WORKSHOPS - FRAMEWORK OF SUSTAINABILITY

Deepen your knowledge of sustainability, ecological principles and dynamic systems

Each of the following workshops can be taken on their own, as introductory overviews 1.5 - 2 hrs. or in a longer, more in depth format 1 day - 2 weeks.

Ecosphere

The Natural Step ™

The Natural Step™ (TNS) is a practical communication and planning model for sustainability. "TNS offers a framework that is based on science and serves as a compass for businesses, communities, academia, government entities and individuals working to redesign their activities to become more sustainable. It is based on systems thinking, focusing on first-order principles at the beginning of cause effect relationships." www.naturalstep.org
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Economy and Equity -  Social Aspects of Sustainable Development

This workshop explores the relationships between economics, social equity and wealth creation. It builds on The Natural Step model to create an integrated set of criteria for sustainability, which can be used in design and decision making. This workshop integrates Paul Ekin's work on sustainable economics and Manfred Max Neef's work on human needs and Human Scale Development.

Design Tool, stacking in space and time

Permaculture

Permaculture is a design method based on ecological principles. The focus is on the creation of high quality, sustainable human habitats. It can be applied at many levels of scale, from garden and landscape design to site planning, the integration of agriculture and forestry, regional planning and urban/rural design.

We offer short introductory slide shows to permaculture, through to certified two week design courses.

generation of new ideas

SuNstainable DesignWays ™

SuNstainable DesignWays™ is a sustainability design, communication and training tool.  In project - based workshops applying the principles of sustainable development you will learn creative and systems thinking skills, as well as ways to engage productive stakeholder dialogue in visioning and strategic planning.

Information on envisioning and Strategic Planning with DesignWays.

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How can you learn more?

  • in workshops - see schedule or email us to express interest - small group workshops are scheduled on demand
  • by arranging workshops at your company or organization - these can focus on sustainability visioning for your project

"Through learning, we re-create ourselves... Through learning we re-perceive the world and our relationship to it. Through learning we extend our capacity to create, to be part of the generative process of life. " (Peter Senge, The Fifth Discipline)