The Natural Step NZ presents its 2011 knowledge series in Auckland

Sustainability for Leaders

Not all responses to sustainability issues are equal.  With growing recognition that addressing sustainability issues makes good business sense, the question becomes how to develop strategy that creates enduring competitive advantage and a platform for continuous improvement.

What you will learn

Using the world renowned framework for strategic sustainable development created by the Natural Step and it's award winning E-learning module, this course will:

• teach you how to use a proven framework that is based on sound science and systems thinking
• give you five strategic sustainability tools you can start using immediately
• explain four design principles that are fundamental to creating a sustainable future
• use practical exercises to test-drive what you learn before trying it in your organisation

Who should come

This course is ideal for people with different levels of understanding about sustainability.  It will provide a simple yet scientific understanding of the sustainability challenge, and make that relevant to the full range of organisational decision-making.  The course is ideal for:

• Senior decision-makers and executives wanting a strategic context for sustainability
• Sustainability managers looking for effective strategy development and implementation tools
• Strategy development staff seeking to integrate sustainability initiatives into business as usual
• Procurement and People Management staff
• Sustainability advisors
• SME owner / managers wishing to pursue a sustainability strategy for their business

Completing this course also satisifes the first phase of the accreditation process for becoming a qualified Natural Step advisor.

Testimonials

"The Natural Step's four system conditions for sustainability were the key element of the course for me.  These four conditions made sense both practically and intuitively, and provide an essentially simple concept for defining sustainability."  Ed Kiddle, Medical Officer of Health, Nelson Marlborough District Health Board

"This course provided an exceptionally stimulating and motivating learning environment.  If perfectly complemented the TNS model which proves a very clear and practical understanding of sustainability for implementation in the real world." Sean Barnes, Senior Manager, Aurecon

"This course highlighted logical thinking with an empahasis on business or organisational success rather than feeling too green.  The tools are useful and with experience will be relatively simple to use.  I would recommend this course to any business or organisation that wishes to compete and be successful lin today's market."  Michelle Elborn, Sustainability Coordinator, Tauranga City Council

About the Natural Step

The award winning Natural Step strategic planning system has been carefully designed to ensure a more enduring and sustainable economic approach. Having worked with hundreds of businesses including brand-leaders like Nike, Panasonic, Electrolux, ICI Paints and InterfaceFLOR, as well as communities such as Whistler, North Vancouver and Dublin, The Natural Step stands out as a leader in its field.

In New Zealand companies like Comvita, Phoenix Organics, Cyclops Yoghurt, Macpac and Tait Electronics have all benefited from understanding how to tackle the root causes of sustainability challenges, rather than wasting time and money treating symptomatic issues.  The Natural Step programme has also been widely used by local government.  Manukau, Hastings, Christchurch and Dunedin are just some of the councils that have taken The Natural Step towards more a robust approach for long-term, strategic planning. 

The Facilitators

Simon Harvey - Simon is an experienced sustainability advisor and accomplished trainer who has worked with a broad range of businesses and local government agencies.  He has helped organisations like Sovereign, Les Mills, healthAlliance, Bizzone, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, and numerous local councils to integrate sustainable practices at a strategic and cost effective level.  Simon is a senior advisor and current Chief Executive of The Natural Step NZ.   

Colin Bass - Colin is a director of BusinessLAB, a modern change agency using a multi-stakeholder approach to planning for sustainable success.  His clients have included NZTE, Auckland Council, the Hamilton Central Business Association and a wide range of businesses including REEFS, a new exciting brand in the area of refurbished electronic equipment. He is an accredited advisor for the Natural Step and the Institute of Accredited Business Consultants.