Energy Sustainability Workshop: The Natural Step for Not-for-Profits

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.

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

What’s in it for me and my organization?

What does sustainability offer me and my organization?• New Outreach Potential• Organizational Distinction• 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

culture shifts)• Do well by doing good• Be a hero to your children and grandchildren

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

A. AWARENESS

SERA’s Sustainability Framework

41

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 42

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 43

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?

44

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 45

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 46

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 47

Waste Reduction: Avoid Landfill

04/10/2023 48

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 49

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 50

Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin

Following slides from https://www.cityofmadison.com/Sustainability/naturalStep/documents/TNS20070413.pdf

Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin

April 13, 2007

Madison’s TNS – Top 10 Projects for 2010

1. New City Sustainability Plan – Adding to the success of the Building a Green Capital City Plan that was adopted in 2005, the City of Madison recently started a new planning process to update its energy/climate/sustainability plan. Reps from about 40 organizations are contributing to the effort. 2. “Leave the Leaf” Composting Program – Exploring ways to encourage homeowners to compost leaves on site. 3. TDM for City Employees – Developing a transportation demand management (TDM) plan for City of Madison employees. 4. Zero Waste – Continuing a multi-year project that deals with waste reduction and increases Recycling5. Water Conservation/Water Sustainability Plan – Proposing ways that the Water Utility and Madison residents can reduce per capita water consumption by 20% by 2020. 6. Green Purchasing – Identifying and pursuing sustainable options for materials and supplies needed for City operations. Examples include: Green Office policies for furniture/fixtures, daylighting, task lighting, and limiting use of disposable products.

7. ABCD Process at Madison Parks – Beginning the first year of a full Natural Step review of parkoperations including a thorough backcasting and visioning process. 8. “Sustainapedia” – Publishing a resource guide for residents and local businesses to promote sustainability in the community. 9. TNS Training for New Hires – Developing materials to provide to newly hired City of Madison staff in order to promote sustainable practices in the workplace and engage employees in sustainability from the start.10. Madison PACE Program – Developing a program for property owners to borrow funds needed for energy sustainability/efficiency upgrades and renewable energy systems with scheduled repayments made through the municipal services bill or annual property tax bill.

Sustainability and Innovation at the Center for a Sustainable Future

ABCD Methodology in Practice

Awareness• Who? How?

ABCD Methodology in Practice

Baseline• List System Condition violations.• How will you measure the baseline?

ABCD Methodology in Practice

Compelling Vision• Who will help create it?• How will you create it?

ABCD Methodology in Practice

Down to Action• Who will help brainstorm

possibilities? • How will you ID best practices?• What/how measure?

Brainstorming

Creating a Local/Regional Sustainable Development Network

Signature Moment

Upcoming Events

South Bend Green Drinks 3rd Tuesday of each month 5:30-7:00pmFebruary 21 at Oliver Mansion

Rain Barrel AuctionFriday, May 4, 2012South Bend Museum of Art

Earth Day Celebration Week April 16-22

Center for a Sustainable Future

Center for a Sustainable Futurehttp://www.sustainthefuture.iusb.edu

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