Sustainability Frameworks and Tools

Lecture 6

Frameworks & Tools Frameworks: general view of how to implement sustainability

Natural Systems Behavior (General) The Natural Step (General) Natural Capitalism (General) Industrial Ecology (Industry) Biomimicry (Design) Factor 4 and Factor 10 The CERES Principles (General) The Hannover Principles (Built Environment) LEED?

Tools: methods of determining where we are, how we are doing, and how to make decisions
Ecological Footprint Ecological Rucksack Ecoefficiency Ecolabeling Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Life Cycle Costing (LCC) Environmental Management and Auditing Scheme (EMAS) ISO 14001

Ceres Principles
Protection of the biosphere Sustainable use of natural resources Reduction and disposal of wastes Energy conservation Risk reduction Safe products and services Environmental restoration Informing the public Management commitment Audits and reports

Hannover Principles
Rights of humanity and nature to co-exist Interdependence between humans and nature Respect relationships between spirit and matter Responsibility for consequences of design Safe objects of long-term value Eliminate the concept of waste Rely on natural energy flows Understand the limitations of design Share knowledge for constant improvement

Biomimicry
Term coined by Janine Benyus in a book of the same name in 1997 Definition:
The conscious emulation of lifes genius Innovation inspired by nature Doing it natures way

A potential framework for sustainable development and industry

Ten lessons Four steps to a biomimetic future

Biomimicry (Benyus)

1. Quieting: immerse ourselves in nature 2. Listening: interview the flora and fauna of our own planet 3. Echoing: encourage biologists and engineers to collaborate, using nature as model and measure 4. Stewarding: preserve lifes diversity and genius

Biomimicry (contd)
With respect to materials, nature has four approaches
1. Life friendly manufacturing processes 2. An ordered hierarchy of structures 3. Self-assembly 4. Templating of crystals with proteins

Bottom line: nature sets the precedents and humans must follow

www.biomimicry.org

Natural Capitalism, Creating the Next Industrial Revolution, Hawkens et al.,1999

The Natural Step

11/25/00

A Global Framework for Sustainable Development

The Purpose of The Natural Step

To develop and share a common framework comprised of easily understood, scientifically-based principles that can serve as a compass to guide society toward a just and sustainable future.

The Natural Step

Created by Karl Henrik-Robrt, a Swedish oncologist, in 1989. He noted the connection between human illness and toxics in the environment. Developed in collaboration with 50 Swedish scientist, 21 iterations Provided to every household and school in Sweden Based on Four Systems Principles TNS formed 20 independent professional networks:Doctors for the Environment, Farmers for the Environment, etc. The networks share the Four Systems Principles and core knowledge about how to transform their profession and its organizations

Beginnings
The Karl-Henrik Robert Story

A Systems Perspective Emphasizes:

Focusing upstream
Principles rather than details

Shared framework and a common language

Necessary (non-negotiable) system conditions

Science Principles:
Matter and Energy cannot be created or destroyed (the Conservation Law, or 1st Law of Thermodynamics)
Matter and Energy tend to spread spontaneously (Entropy, or the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics) Biological and Economic value (quality) is in concentration and structure (order) of matter (this is what we consume) Green cells are essentially the only natural net producer of concentration and structure (Photosynthesis)

Sustainability a systems perspective

Matter & energy do not disappear

Matter and energy can only be transformed. (Newtons 1st Law of ThermodynamicsConservation of Matter and Energy) The earth is a closed system with respect to matter. Energy enters the system as solar energy, leaves as heat radiation.

i.e. nothing disappears

Earth has same mass as 4.5.billion years ago carbon in your body in dinosaur fuel in your car doesnt disappear

Sustainability a systems perspective

Matter & energy tend to disperse
All processes irreversibly disperse matter (and energy) into ever more chaotic states. Newtons 2nd Law of Thermodynamics (Law of Entropy)

i.e. everything disperses

car to rust, carpet to dust, ink in water, etc.

QuickTime and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are neede d to see this picture.

TNS System Conditions for A Sustainable Society

In a sustainable society, nature is not subject to systematically increasing:
1

concentrations of substances extracted from the earth's crust concentrations of substances produced by society degradation by physical means and, in that society

4 1

people are not subject to conditions that systematically undermine their capacity to meet their needs or the needs of future generations.
Slide provided by TNS Canada

Four System Conditions

Substances from the Earths crust must not systematically increase in the biosphere.

Substances produced by society must not systematically increase in nature.

The physical basis for the productivity and diversity of nature must not be systematically deteriorated. There needs to be fair and efficient use of resources with respect to meeting human needs.

System Condition No. 1

Substances from the Earths crust must not systematically increase in the biosphere.
This means: fossil fuels, metals and other minerals must not be extracted at a rate faster than their redeposit and reincorporation into the Earths crust.

System Condition No. 2

Substances produced by society must not systematically increase in nature.
HALOGENATED COMPOUNDS chlorodifluoromethane chlorotrifluoromethane dichlorofluoromethane chloromethane trichlorofluoromethane dichloroethylene Freon 113 methylene chloride chloroform 1,1,1-trichloroethane carbon tetrachloride trichloroethylene chloropentane chlorobenzene iodopentane 3-methyl-1-iodobutane chloroethylbenzene dibromodichloromethane dichlorobenzene chlorodecane trichlorobenzene ALDEHYDES acetaldehyde methyl propanal n-butanal methyl butanal crotoaldehyde n-pentanal n-hexanal furaldehyde n-heptanal benzaldehyde n-octanal phenyl acetaldehyde n-nonanal methyl furaldehyde n-decanal n-undecanal n-dodecanal KETONES acetone methyl ethyl ketone methyl propyl ketone methyl vinyl ketone ethyl vinyl ketone 2-pentanone methyl pentanone methyl hydrofuranone 2-methyl-3-hexanone 4-heptanone 3-heptanone 2-heptanone methyl heptanone furyl methyl ketone octanone acetaphenone 2-nonanone 2-decanone alkylated lactone phthalide OXYGENATED ISOMERS C4H6O C4H8O C5H10O C4H6O2 C6H12O C7H10O C7H14O2 C6H6O2 C6H14O2 C6H16O C7H8O2 C7H10O2 C9H18O C8H6O2 C10H12O2 C10H12O2 C10H14O C10H16O C10H18O C10H20O C10H22O C9H8O2 C11H20O

ALCOHOLS methanol isopropanol n-propanol 1-butanol 1-pentanol x-furfuryl alcohol 2-ethyl-1-hexanol phenol 2,2,4-trimethylpenta-1,3-diol x-terpineol ACIDS acetic acid decanoic acid SULFER COMPOUNDS . . .

This means: substances must not be produced faster than they can be broken down and be reintegrated into the cycles of nature or be deposited into the Earths crust.

System Condition No. 3

The physical basis for the productivity and diversity of nature must not be systematically deteriorated.
This means: the productive surfaces of nature must not be diminished in quality or quantity, and we must not harvest more from nature than can be recreated or renewed.

System Condition No. 4

There needs to be fair and efficient use of resources with respect to meeting human needs.
This means: basic human needs must be met with the most resource efficient methods possible, including equitable resource distribution.

Applying the System Conditions

How can we reduce our dependence on mining and fossil fuels?
How can we reduce our dependence on persistent, unnatural substances? How can we reduce our dependence on nature-consuming activities?

How can we increase our resource efficiency (do more with less)?

Applying the System Conditions

Does this Decision:
reduce our dependence on mining and fossil fuels? reduce our dependence on persistent unnatural substances? reduce our dependence on nature-consuming activities? increase our resource efficiency?

Yes No

Backcasting
One method for changing the way people think about sustainability is something people at The Natural Step call backcasting. Backcasting is framing goals with regard to a future desired outcome, and determining short-term decisions and investments needed to achieve that future. How does systems thinking tie into backcasting? According to this model, systems thinking means discovering, mastering, and adhering to the overall principles of a system. Once a person masters the principles, they can get more and more skilled at handling the details. In a sense, the principles help people to stay on course as they process the myriad bits of information and decisions involved in long-term planning. If they lose sight of the principles, they will most likely fail, especially if their goal is complex.
Backcasting is used for Goal Setting, Strategic Planning, Innovation, Envisioning Scenarios, Lateral Thinking, Competitive Advantage, Marketing & Resource Efficiency management

Step-By-Step
TNS advocates a step-by-step implementation strategy. 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 benefit in the short-term, while retaining a longer-term perspective. They can use the Natural Step to map out a series of steps that will eventually lead to full sustainability. Organizations using TNS are encouraged to start with the "low hanging fruit", those steps that are easiest to take and will achieve results that help move an organization closer to its goals. The Natural Step is not prescriptive, and does not judge. Instead, it serves as a guide.

Applying The Natural Step to Business

The economy and the environment are linked.
It has long been held that the environment is a subsidiary of the economy. It is now becoming understood that the economy is really a subset of the environment.

Natures limits have consequences. Understanding these limits allows for more effective planning. Such planning results in ecological benefits and long-term competitive advantage.

Corporate Adopters of TNS

Electrolux
Largest appliance maker in the world.
Initially pressured by a large customer.

Now TNS is part of corporate strategy.

Sales of environmental appliances has doubled.

IKEA
Largest furniture company in the world.
Educating 25,000 employees worldwide.

Developed a four year plan.

Created a furniture line that meets all system conditions.

Interface
Worlds largest commercial floor covering company. First U.S. company to adopt TNS principles. Goals: Zero waste & no oil from the ground. Saved $25 million in first two years.

Collins Pine
143-year old NW forest products firm.

Long history of sustainable forestry practices.

Training 600 Klamath Falls employees.

Using TNS principles for all capital purchases.

Company Best Practices

Best start: senior management commitment.

Educate all employees.

Start with low hanging fruit.

Incorporate into long-term planning.

Set & measure long-term goals.

 Awareness - That the environment is now inseparable from competitiveness and success. Knowledge - Number one measure of success is employee education. The more people educated, the greater the success of the program. Practice - If it doesnt reach this level, it is a failure; but TNS must not tell companies what to do, or it becomes just an organizational or management consultant.

The Evolution of TNS in a Company

Goals & metrics - If it isnt measured it wont count. But if only outflows are measured, environmental metrics will not lead to environmental success. (ISO 14000, EMAS, BS 7750)

Tools
Ecological Footprint Ecological Rucksack Eco-Efficiency Eco-Labels: covered in last class.

Ecological Footprint

Resource productivity: more from less

More benefit out of less material and energy More welfare with less environmental damage
Unsustainable level of natural resource consumption Carrying capacity of nature exceeded already Total material consumption steadily growing Consumption distributed unequally increasing poverty problems increasing social problems around the world
Source: Wuppertal Institute

Lets consider a simple french fry.

What impact does it have?

How did the fry get to Bobs Burger Shop?

Suppliers Truck Producer Truck Processing Plant Truck Distribution Center Truck Bobs Burger Shop http://www.rprogress.org/

What impact did its journey have?

Fossil Fuels Fertilizers Pesticides Irrigation Seeds Machinery Fossil Fuels Hydropower Hydroelectric dam Hydropower Truck Freezer Distribution Center Hydroflourocarbons Freezer Truck Bobs Burger Shop Animal Feed Fossil Fuels Packaging Truck Producer Truck Processing Plant Fossil Fuels Irrigation Fossil Fuels Machinery Suppliers Machinery Fossil Fuels

Food waste
Fossil Fuels Fossil Fuels

http://www.rprogress.org/

What impact did these impacts have?

Fossil Fuels Runoff Fertilizers Pesticides Suppliers Truck Producer Truck Processing Plant Truck Freezer Distribution Center Damage To Ozone Hydroflourocarbons Freezer Bobs Burger Shop Truck Machinery Loss of Biodiversity Fossil Fuels Irrigation Fossil Fuels Machinery Food waste Fossil Fuels Fossil Fuels Air Pollution

Fossil Fuels

Air Pollution

Irrigation
Loss of Biodiversity

Seeds Machinery

Air Fossil Fuels Pollution Hydropower Hydroelectric dam Loss of Biodiversity Hydropower

Animal Feed
Fossil Fuels Packaging Solid Waste

http://www.rprogress.org/

Forests

Fossil Fuels Runoff Irrigation Loss of Biodiversity

How might all of this affect the earths systems?

Fossil Fuels Suppliers Truck Producer Truck Processing Plant Truck Machinery Loss of Biodiversity Fossil Fuels Irrigation Fossil Fuels Machinery Food waste Fossil Fuels

Forests

Air Pollution

Fertilizers Pesticides Seeds Machinery

River

Cropland Air Pollution

Air Fossil Fuels Pollution Hydropower Hydroelectric dam Loss of Biodiversity Hydropower

Forests
Fossil Fuels

Freezer Distribution Center Damage To Ozone Hydroflourocarbons Freezer Truck Bobs Burger Shop Animal Feed Fossil Fuels Packaging Solid Waste Grazing Land

Forests

Built-up Land

http://www.rprogress.org/

Built-up Land

And that was just the potato!

Consider all the other parts of your meal
the other foods the utensils the napkins the condiments the drinks

There are multiple environmental impacts involved in these as well.

There are social impacts, too.

Who did the work that brought the food to your table? Under what conditions did they work?

Every choice we make has an impact on the planet.

An ecological footprint is a tool to measure our environmental impact.
It tracks how much individuals, organizations, cities, regions, or nations as a whole consume and compares this amount to the resources nature can provide.

http://www.footprintnetwork.org

How big is your footprint?

There are currently about 6.7 billion people on the earth. Do you believe that the planet has the capability to support your lifestyle for everyone?

Lets find out!

In the following activity, you will be guided through a series of questions that will be used to estimate your ecological footprint. After you have completed the Quiz, you will record the result and then take the quiz twice more, making modifications as directed.

Click here to begin.

Select the link above to take the quiz. When youre done, close the pop-up window and return to this website

Results - Your Current Lifestyle

According to this website, if everyone lived like me, we would need _________ planets to support humanity.

Ecological Footprint
The Ecological Footprint measures the amount of nature's resources an individual, a community, or a country consumes in a given year, normalized to a unit of land area, most often hectares Coined in 1992 by William Rees a professor at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada

Concept of Ecological Footprint

The quantity of bioproductive land that is required to support current consumption food, housing, transport, consumer goods, services Includes land needed for absorption of waste
Wackernagel and Reese, Our Ecological Footprint

Ecological Rucksack
Ecological Rucksack is the total quantity (in kg) of the natural material that is disturbed in its natural setting and thus considered the total input in order to generate a product counted from the cradle to the point when the product is ready for use - minus the weight (in kg) of the product itself.

Ecological Rucksack

Quantfied Ecological Rucksack

Steel: 21 (One kilogram of steel carries an ecological rucksack of 21 kilograms.) Aluminum: 85 Recycled Aluminum: 3.5 Gold: 540,000 Diamond: 53,000,000 Rubber: 5.

Ecological Rucksack

Ecological Rucksack Diagram

Some other ecological rucksacks

Coffee maker 298 kg toothbrush about 1.5 kg plastic bucket 26 kg silver chain 20 kg 12 wine glasses 6 kg 5-gram gold ring 2000 kg wooden beads 0.5 kg (Simonen 1999)

Plastic or Cotton Bag?

The plastic bag (PE plastic, 18 g) has the following ecological rucksack: abiotic and biotic material 0.1 kg, water 1.17 kg, air 0.04 kg, earth 0 g. The cotton bag (54 g) has the following ecological rucksack: abiotic and biotic material 1.277 kg, water 214.704 kg, air 0.216 kg, earth 3.402 g. (Vh-Jaakkola 1999, Wuppertal Institute) If you use the cotton bag for a year and buy a plastic bag once per year, which is the better buy? Use the Ecological Rucksack to determine the solution