16 posts tagged “sustainability”

Link: Scientist who invented "virtual water" wins prize

The Stockholm International Water Institute awarded Professor John Anthony Allan (University of London, Britain) the 2008 Stockholm Water Prize for introducing the concept of "virtual water", a calculation method that takes into account the water embodied in foods and industrial products throughout their lifecycle.  For example, the 140 litres of water consumed to grow, process, package and ship the coffee beans required for a cup of water far outweighs the water that goes into the coffee maker. 

Wikipedia has a synopsis of the "virtual water" concept and lists the embodied water in a range of agricultural, household and industrial products.  For example:

• 1 kilogram of beef: 15,000 litres of water
• 1 kilogram of jeans: 10,850 litres of water
• a 1,100 kilogram car: 400,000 litres of water

Wikipedia lists three components that the calculations take into account:

• green water: rainwater evaporation
• blue water: surface or ground water evaporation
• grey water: water the becomes polluted during the process

At present, "virtual water" does not take into account whether water resources are being used in a sustainable manner or the degree of environmental impact.

Although "virtual water" can be used as a way of assessing the impact of different products on water resources, Allan's developed the concept to explain why water scarcity in regions such as the Middle East had not led to 'water wars (Watersheds and Problemsheds: Explaining the Absence of Armed Conflict Over Water in the Middle East).  Imports of products, particularly agricultural produce with a high embodied water content can represent a significant import of "virtual water", reducing the stress on local water supplies.  According to Virtual Water, 15% of the world's water usage is for export, with USA, Canada and Thailand the leading exporters and Sri Lanka, Japan and Netherlands the leading importers.  Allan argues "virtual water" should guide policy decisions, such as allocating water to products that "bring a sound return to water as well as sound returns to the economy" and increasing productive efficiency.

Link: Ideas: How to Think About Science (CBC Radio 1)

CBC Radio 1 is doing a series exploring " fundamental questions about how the institution of science is structured and how it knows what it knows."  The link above includes abstracts of each interview and a recording RealPlayer streaming audio.  Downloadable MP3 files can also be found on the CBC Podcasting site.  Episode 13 is David Cayley's interview of Dean Bavington, an environmental philosopher who has studied the Atlantic fishery, particularly involving the northern cod.  Although I thought that scientific management of the cod fishery began after the first decline in cod stocks in the 1960s, Bavington argues that scientific management predated this event, and was a major cause of the decline. 

In-shore fishery for cod used baited hooks, which limited the fishing season to the times when cod were biting.  Cod fishing was an inherently unpredictable affair, depending on when capelin ran and also which bays the cod entered.  This unpredictability was not consistent with making fisheries a major driver of the Newfoundland economy.  The Department of Fisheries was formed to bring greater consistency and allow establishment of an industrial fishery that supported a range of stakeholders from processing plants to investors.  A key element was the development of population models and the concept of carrying capacity, which was used to establish how much cod could be harvested in a sustainable manner.

At the same time, the technology of fishing cod evolved, from 'jiggers' that would catch cod even if they were not biting to trawlers that would scoop up the cod from the bottom (these new fishing practices were condemned by many fisherman).  An offshore fishery industry was established, again to support a more predictable fishery.  However, the scientific models did not capture all of the complexity of the cod lifecycle.  Key assumptions about the timing of spawning, whether cod stocks represented a single or multiple populations, and the breeding patterns of cod proved to be incorrect.  For example, the models assumed that it was safe to catch any cod that had bred at least once - later research showed that the older male and female cod were the most prolific breeders.  Netting of fish over a certain size even appears to have pushed back the age and size at which cod started to reproduce, further impacting breeding.

In spite of early warning signs reported by the in-shore fisherman (ignored by the scientific community as 'anecdotal'), offshore fisheries resumed after a short pause and appeared to be healthy.  However, Atlantic cod stocks crashed again in the early 1990s.  In spite of a moratorium in 1992, the cod stocks have not recovered to this day.  Bavington argues that the more we learn about cod, the less we are able to determine what level of harvesting is sustainable.  In this case, the original practice of 'fish lightly when you can, adapt when you cannot' appears to be the best way.

The other interviews in the series look equally intriguing.  Once again, I am amazed at the quality of CBC programming.  CBC is also diligent at archiving and making programming available, definitely a step above what the BBC has done in the past.

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Link: A New Model for Green Design

Valerie Casey's "Designers Accord" is

"both a small nudge and a radical step. It's a nudge because many designers and studios already practice many of the principles outlined in the accord: Undertake a program to educate your teams about designing sustainably, initiate a dialogue about environmental impact and sustainable alternatives with each and every client, measure the carbon/greenhouse gas footprint of your firm and pledge to significantly reduce that footprint annually." 

In spite of taking small steps, the program has the potential for being as influential as LEED by signing up thousands of designers from leading studios across the industry and gaining support from the AIGA and IDSA.  It encourages designers to introduce sustainability into every conversation, early in the conversation, "to look beyond the artifact and consider the larger system."

Signers of the Accord also agree to pool what they have learned about sustainable design, from information to best practices.  Although not likely to be as far-reaching as the open source movement, it will build "an archive of sustainability case studies covering everything from materials sourcing and effective life-cycle analysis methods to issues such as how the firm started the sustainability conversation with its client and what learnings it was able to transfer to other projects."

Thanks to Eileen Stephens for the pointer!

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Link: Rise of the Carbon-Neutral City (updated 2008/03/18)

This article contrasts a number of large scale, 'greenfield' carbon-neutral cities such as Masdar and Dongtan, with retrofit strategies such as Vancouver's focus on efficient public transit.  Although high-profile projects can provide a boost to innovative technologies and generate interest, the cost is high and the technology may not always be transferable.  The article highlights the importance of measuring the benefits achieved, such as reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. 

At the same time, there are advantages in scale - synergy between diverse elements can open up cost-effective opportunities for green design.  An example is the Dockside Green project in Victoria, BC - their Annual Sustainability Report: 2007 is a shining example of what is possible.  'Systems' solutions can deliver also unexpected benefits, such as Vancouver's public transit strategy.  The challenge is to adapt them to scales that make sense.

For a perspective on cities founded on ecological principles, see the TreeHugger post Ecocities of Tomorrow: An Interview with Richard Register.  Register talks of the vision as well as the challenge of changing how we live, the difficulties of turning green buildings into a green city, and describes three scenarios based on how we use the remaining oil that has fueled our development.

Thanks to Eileen Stephens for the pointer!

2008/03/18 TreeHugger did an interview with Richard Register, Peter Droege, Sahar Attia, Christopher Choa and Gil Friend on the theme Can Foster + Partners' Masdar City in U.A.E be Truly Sustainable?  The panelists expressed a range of opinions on several questions, such as the relationship of Masdar to broader issues of sustainability, its connection to the larger environment, the ability to meet the stated goals, and the concept of building cities from scratch.

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On Friday, February 29, the Ivey Business School and Research Network for Business Sustainability will host a forum in Toronto, Canada on best practices for community engagement. You can register at www.ivey.ca/centres/building/engaging.

The purpose of the forum is to identify evidence from both practice and research. Both industry and academia are well represented on the lists of speakers and registrants. A draft agenda is attached. We have planned ample time for dialogue and networking.

The speakers include:

• Grace Blake, Dave Meads, and Randy Ottenbreit, Mackenzie Gas Project
• Oana Branzei, Ivey Business School
• Denise Carpenter, EPCOR Utilities Inc.
• Jocelyne Daw, Imagine Canada
• Katharine Partridge, Stakeholder Research Associates Canada
• Pierre Gratton, Mining Association of Canada
• Sandra Waddock, Boston College
• Charlene Zietsma, Ivey Business School

The forum will be held at Ivey's Toronto campus. You can register at www.ivey.ca/centres/building/engaging.

Warm regards,
Dr. Tima Bansal
Associate Professor, Ivey Business School
Executive Director, Research Network for Business Sustainability

The Research Network for Business Sustainability "is a non-profit initiative that brings together researchers, policy-makers, corporate managers, and university educators. Through sharing information and facilitating collaboration, we build business sustainability."

Thanks to Jean-Francois Barsoum for the pointer!

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Link: Why long-haul food may be greener than local food with low air-miles

Times Online (UK) looked at the sustainability implications of choosing locally-grown food over imported food that is shipped large distances.  In many cases, the environmental impact of 'long-hauling' food was relatively small compared to other factors when the full life cycle of the food was taking into account.  Examples included the high energy cost of local hothouse tomatoes in Britain compared to those grown in Spain, or the additional fertilizer and electricity required to raise lambs in Britain when compared to New Zealand. 

Until proper Life Cycle Assessments can be developed, the article recommends a number of 'rules of thumb' where consumers can make a difference:

• reduce the amount of meat eaten - 90% of greenhouse gases are emitted during meat production, regardless of where that occurs
• avoid air-freighted food
• reduce packaging
• reduce waste
  

The article points out that there are no simple solutions to sustainability - it is critical to understand the overall system and determine which factors are significant contributors to unsustainability.  Agriculture can also have side-effects.  Many types of agriculture are high consumers of water, which can exacerbate drought conditions that in turn can impact hydro-electric power or curtail nuclear power production (Industries already affected by water stress, warns UN).

One factor that the article does not mention is the value of knowing where your food really comes from, and having a greater appreciation of how it is produced.  Having a direct connection with agriculture can influence how we act, and help protect an essential part of our lives.

Thanks to Jean-Francois Barsoum for the pointer!

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Link: Matteriashop: Good Design + Smart Materials – a New Online Shop

TreeHugger reviewed the opening of the Matteriashop online store, a joint effort by Monica Potvin (Barcelona) and Anu Suominen (Finland) to combine good design with sustainable choice.  The website demonstrates that it is possible to provide product lifecycle information in a way that helps the consumer make an informed decision, without overwhelming them.  Product selection criteria include:

• charming functional design
• low or no toxicity
• imaginative reuse of reclaimed materials
• materials from renewable sources
• recycled / recyclable
• organic
• biodegradable
• sustainably grown
• energy efficient
• ethically produced

The main page groups products by category, taste, material and designer.  Individual product pages each have several sections describing the product ('shop'), materials, designer, manufacturer and disposal.  There is also a 'user' section that has been empty in all the products that I looked at.  Pictures show more detail on the product design or provide usage examples.

The site does not try to quantify sustainability, but uses descriptive language which helps inform the consumer about broader issues.  Taken from the 'materials' section of the Cork underlay large:

"Cork is a completely natural product, harvested without damaging or chopping down trees. It comes from the bark of the cork oak, and is harvested only once every nine or ten years.

Cork is a renewable resource and cork oak forests are one of the most sustainable natural systems, providing the habitat of several endangered species and supporting one of the highest levels of biodiversity among European forests."

Inderscience Publishers has announced three new journals.

International Journal of Society Systems Science (IJSSS):

"IJSSS eliminates the following "six barriers":

• the barrier between social and natural sciences
• the barrier between theory and applications
• the barrier between hard decision models and soft ones
• the barrier between different disciplines in the business world
• the barrier between government and industry
• the barrier between the ivory tower and real society"

"The objectives of IJSSS are to call for attention to the interdisciplinary principles, architectures, techniques, methodologies, models, as well as the appropriate strategies, that can solve the various society-related dilemmas."

International Journal of Sustainable Economy (IJSE)

"A sustainable economy is one characterised by development decisions, policies and practices that accelerate the need to do more with less by making better use of resources, increase investment, promote stability and competition, develop skills and reward work and respect the cultural experiences of societies. Sustainable development requires us to take a long term view of the economy, rather than adopting short term fixes. A sustainable economy includes economic stability and competitiveness, employment and education, a healthy environment and sound environmental practices. Areas related to sustainable economy are, in particular, sustainable economic growth, an innovative and knowledge-based economy, income security and employment stability, as well as a clean and healthy economy. IJSE aims to address the exposed sustainability issues in the field of economic theory and analysis."

"The objective of IJSE is to publish research papers which analyse all aspects of sustainable economic growth and development and to offer researchers and professionals the opportunity to discuss the most demanding issues regarding the sustainable economy."

International Journal of Sustainable Society (IJSSoc)

"IJSSoc bases its vision on eight 'balances' as follows:

• a balance between economic development and environmental protection
• a balance between real aggregate demand and aggregate supply
• a balance between human beings and nature
• a balance between consumption and preservation
• a balance between material and spiritual pleasures
• a balance between civil liberty and self-restraint
• a balance between hedonism and practicality
• a balance between science and society"

"... 'society systems science' or 'society science', as we have termed it, is the interface of natural science and social science, where both natural scientists and social scientists confront the real-world problems and challenges that exist in our society, and work towards formulating effective solutions.

IJSSoc aims to provide a professional forum for formulating, discussing and disseminating these solutions, which relate to the design, development, deployment, management, measurement, and adjustment of these social networks. They should form a common ground on which a sustainable society can be built, shared and supported by professionals from different disciplines."

Thanks to Fil Salustri for the information!

Link: FCM Sustainable Communities Conference and Trade Show 2008

he FCM Sustainable Communities Conference and Trade Show 2008 will take place February 14 - 16, 2008 in Ottawa, Ontario at the Fairmont Château Laurier and Government Conference Centre.

The conference theme of “Moving Innovation into Practice” will focus on building municipal capacity in the areas of social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

A preliminary program is now available for the pre-eminent event in Canada for municipal governments and their partners to network and learn about sustainable community development.

• Participate in interactive training workshops
• Learn from recognized leaders in sustainability
• Explore ideas in thought-provoking seminars
• Network with municipal leaders from across the country 

News: keynote address from Sheila Watt-Cloutier, internationally renowned climate change activist and Nobel peace prize nominee.

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Link: The Natural Step News and Events

The Natural Step is excited to announce that we will be holding a series of workshops as well as a networking dinner on February 13th, 2008, to coincide with the upcoming FCM Sustainable Communities conference to be held in Ottawa February 14th to the 16th.

We would like to invite you to participate in both of these activities, which promise to be inspiring, thought-provoking and are designed to provide you with practical experience, tools and examples of sustainable community planning.

Networking Dinner: Gourmet regional and organic cuisine served in an elegant heritage building, a wealth of experience amongst your fellow diners, and an opportunity to network with other municipal change-makers from across the country promises to be a winning combination! This event will provide the venue for municipal sustainability practitioners who are using the TNS Framework and other tools and approaches to share their recent activities and learn from each other. It will also provide an opportunity for organizations from different sectors using The Natural Step Framework to share their stories.

Where: Chelsea Club, 236 Metcalf Street, Ottawa
When: February 13th, 2007, time: 6:30 pm
Who: People who are interested in sustainable community planning and who want to network with peers who are using The Natural Step Framework.
Cost: $65 per person, receipts available
How to register: Fill out a registration form here

Workshops: The Natural Step Canada will also be offering two workshops on February 13th (cost: $75 each, location: TBA)

Workshop 1: Strategic Sustainability Planning (8:30am – 12:00pm)
This half day workshop will provide participants with an introduction on The Natural Step Framework and how communities are using it to help inform their planning and decision-making, as well as how they are translating it into day to day actions. This session also includes an overview of organizational change and three weeks of access to The Natural Step eLearning course (Sustainability 101), which must be completed prior to the workshop.

Workshop 2: Integrated Community Sustainability Planning, A Step-wise Approach (1:00 - 5:00 pm)
This half day workshop is a continuation of the morning session or can be taken on its own for those who are already familiar with The Natural Step Framework. This session will provide participants with a flexible step wise approach to building internal capacity, conducting an internal sustainability analysis, engaging the public through community visioning, and carrying out and completing an ICSP. Participants will receive an ICSP binder with additional resource materials.

To attend any of these events, register here. To learn more please contact, jlandmurphy@naturalstep.ca or (613) 748-3001 ext. 228.

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