The Natural Step 

The Natural Step (TNS) is a science and systems-based approach to organizational planning for sustainability. It provides a practical set of design criteria that can be used to direct social, environmental, and economic actions.

The TNS Framework is fundamentally based on both an integrated assessment of current economic, social and ecological dynamics, and on the implications of present trends for human society. The approach was developed in the late 1980s in response to growing concerns about the public health problems resulting from increasing toxins in the environment and current societal resource use practices.

In an effort to provide a practical tool for assessing decisions in terms of sustainability, The TNS Framework was created. The TNS Framework describes core guiding principles for moving toward sustainability. It is intended to assist decision-makers by providing a pragmatic analytical tool for understanding and integrating sustainability principles into complex organizations.

The TNS Framework has three main components:

The Funnel
The Natural Step uses a metaphorical tool to better understand the current environmental predicament, and the limited room for maneuvering.

System Conditions
The Natural Step works with scientists to develop a set of basic principles used to help guide organizations towards sustainability.

Strategy for Action
The Natural Step creates and tests specific tools used for integrating sustainability into complex organizations' strategic planning and decision-making processes.

The Natural Step U.S.
P.O. Box 29372
San Francisco, CA 94129-0372
Phone: (415) 561-3344
Fax (415) 561-3345
E-mail

On-line Articles

"Designing a Sustainability Management System Using the Natural Step"

"Business Leaders Rally Around the Natural Step"

"Educating a Nation: The Natural Step"

"The Natural Step Takes a First Step in the U.S."

"Answering the King's Challenge"

Publications

The Natural Step Story: Seeding a Quiet Revolution (ISBN: 0865714533)

Dancing With The Tiger: Learning Sustainability Step by Natural Step (ISBN: 086571455X)

Last updated: April 7, 2003

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