Have you been curious about The Natural Step’s powerful whole systems strategic sustainability planning method but unable to find a workshop?
Paul Horton, longtime Natural Step Associate, is bringing the Level 1 training to five US cities for the first time in a few years in October/November 2013. The San Francisco training is scheduled for November 6th (8:30-4:30), at SF Impact Hub (901 Mission Street).
Go here for more information on the trainings and to register. Background details follow below.
The power of TNS arises from its capacity to enable people to understand ultimate sustainability success in terms relevant to their firms and communities while quickly forging and executing a feasible and profitable strategic action plan to achieve it. The tension between ultimate sustainability and existing conditions elicits the creativity and on-going innovation required for success.
TNS has been researching and refining its practical strategic approach with countless firms, communities, and partners around the world for the past 21 years. TNS entered the world of US planning through Sarah James of the Institute for Eco-Municipality Education & Assistance. She adapted it the APA’s Sustainability Policy Guide, as one of the authors.
TNS Canada has been a hotbed of innovative municipal applications that evolved through professional collaborations into the Integrated Community Sustainability Planning method and an adaptation–Amazing Neighborhoods (see Key Resources section). In the design arena, Portland Oregon SERA Architects adapted TNS principles in the 2002 and became a go-to sustainability design firm and industry leader. On the business side, the poster-children are Interface Corporation and Nike.
I have known Paul for a few years since hosting his workshop on STARS as co-director of the Northern Section’s Sustainability Committee in December 2011. STARS is a promising LEED-like Sustainable Transportation Analysis and Ratings System. He is a 21-year strategic sustainability planning professional whose experience spans the private, public, and non-profit sectors as consultant, executive, and social entrepreneur.
For questions on the training, contact Paul Horton (paul@paulhortongroup.net, or (360) 918-1079), Integrated Sustainability Solutions.
For questions about strategic sustainability and urban planning in the Northern Section, explore the Sustainability Committee’s web resources and contact me, Scott Edmondson, scott-e@sustainability2030.com.