The Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development
The Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) is a comprehensive model for strategic planning and decision making. It combines a rigorous, science-based understanding of sustainability with a tested planning approach to create real and transformative change.
The Centre uses the FSSD as a basis for all the work we do. The framework becomes a common collaborative language as an overarching strategic framework for our own long-term planning and for planning and implementing individual projects. The FSSD is used as the basis for our work with clients and partners.
The five-level framework pictured here was developed to help groups take steps toward success in many situations. This can be illustrated using the example of a soccer game. At the systems level, you have to understand the rules of the game in order to play. At the success level, your team has a shared understanding of success: scoring more goals than the other team (and having fun!). You can use many different strategies to win, including building up a strong defence or passing in a certain formation. You then take concrete actions to achieve success – hopefully by scoring a goal. Some of the tools you might use include training programs to get you in shape, coaching advice to build your skills, or a high-tech pair of boots to improve your speed.
There are five core concepts in the FSSD:
- The Sustainability Challenge;
- Backcasting;
- The Sustainability Principles;
- Backcasting from Sustainability Principles; and
- The ABCD Planning Process.
For more information about each of these core concepts please download the 'Core Concepts' powerpoint offered through the online Towards Sustainable Practice course.
The FSSD is also known as The Natural Step Framework and has been used by hundreds of companies, organisations, local government and NGOs around the world for 20 years. For a variety of case studies please visit The Natural Step website here.
There are a number of support guides below that use these core concepts to further explain how to action sustainable practice within your organisation. For downloadable copies of these support guides please go to the 'Planning for Sustainability' Guide.