Description
The Natural Step Framework (TNS) is based in an “international advisory organization that uses a science-based, systems framework to help organizations, individuals and communities take meaningful steps toward sustainability.” The process starts with a comprehensive vision for the future of a community or organization and works by “backcasting”—considering the steps and changes necessary to move from the current situation to the desired one. The process is rooted in fundamental scientific principles of earth and environment, and a clear definition of sustainability relative to those principles. The fundamental theory of society and environment is diagrammed below; according to the organization, society can be improved and options increased by following the TNS process.
Steps
TNS begins with communities or organizations that have already determined and articulated their values and visions for the future, and it begins with the premise that sustainability is at the heart of those values. From here, the process works through planning and implementation. Organizations or communities can use the TNS definition of sustainability as a way to more clearly articulate a vision and to achieve consensus among stakeholders. With that common vision in hand, TNS encourages the use of concrete, scientific indicators to measure an organization’s current state and that of the goal (i.e. measurements of pollution, number of active voters). This step clarified the magnitude and types of changes that an organization actually needs to make in order to achieve the vision. Next, the organization develops concrete action steps that will lead to a measurable change; finally, changes are evaluated against the benchmarks and goals.
The Natural Step theory is based upon the belief that decreasing resources limit communities’ options, but innovation and community development can increase options and well-being. Image: The Natural Step - Canada
Pros and Cons
TNS is not a comprehensive “heart and soul” process. It does not help communities actually develop a vision or identify elements of their heart and soul, it does not include methods of broadening participation, and it is focused on environmental sustainability. TNS was designed to help communities and businesses systematically evaluate their situations in relation to their goals for the future (including, primarily, environmental indicators), then design and implement steps to reach the goals.
While it is not specific to the planning for community character, TNS does offer an efficient and practical framework for the aspects of planning that are frequently the weakest—creating actionable steps toward intangible goals, measuring progress, and developing systematic strategies. The application of TNS after a visioning process or identification of a community’s heart and soul could dramatically improve implementation of steps to protect or improve the important characteristics.
Examples
Whistler (BC) has used TNS in developing and implementing the Whistler2020 Plan (see Case Studies) and Santa Monica (CA) in its Sustainable City Program. TNS is used more frequently by companies than communities, such as IBM and Home Depot.