUGENE 16 1005 22.4 20,160
• Employee punch cards with monthly and special prize drawings
• Track and post results
How do they measure our progress?
• OGC tracks nearly 50 performance metrics
• Regular public posting
• Annual Sustainability Report
04/10/2023 69
ABCD Methodology in Practice
Awareness• Who? How?Baseline• List System Condition violations.• How will you measure the baseline?Compelling Vision• Who will help create it?• How will you create it?Down to Action• Who will help brainstorm possibilities? • How will you ID best practices?• what/how measure?
The Center for a Sustainable Future would like to offer a special thanks
to our underwriters!!!
Luncheon
Panel Discussion
• Doing Sustainability: Practical Application and Real World Examples
The Center for a Sustainable Future would like to offer a special thanks
to our underwriters!!!
Break
Brainstorming
Creating a Local/Regional Sustainable Development Network
Signature Moment
Advanced Training for Sustainability Champions
Center for a Sustainable Futureand
Pfeil Center for InnovationPresent:
Advanced Training for Sustainability Champions15 Week Course
Thursdays, 5:30-8:00pmJanuary 19 – May 3, 2012
Cost: $350.00
Upcoming Events
• Workshop Evaluation
• Email List
• "Sustain the Future" You Tube World PremierTuesday, November 157:00pm Community Building River Crossing Campus Apts
• Farmageddon: The MovieMonday December 57:00pm IU South Bend CampusWiekamp Hall Rm. 1001FREE!
Center for a Sustainable Future
Center for a Sustainable Futurehttp://www.sustainthefuture.iusb.edu
The Center for a Sustainable Future would like to offer a special thanks
to our underwriters!!!
Thank you for participating