Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 9.2
TNS's ABCD analysis
Step A
In ABCD analysis (or backcasting) the
four system conditions
define the frame
for all planning. It is also important to identify the
need
of the product, service
or organization and
key stakeholders
.
Step B
The
present situation
is analysed - What is doing well and what needs to
change? This involves a review against the TNS four system conditions.
Step C
Future scenarios
that work within the frame are envisioned.
Step D
Strategies are identified and adopted that will create a more
sustainable future
.
A = awareness that the margin for action is narrowing
Sustainable supply
B = baseline of
the current reality
C = clear and compelling vision
for sustainability
D = down to action
Sustainable demand
Unsustainable
direction
The present
The future
Figure 9.4
The Natural Step Framework: The ABCD process
Additionally, indicators need to be 'owned' by the organization and functionally
adhere to recognizable standards for measurement and comparison.
In offering a scientific grounding, a vision and a practical method for creating a
more sustainable world, TNS may help to change the dominant 'business-as-usual'
mindsets still existing within many organizations.
The Global Reporting Initiative
It is also becoming increasingly necessary to communicate sustainable development
practices internally to employees and stockholders and externally to the general
public.
For some businesses, maintaining or improving market share may depend on
how green the company is and appears to be. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
is a not-for-profit foundation with funding derived from voluntary donations and
support in kind. It is a collaborating centre of the United Nations Environment
Programme and has produced a widely used sustainability reporting framework
setting out principles and indicators which organizations may use to measure and
