Why the Natural Step?

How do we make economic progress, giving everyone the opportunity for a fulfilling life, without continuing to damage the natural systems upon which we all depend? That is the challenge of sustainable development.

For new solutions we need more than science simply telling us about the impacts of our unsustainable activities. What is needed is a framework by which we can come to grips with the whole system - one that focuses upstream on the root causes of our damaging impacts and allows us to design the problems out of society, rather than reacting to unforeseen consequences.

The number of tools and methods for dealing with environmental and social issues has grown to a point of confusion. They all have something to offer, but to be really useful there must be a way of evolving a shared, science-based mindset to facilitate complex decision-making and to integrate these various approaches.

Given this need and challenge, The Natural Step has:

• developed such a framework;
• documented its scientific relevance; and
• established a sufficient track record to prove its potential.

The Natural Step Framework is now being used internationally by hundreds of organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, government departments, universities, municipalities, and small- and medium-sized businesses in their respective journeys to sustainability.

The Natural Step provides two unique services:

• a clear, compelling, science-based definition of what sustainability is
• a practical strategic planning framework to help organizations make smart economic decisions while moving toward their sustainability goal.

Understanding the science of sustainability helps translate that science into practical, strategic steps in the right direction. The Natural Step Framework is designed to help lay the foundation for a continuous evolution toward sustainability.

Learn more about The Natural Step Framework... 

(Thank you to the Natural Step Canada for their permission to use these materials)