Sustainnovation Consulting approaches each client engagement using a Services Framework that is at once comprehensive and flexible. This holistic framework builds upon established sustainability principles, offering a wide variety of tools and methodologies that can be “plugged in” to satisfy the client’s particular needs in establishing a unique sustainability program. In this way, the Services Framework flexibly adapts to the client’s specific circumstances.
The Services Framework is an integrated model consisting of three layers: Basis, Foundation, and Delivery. All three layers or systems are interconnected and dependent on one another.
Basis
Sustainability is generally defined as meeting human needs
without compromising the ability of future generations
to meet their own needs.[1] In
the business context, for a business to be truly sustainable
it must embrace the so-called Triple Bottom Line [2] concept,
in which financial results (financial
capital) are balanced with human equity
(social capital) while protecting the ecosystem (natural
capital). The
Sustainnovation Consulting Services Model thus adopts the
three elements of the Triple Bottom Line as its Basis shown
below:
The Financial element consists of the traditional economic benefits pursued by any commercial enterprise – monetary profit, Return on Investment, etc. and the conventional means engaged in the pursuit of profitability. The Services Framework thus recognizes that any business enterprise must maintain robust financial performance to survive.
The Human element recognizes the value of human capital throughout society and seeks to establish a system of complementary business practices that respond to the needs of the workers, community, and region in which a company conducts its business. Often linked to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the Human element seeks to eliminate exploitive labor practices, protect worker health and safety, and share equitable financial gains with upstream producers of raw materials.
The Ecosystem element distinguishes the natural order as the ultimate source and repository of every material thing that sustains life on the planet. Environmental sustainability as a policy and practice embraces the long term viability and promotion of natural resources, protects the air and water from the pollution of unused byproducts of operations, and fosters increased efforts by industry to make products that can be reused, repurposed, or recycled.
Foundation
While the Basis establishes the ultimate objectives – the “what” of
sustainability - the Foundation deals with
the “how”. Starting with the movement
toward environmental awareness beginning in the 1950’s,
scientists, economists, academics, policy leaders, and business
people have amassed a tremendous body of knowledge on sustainability – in
effect, creating a “science” of sustainability
based on existing principles of traditional economics,
the physical and biological sciences, and the social sciences.
The Sustainnovation Services Framework is firmly based on this body of knowledge. In particular, we draw heavily upon the principals and our training in The Natural Step and ZERI, from advanced degrees in traditional academic disciplines including engineering and social sciences combined with industry experience in economics, management, engineering, social sciences, and education.
Delivery
The Delivery layer represents the interface
between Sustainnovation Consulting and the client. Essentially,
our delivery model is a Project Management methodology attuned
to the requirements of managing a sustainability program.
The model contains several important characteristics:
The Delivery model is a methodology comprised of four components, each with education at its core: assessment, planning, building, and maintenance.
