The intrinsic characteristics of the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) make it useful in moving society towards sustainability. However, most of the change agents who work with the FSSD report that it is not diffused widely enough to have a systemic impact on society. The purpose of the study is to enable those who wish to foster such diffusion to be more effective in their efforts by giving them information they need to strategically plan those efforts. An ‘important factors for diffusion’ lens is constructed from Diffusion of Innovations theory and social marketing concepts, and verified with case studies of the diffusion of Biomimicry 3.8, GRI and Cradle to Cradle. 152 current barriers and enablers to broader diffusion of the FSSD are identified from interviews with 27 practitioners and a survey of 58 additional practitioners. These are scored against the lens to determine the current diffusibility of the FSSD, then distilled and influence flows between them mapped, to identify seven leverage points for broader diffusion. Interrelations between these leverage points, as well as other emergent themes, are discussed, conclusions are drawn, and further research suggested. / <p>irena.efrem@gmail.com; sijme@sijme.com; scott@notutopia.com</p>

The purpose of this research is to examine how The Natural Step Framework, combined with Life Cycle Assessment and Ecological Footprint could help to manage the sustainability challenges of construction materials in China and to consider how these tools and concepts might inform each other in combination. Based on a literature review regarding the current reality of building materials in China and industry experience with use of existing sustainability concepts and tools, we build a conceptual model to integrate the three above concepts and attempt to analyse how they could work better together in the management of a sustainable transition. We then analyse the likely strengths and limitations of such an integrated model and finally use this to inform a vision of a sustainable future for building materials, discussing how the model may help China move towards sustainability.

Today, global socio-ecological problems are too complex and urgent for isolated actions, and cross-sector collaboration is increasingly required to generate transformational change towards a sustainable future. Partnerships between businesses and civil society organisations (CSOs) in particular have the potential to achieve the required change for sustainability. However, the ‘backcasting’ approach used in this study highlights a gap between current approaches and what partnerships might look like in a sustainable future. Research draws on literature, eighteen interviews and an action research project with Interface Europe. Results indicate that: 1) in the current paradigm shift, collaboration provides a competitive advantage; 2) individual, organisational and societal benefits of partnering are significant; 3) understanding the art and science of partnering is needed to make them work 4) organisational development and strategy affect partnership type and outcomes; 5) Corporate Social Responsibility efforts initiate cross-sector partnerships, but are responsive and fall short of being strategic; 6) articulation of visions for a sustainable future is rare and; 7) most partnerships are not aligned with core business strategies. In conclusion, dialogue across all sectors is advocated to co-create a sustainable future and The Natural Step Framework is recommended to align business planning and partnership strategies with sustainability. / <p>Andrew Outhwaite (arouthwaite@gmail.com) Miriam Karell (jazzminq@gmail.com) Richard Blume (rblume@gmail.com) Website http://partnerships4SSD.blogspot.com</p>

Institutions of higher educations (IHE), particularly universities, have a significant role to play in the global transformation to socio-ecological sustainability. This study focuses on the strategic planning efforts of one university, the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand where The Natural Step Framework (TNSF) is being used to develop a pan-University Sustainability Plan. Drawing upon the triple helix model of university-government-industry interactions for knowledge creation, and integrating principles of education for sustainable development into strategic organizational learning and change processes within higher education, this study suggests that advocates for sustainability within IHE can use the TNSF to assess institutional barriers and communicate specific opportunities in order to institutionalize strategic sustainable development and promote socio-ecological innovation. / <p>100 Eheart Street SE Blacksburg, VA 24060</p>