Time: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (with dinner and keynote speaker)

9:00 - 9:30 Registration and Coffee

 9:30 - 11:00 The Natural Step (TNS)- the framework - background and science principles

Aims

Learn the science principles that underlie the Natural Step framework.

Deepen understanding of relationships between underlying science of TNS and sustainability.

Introductions.

What is sustainability?

What do we agree on about the Earth?

The scientific background of TNS.

Discussion - what principles can we derive from the science?

Aims

Deepen understanding of the basic description of sustainability.

Learn how this framework is relevant to business.

Introduction to the System Conditions.

Exploring the system conditions - examples and applications.

Group discussion - how is this relevant to my business?

Aims

Review TNS principles.

Learn how the Natural Step acts as a compass to guide strategic decision making.

Learn to analyze a company's flow of resources and energy by system conditions.

Introduction to input and output analysis.

Group work - Business metabolism, mapping the flows.

Group work - Analysis by System Conditions.

Group work - Brainstorm 'low hanging fruits' - ways to reduce system condition violations.

Backcasting 101 and examples of corporate strategic planning within the TNS framework.

Aims

Learn about 'Natural Capitalism' and some of the implications of sustainable commerce.

Learn about, and apply, ecological design principles.

Apply sustainability principles.

Natural capitalism - service flows and value cycles.

Introduction to ecological design.

Group work - Industrial ecology.

5:15 - 6:15 Discussion and Questions

Feedback of group work on Industrial Ecology.

Discussion.

Evaluation.

7:45 - 9:00 Key Note Speaker

Charles McGlashan will talk about the relationships between The Natural Step and Environmental Management Systems, with illustrations from his work.