Filed Under eLearning

Accommodation and Real Estate Services, British Columbia, Canada

Kim Mackrael — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:47:52 -0500

Accommodation and Real Estate Services (ARES) provides accomodation and real estate services to government ministries and broader public sector clients in British Columbia.

Canada

Axis Performance Advisors, Portland, Oregon, USA

Chas Martin — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:42:36 -0400

A Natural Step Network Case Study

Background

BC Hydro, Canada

Kim Mackrael — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:34:40 -0500

BC Hydro is one of the largest electric utility companies in Canada, serving more than 1.7 million customers in the province of British Columbia. The company’s mandate of providing &ldq

Canada

Blended Learning and Customization

Anouk Bertner — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:19:44 -0400

Advisory Services and Blended Learning

BOORA Archietcts, Portland, Oregon, USA

Chas Martin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:47:08 -0400

A Natural Step Network Case Study

City Shifters - How on earth should we begin greening our metropolises?

Anouk Bertner — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:23:05 -0400

How on earth should we begin greening our metropolises?
By asking the right questions, says The Natural Step.

Dave Cieslewicz, the Mayor of Madison, state capital of Wisconsin, US, has a favourite ‘nuts and bolts’ story about sustainability. We could start by asking the right questions.

Commitment to Sustainability Drives Rapid Change at ISL

Jennifer Reid — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:27:10 -0400

ISL Engineering and Land Services (ISL) roared into 2010 like a lion.

Canada

Community Sustainability Planning Course in Toronto, Ontario

Youth Storyteller — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:46:28 -0500

Submitted by Laur Fisher

www.flickr.com

As you walked into the Hilton Garden Inn conference room on December 8th, you could hear the energy pulsing around the room. In fact, it was difficult to quiet it. Here, council members, NGO and government staff, students, independent consultants, and unofficial-yet-passionate community leaders were sharing experiences from their communities. >See pictures here.

Canada

Course Features

Anouk Bertner — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:22:32 -0400

Course Features

Our courses are designed to help learners access and understand sustainability concepts and apply them to day-to-day business, community and personal decision-making. Each course includes:

A structured overview of key sustainability concepts including systems thinking and backcasting; scientific and sustainability principles; and a step-by-step process for strategic planning and decision-making in complex systems (business, government etc).
Real-life case studies and interactive activities that present current social, ecological and economic issues and help learners apply theoretical knowledge to practical business and community situations.
An extensive resource section including relevant information on the state of the world, the science of sustainability and the TNS framework along with lessons from leaders, tools and more than eighty business and community case studies from around the world.
A final exam and personalized certificate that recognizes the learner’s accomplishment.

Click on the course titles below for more information.

Sustainability 101

Sustainability 101™ is a condensed version of Sustainability: Step by Natural Step™ and takes approximately sixty-to-eighty five minutes to complete (depending on the learner’s pace).

Participants who successfully complete the course will be able to meet the following learning objectives:

Outline the evidence for our current sustainability crisis, and describe this using a powerful metaphor.
Describe the process of backcasting, justify the key role of systems thinking, and outline the basic scientific principles that underlie the concept of sustainability.
Define the four basic principles for sustainability and use them to analyze actions from a sustainability perspective.
Outline an “ABCD” process for strategic planning and decision-making toward sustainability.
Show how various tools and approaches for sustainable development relate to one another.

Sustainability 101™ has the following sections and activities:

SUSTAINABILITY 101^TM SECTIONS	CONTENT AND ACTIVITY OVERVIEW
1. Welcome 2. Setting the Scene This section takes approximately 25 min. a. Who’s playing the game b. The shape of things to come c. Scenario: You decide	This section introduces the concept of sustainable development, presents a powerful metaphor (“The Funnel”) for understanding sustainability issues and engages the learner in an interactive decision-making scenario. Activities: A four-question quiz, a supply-and-demand exercise and two interactive scenarios.
3. Backcasting from Sustainability Principles This section takes approximately 45 min. a. Backcasting systems and cycles b. Breaking the cycles c. The four sustainability principles d. The ABCD process e. Step “D” – in practice f. How sustainability tools and approaches relate 4. The final word	This section introduces the concept of backcasting from principles, presents the science of systems thinking and the Earth as a system and outlines four fundamental principles for sustainability. It then outlines a four step ‘ABCD’ process for strategic decision-making, provides the real-life solutions to the scenarios from the first section and presents how sustainability tools and approaches relate. Activities: An eight question sustainability principles quiz
5. The exam and personalized course certificate	The exam is a ten-question quiz that reinforces the course learning. A grade of 70% is required to “pass” the course and receive a certificate of achievement. Learners can take the quiz multiple times to get the highest grade possible. It is hosted on a separate page so that learners can review the course content while writing the exam.

Step by Natural Step

Sustainability: Step by Natural Step™ takes approximately three to four hours to complete (depending on the learner’s pace). Participants who successfully complete the course will be able to meet the following learning objectives:

Outline the evidence for our current sustainability crisis, and describe this using a powerful metaphor.
Show, using examples, the strategic benefits enjoyed by organizations and communities who are proactive about sustainability.
Describe the process of backcasting, justify the key role of systems thinking, and outline the basic scientific principles that underlie the Natural Step Framework.
Define the four basic principles for sustainability (the four “System Conditions”), describe the mechanisms that led to their definition, and use them to analyze actions from a sustainability perspective.
Outline an “ABCD” process for strategic planning and decision-making toward sustainability.
Show how various tools and approaches for sustainable development relate to one another.

Sustainability: Step by Natural Step™ has the following sections and activities:

SUSTAINABILITY STEP BY NATURAL STEP^TM SECTIONS	CONTENT AND ACTIVITY OVERVIEW
1. Welcome 2. Setting the Scene This section takes approximately 40 min. a. Who’s playing the game? b. The shape of things to come c. The sustainability advantage d. Scenario: You decide	This section is a clear and entertaining introduction to the current state of the world’s ecological and socioeconomic systems, using a powerful metaphor to illustrate the nature and possibility of sustainability. Participants engage with the powerful business case for sustainability and use a scenario exercise to apply their knowledge and understanding. Activities include: Various activities, including a quiz on sustainability leadership, a supply-and-demand exercise and interactive scenarios.
3. The Natural Step Framework This section takes approximately 80 min. a. Backcasting b. Systems thinking c. Yikes! Basic science d. The 4 system conditions e. The ABCD process f. “A” – Awareness g. “B” & “C” – Baseline Analysis and Compelling Vision h. “D” – Down to Action	This section presents the key elements of a highly effective tool for strategic planning towards sustainability. Learners gain access to the basic premises of The Natural Step Framework, including interactive sessions on Backcasting, Systems Thinking, the System Conditions, Basic Science and the ABCD Process. Detailed and interactive, it outlines a four step process for strategic decision-making in any organization. Activities include: Various activities including an eight question sustainability principles quiz
4. Now Do It This section takes approximately 40 min. not including the team exercise. a. Scenario – You decide, again! b. Scenario – Team exercise c. How TNS fits in with other tools and concepts d. The final word	This section challenges learners to apply concepts, both individually and within a team context, to case studies drawn from IKEA and the resort community of Whistler, Canada. It also explores and illustrates the compatibility of other tools and approaches to sustainable development, such as Ecological Footprint, ISO 14001 and LEED Green Building Standards. Finally, learners are presented with ideas for taking action on sustainability in their own organization.
5. The exam and personalized course certificate	The exam is a ten-question quiz that reinforces the course learning. A grade of 70% is required to “pass” the course and receive a certificate of achievement. Learners can take the quiz multiple times to get the highest grade possible. It is hosted on a separate page so that learners can review the course content while writing the exam.

Course Comparison

Features	Sustainability - Step by Natural Step^TM	Sustainability 101^TM
Overview	A comprehensive course on sustainability divided into three distinct modules and an extensive resource section	A condensed introduction to sustainability and The Natural Step Framework divided into two sections and accompanied by an extensive resource section
Length	3-4 hours	60-80 minutes
Focus	In-depth learning on sustainability and The Natural Step framework	Introduction to sustainability
Cost (for one individual license)	$98 Cdn + tax	$98 Cdn + tax
Bulk pricing available	Yes	Yes
Customisation available	Yes	Yes
Languages available	English	English, French, Swedish
Structure	Module 1: Setting the Scene Module 2: The Natural Step Framework Module 3: Do It Now	Setting the Scene Backcasting from Sustainability Principles
Contains resource section	Yes	Yes
Diploma awarded	Yes	Yes
Length of access	12 months	12 months
Available for blended learning	Yes (more on blended learning)	Yes (more on blended learning)

Course Administration

As a learning tool, our courses:

Can be hosted on any Learning Management System or delivered through our online server. This allows for hassle-free delivery as there are no IT components for learners to install or manage.
Allows for self-paced learning as users can exit the course anytime and return to the same starting point.
Includes a management interface that allows administrators to track learners’ progress and completion.
Provides ongoing access to the course and resource materials for renewable 12-month periods. A navigation bar allows users to review specific sections and resources without having to revisit the entire course.
Can be customized to incorporate a client’s branding, business activities and needs.

“The Natural Step Framework was used as a compass in implementing sustainability at Interface. I wish this e-learning course had been available then; it would have made our efforts much easier. I have no hesitation in endorsing this e-learning course for any organization that wishes to engage all its employees in making an integrated decision to 'do well by doing good'.”

Rahumathulla Marikkar
Director of Technology and the Environment
Interface Flooring Systems (Canada)

“There is no way we could have reached so many people in four months by any other means as we did through online learning. Once I let people know I could watch their progress online, they also wanted to make sure they kept up with the readings.”

Kathy Jenkins
Whistler Blackcomb Mountains Resort Inc.
Environmental Coordinator

Courses and Workshops

Chas Martin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:59:34 -0400

The Natural Step Network offers expanded live and online educational opti

Distance Learning

Anouk Bertner — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:20:27 -0400

Think Globally, Learn Locally

eLearning Benefits

Anouk Bertner — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:24:43 -0400

Benefits of eLearning with The Natural Step

eLearning FAQs

Sean Rioux — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:44:12 -0400

The answers to our three most commonly asked questions are below.

How to Purchase

Anouk Bertner — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:25:56 -0400

There are several options for purchasing eLearning courses:

Click here to purchase or renew a course or scroll down for more options.

Click here to login and access your course if you have already made a purchase.

Single Orders and Renewals

Introduction to Strategic Sustainable Development, Distance Course, Sweden

Anouk Bertner — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:26:07 -0400

Greetings from Karlskrona, Sweden!

Japan’s adaptive ecology

Anouk Bertner — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:59:41 -0400

Members of TNS Japan are helping Tohoku University to establish a post-graduate Research and Education program in Ecosystem Adaptability.

Japan

Leading Sustainability Course - Level 1: Foundations

Josh Snider — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:00:00 -0500

A Transformative Approach to Innovation, Strategy and Results

The Natural Step Canada’s Leading Sustainability - Level 1: Foundations course is a unique program that introduces—and helps you apply—the core concepts of sustainability. This compelling 1-day workshop provides you with the knowledge and tools to take a strategic, systems approach to planning and managing sustainability initiatives.

Canada

MESSAGE FROM THE CANADIAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Looking back, looking forward

Kelly Hawke Baxter — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 14:46:33 -0500

By all measures, 2010 was a busy year for The Natural Step Canada—one of significant change and development. We re-organized our work into five clear audience-focused program areas, hired seven new people, reached 10,000 people through outreach and education initiatives, and worked closely with over 1,000 students, leaders, and change agents in 25 businesses, municipalities, and institutions across Canada.

(Read about our exciting plans for 2011 in our January newsletter.)

Canada

Our People

Chas Martin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:14:11 -0400

Regina Hauser - Executive Director

Our Story

Chas Martin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:10:01 -0400

A framework for sustainable thinking.
A network for conscious leaders.

September Newsletter Available

Franco Varriano — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:39:26 -0400

Our new September Newsletter is now available!

Please sign-up for The Natural Step Canada's free newsletter that lets you know about upcoming events, project updates, and useful resources that you can download. Newsletter subscribers also receive timely updates about course offerings, and other opportunities to get involved with The Natural Step.

Click here to read the current Newsletter.

Canada

Sustainability for Leaders

Regina Hauser — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:23:15 -0500

NEW COURSE!

SUSTAINABILITY FOR LEADERS:
A transformative approach to sustainability thinking, strategy and execution

Sustainability initiatives take off at Edmonton Airports!

Alexandre Magnin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:19:12 -0500

On November 4th and 5th I, along with my colleague Pong Leung, had the pleasure of delivering a 1.5-day workshop with 20 staff from Edmonton A

Canada

The Natural Step Canada’s Sustainability Learning Programs: Looking back, looking forward

Dwayne Hodgson — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 08:44:42 -0500

In 2010, The Natural Step Canada held 8 sessions of our Sustainability for Leaders Course – Level 1: Foundations in cities across Canada, from Halifax to Vancouver. The two-day public sessions drew over 150 participants who each took part in two days of interactive and dynamic learning.

Together, they explored the scientific basis of The Natural Step Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development and reviewed case studies of how leading companies like The Co-operators and municipalities like the District of North Vancouver have applied The Natural Step Framework to accelerate transformational change toward sustainability.

Canada

The Natural Step eLearning

Sean Rioux — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:58:36 -0500

The Official Launch of Tracy Lydiatt’s Your Green Family Blueprint

Stephanie Mindorff — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:09:42 -0500

The Natural Step Canada is pleased to announce the official launch of Tracy Lydiatt’s Your Green Family Blueprint.

Your Green Family Blueprint is an easy to use guide, designed to help you implement the “what” to do to go green in a way that works for your family’s budget, priorities and timelines.

Canada

Unlikely Collaborators: Enabling dialogue at TNS course in Ottawa

Youth Storyteller — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:39:44 -0400

You do not often see this combination of people assembled in one space: It includes individuals who work for universities and non-for-profit organizations, for mining companies and hospitals, for governments and small businesses. If you were to imagine it, you might expect this to be an uneasy assembly; starkly different backgrounds and interests can make it hard to find things to talk about.

But when this group convened in Ottawa around big round tables on a sunny Tuesday morning in May, there was nothing uncomfortable about it: Everyone was here to talk about the same thing.

Canada

UWO Students Making Serious Impact This Summer

Anouk Bertner — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:51:32 -0400

We have had the great opportunity to work with five extremely passionate and intelligent students from the University of Western Ontario’s Master’s in Environment and Sustainability, coaching them through their co-op placements. These students have been working with their employers to establish the business case for sustainability, support organizational visioning around sustainability, and create an action plan with training and coaching from The Natural Step Canada. They are working in Ontario and beyond to really embed sustainability into their host organizations and they are making phenomenal gains.

Canada

Virtual Classrooms: Bring eLearning to Your Campus!

Franco Varriano — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:14:47 -0400

Are you looking to give your students the tools, training, and practical experience needed to be effective sustainability leaders and change agents in their communities and organizations?

Canada