IN THIS ISSUE |
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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR |
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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. Our Emerging Leaders Program was formally launched in 2010 with generous support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, and The Co-operators. We inspired students to become sustainability change agents by speaking at a number of conferences and events, we trained over 20 university co-op students to develop a sustainability plan and mentored them through co-op placements, and we provided hands-on sustainability training for three interns here at The Natural Step Canada. (Read more…) |
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SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS |
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The Natural Step
Canada’s Sustainable Business Program: Looking back, looking forward Without a doubt, 2010 was a year to remember. It began with the earthquake in Haiti, an event that has left millions homeless; included an immense oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico; and was bracketed on the far end by Wikileaks. We saw massive flooding in Australia; Canada’s most expensive hailstorm in Calgary; and here in British Columbia, Spring weather for the Winter Olympics. These are all representative of the sustainability challenge. At The Natural Step, we use the metaphor of the funnel to talk about the growing constraints—environmental, social, and economic—imposed on businesses, communities, and organizations. Essentially, the funnel describes how, in an increasingly sustainability-constrained world, businesses are faced with a multiplicity of pressures: rising resource costs, tougher war for talent, an increasingly demanding public, changing legislation and technology, the challenge of aligning employees throughout an organization, and the pressure to continuously innovate, to name just a few. In short, faced with the sustainability challenge, the capacity of businesses to operate conventionally is getting more and more difficult. (Read more…) 3BL Media Interviews The Natural Step Canada’s Partners: The Co-operators and InterfaceFLOR 3BL Media caught up with 2 of our key partners at the
Canadian Business for Social Responsibility’s 8th Annual Summit in
Toronto this past October. Check out the brief interviews below with
Barbara Turley-McIntyre, Director of Sustainability and Corporate
Citizenship at The Co-operators, and with Claude Ouimet,
Senior VP and General Manager for Canada and Latin America at
InterfaceFLOR.
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SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES |
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The Natural Step Canada’s Sustainable
Communities Program: Looking back, looking forward “If you don’t know where you’re going, all roads will lead you there.” We often use this quote in our work, and I believe that 2011 represents a turning point for municipal governments that have completed or are close to completing their Integrated Community Sustainability Plans (ICSPs), and now have a better sense of where they need to go. At the same time, knowing where you have to go (e.g. zero waste, 100% renewable energy, etc.) and getting on with it are two different things. Municipal governments that want to lead the way will need to address a new set of questions and challenges related to organizational change and collaboration. Fortunately, some municipal governments are working to address these challenges. As a learning organization, we at The Natural Step Canada continuously evaluate, improve, and adapt our services, and in this spirit, we have developed a new Service Cycle for Sustainable Communities to support municipal organizations as their sustainability journeys evolve. (Read more…) The Natural Step Canada at the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities Sustainable Communities Conference (Victoria,
BC | February 8-10, 2011) Join The Natural Step Canada at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Sustainable Communities Conference from February 8-10, in beautiful Victoria, BC. Along with many of our closest community partners and clients, John Purkis and Alexandre Magnin from our Sustainable Communities Program team will be in attendance. If you plan to attend, we encourage you to meet us in person to learn about our Sustainable Communities Program. Through our unique suite of advisory, coaching, and process facilitation services, we can help your community make transformational changes toward sustainability. The communities we work with consistently win sustainability awards and honours in Canada and around the world. Yours can, too! Please let us know if you're going to the Sustainable Communities Conference and would like to meet up with us!
Applications now open for Sustainable City Globe Award: Apply by February 4 Do you think your city or community is one of the most
sustainable in the world? If so, consider applying for the 2011
Sustainable City Globe Award. This award focuses on a holistic approach
to sustainability in cities and integrates different types of resources
or capital for a better future in cities around the world. Applications
are due February 4, 2011.
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EMERGING LEADERS |
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The Natural Step Canada’s Emerging Leaders Program: Looking back, looking forward
We worked with the universities of Western Ontario and Waterloo in supporting students through their sustainability co-op placements, participated in the Sierra Youth Coalition’s Sustainable Campus Conference, created our own Leadership Café in Toronto in partnership with AIESEC Canada and Corporate Knights Magazine, and had the opportunity to train students from Concordia and McGill’s business programs. We also created a new mission statement for the program which better reflects our youth focus: “Unleash the ferocious and unrelenting passion of youth to catalyze systems change toward sustainability and create a generation of competent leaders.” (Read more…)
What is IMPACT! The Co-operators Youth Program for Sustainability Leadership? This one-of-a-kind program focuses on empowering university and college students to be real and effective agents for change in their communities, organizations, and businesses. Its national scope inspires a diverse range of students with a passion for sustainability and provides a unique blend of talents and skills. If, in September 2011, you will be between the ages of 19-25, attending a Canadian university or college in any discipline, and are passionate about sustainability, then this unique bilingual program is for you. Be inspired by keynote speakers including Dr. David Suzuki, working on tangible sustainability solutions with business and academic leaders, and building lasting networks. All conference, transportation, accommodation, and meal expenses are fully covered.
The Natural Step workshop at Desautels Business
Conference on Sustainability, McGill (Montreal, QC | January 22, 2011) Join The Natural Step Canada's Anouk Bertner, the Manager of our Emerging Leaders Program, at the Desautels Business Conference on Sustainability (DBCS). Anouk will be delivering a workshop to participants on Business, Sustainability, and The Natural Step Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development. The conference will also feature a keynote speech by Bill McKibben, the best-selling author and Founder of the global climate change movement 350.org.
1-day training in The Natural Step for MBA students at HEC (Montreal, QC | January 28, 2011)
Hire a graduate sustainability
student for a co-op placement in your organization this summer This summer, hire a competent, hard-working University of Western Ontario (UWO) Master's in Environment and Sustainability graduate student to support your organization in moving toward sustainability. The Natural Step Canada will mentor and train 10 students, one of whom could create a sustainability plan for your organization. Job descriptions are due by February 10, 2011.
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SUSTAINABILITY LEARNING |
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The Natural Step Canada’s Sustainability
Learning Programs: Looking back, looking forward 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. (Read more…) Interested in taking one of our Sustainability Learning Program courses in 2011? We are currently planning the 2011 course calendar for our Sustainability Learning Programs. If you are interested in taking our Sustainability for Leaders Course - Level 1: Foundations, please let us know today, and we will contact you as soon as the details are confirmed. If your organization is interested in hosting a session of one of our courses, we can bring our Sustainability for Leaders - Level 1: Foundations course to you! Please contact us to request a proposal for a customized workshop for groups of 8-100. Storyteller photos and blogs from Sustainability for Leaders courses in Toronto and Vancouver The Natural Step Canada is working with youth across the country to capture photographs, interview participants at our courses, and blog about their experiences. Check out the following blogs and photos from our recent Sustainability for Leaders Course – Level 1: Foundations in Toronto and Vancouver. Thank you to Brendan Seale and Michiah Prull respectively for their contributions. |
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THE NATURAL STEP EXCHANGE |
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Join
now: Learn, Share, and Connect with Sustainability Leaders in Canada! The Natural Step Exchange is an exclusive network for leaders and practitioners who want to learn, share, and connect with others while accelerating change toward a sustainable Canada. The Exchange unites sustainability leaders from across the country to expand their sustainability expertise together. For more information about membership benefits and how to get involved, please contact Emily Briggs at ebriggs@naturalstep.ca or 613.748.3001 x239.
Sustainability Drinks hosted by The Natural Step Exchange during FCM's Sustainable Communities Conference (Victoria, BC | February 8, 2011) Are you attending FCM's Sustainable Communities Conference? If so, please join us at CANOE Brewpub and Marina to celebrate a year of accomplishments by sustainable communities across Canada. Hosted by The Natural Step Exchange, you’re welcome to meet, share, and connect with leading sustainability practitioners from across the country.
The Natural Step Exchange’s Sustainability Webinar Series The Natural Step Exchange’s new Sustainability Webinar
Series will delve into the core principles and underpinnings of The
Natural Step Framework—our approach to strategic sustainable
development. Attendees will gain insight into a variety of
sustainability topics alongside experienced advisors from The Natural
Step Canada.
For more information and a complete list of our
upcoming Sustainability Webinars, please click here. The Natural Step Exchange’s Monthly Dialogue Series: Transformational Sustainability: Meaningful Change Beyond Low-Hanging Fruit (January 26, 2011) An organization's connection with sustainability is often cast as a journey. But what does it mean to create deep, transformational change? What practices can move organizations beyond the low-hanging fruit? How can we manage the tension between meeting existing sustainability commitments while making way for significant improvements to our sustainability performance in the long run? In our inaugural Sustainability Dialogue of 2011, Nadine Gudz, Director of Sustainability Strategy for InterfaceFLOR Canada, will present insights to move organizations along their transformational journey in 2011.
Note: Our Sustainability Dialogues are exclusive to
Premium Members of The
Natural Step Exchange. |
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FREE WEBINAR: INTRODUCTION TO THE NATURAL STEP |
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This FREE webinar will introduce the core principles and underpinnings of The Natural Step Framework—our approach to strategic sustainable development. Attendees will gain a broad understanding of sustainability and the unique contributions of The Natural Step Canada. Join us for an exciting tour as we envision a sustainable world in which individuals, communities, and businesses thrive within nature’s limits.
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NOUVELLE VIDÉO: THE NATURAL STEP EXPLIQUÉE EN 2 MINUTES |
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Il y a finalement
quelqu'un qui a trouvé un moyen d'expliquer The Natural Step en deux
minutes! Nous sommes très excités de partager avec vous les concepts
clés du cadre The Natural Step par l'entremise de cette animation
fantastique. Le film a été écrit par nos amis à RealEyes, qui font la
promotion des bénéfices du développement durable auprès des
entreprises. L'animation a été développée par notre ami Trevor Courtney
à Igloo Animations. Visionner le film ici! Nous espérons sincèrement
que vous aimez le film et que vous le partagez auprès de vos amis et
collègues.
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THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS 2010 FUNDERS |
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As an entrepreneurial non-profit, The Natural Step Canada is funded by a mix of advisory service fees, tuition fees, grants, and donations. We would like acknowledge the following major funders whose support was integral to our important work in 2010:
The Natural Step Canada would also like to thank all of
the organizations and individuals that have made financial and in-kind
contributions to support our work over the past year. |
UPCOMING COURSES/EVENTS |
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Introduction to The Natural Step (Webinar | January 19, 2011) The Natural Step workshop at Desautels Business Conference on Sustainability, McGill (Montreal, QC | January 22, 2011) Sustainability Dialogue - Transformational Sustainability: Meaningful Change Beyond Low-Hanging Fruit (Dialogue | January 26, 2011) 1-day training in The Natural Step for MBA students at HEC (Montreal, QC | January 28, 2011) Benchmarking our Progress Toward Sustainability (Webinar | February 3, 2011) The Natural Step Canada at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Sustainable Communities Conference (Victoria, BC | February 8-10, 2011) Sustainability Drinks hosted by The Natural Step Exchange during FCM's Sustainable Communities Conference (Victoria, BC | February 8, 2011) Championing Sustainability in your Organization, with Special Guest Bob Willard (Webinar | April 14, 2011) |
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NEWS AND RESOURCES |
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VIDEO: The Natural Step Founder Dr. Robèrt speaking at Sheridan College (Watch the video…)
PODCAST: Corporate Knights Magazine interviews The Natural Step Founder Dr. Robèrt (Listen here…) VIDEO: 3BL Media interviews Barbara Turley-McIntyre, The Co-operators (Watch the video…) VIDEO: 3BL Media interviews Claude Ouimet, InterfaceFLOR (Watch the video…) Old and New Friends Gather in Ottawa for The Natural Step Canada’s Sustainabili-TEA (Read more…) American Chronicle: Overall environmental management winner InterfaceFLOR (Read more…) Ecouterre: Nike Releases Open-Source Environmental Apparel Design Tool (Read more…) Corporate Knights Magazine: The Killer Kernel (Read more…) GreenBiz: Interface to Conduct Life Cycle Analyses on All Products (Read more…) ISL Engineering and Land Services named one of the Top 50 Best Small and Medium Employers in Canada (Read more…) Ecokinesis: 4 Foundations for Design Excellence (Read more…) Ecokinesis: The Value of a Common Language (Read more…) BEC Green: The Natural Step—Helping
Municipalities and Businesses Achieve Sustainability Goals (Read more…) |
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INTERNATIONAL UPDATES |
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Major Announcement: New Interim CEO of The Natural Step Global Sustainability Network, Peter Price-Thomas (Read more…) Message from new Interim CEO of The Natural Step Global Sustainability Network, Peter Price-Thomas (Read more…) What are we trying to achieve? The purpose of The Natural Step Global Sustainability Network transition (Read more…) How can you participate? Proposed membership structure for The Natural Step Global Sustainability Network (Read more…) What could we do together? The Natural Step Global Sustainability Network activities and functions (Read more…) What happens next? Our plan for moving The Natural Step Global Sustainability Network forward (Read more…) FAQs about The Natural Step Global Sustainability Network transition (Read more…) USA: The Natural Step USA Merges with Cascadia Green Building Council (Read more…) USA: Late to the party, but welcome never-the-less (Read more…) New Zealand: TNS NZ annual meeting marks virtualisation (Read more…) New Zealand: TNS NZ holds successful Co-Create the Future mini-conference event (Read more…) |
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The Natural Step Canada is a dynamic non-profit organization with over a decade of experience helping organizations and individuals understand and make meaningful progress toward sustainability.
WE ENVISION… a sustainable world in which individuals, communities, and businesses thrive within nature’s limits.
WE STRIVE… to inspire, educate, and connect Canadian leaders to accelerate the transformation toward a sustainable world.