Words by Ryan Cheng

In this series inspired by the Design Council’s recent “Beyond Net Zero” research report, we highlight the characteristics required to catalyse for change as outlined in the report.

Pulling from various examples, these qualities lead the way in creating impactful, system change. In this article, we will highlight case studies of our own.

“We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it."

• Barack Obama, Former US President

In our last article of the Designing for Net Zero series, we outlined significant barriers to change within the movement. Especially in the world of design, there are a myriad of considerations - from the bottom line to the narrative around climate change - that can act as hurdles to our collective move to net carbon zero.

The challenge still remains for individuals and organizations to embrace the need for change. And slowly across the globe, we are beginning to see leaders of all kinds emerge.

From Greta Thunberg to the B Corp Movement, many are beginning to acknowledge that the fight against climate change starts within; through the conversations we have, the choices we make and the actions we take.

In the Design Council’s “Beyond Net Zero” research report, they cite four specific characteristics that are vital to generating systemic change.

Pulling from examples that inspire us here at Local Peoples / Matters Journal, we highlight what these qualities are and how they can manifest in our world, today.

The System Thinker

Creating systemic change requires the ability to navigate and negotiate systems. Systems thinking therefore, involves a number of different elements including how a system may evolve over time and how the system interacts with the external environment.

The Design Council outlines that system thinkers do not “look for a single problem and a simple solution.” Rather, they are always looking for how a variety of factors can interrelate and understand that any action can lead to a variety of consequences as a result.

The net zero movement consequently is not singular in its approach, and the climate change problem is not a straight-forward problem. A wicked problem requires a multifaceted approach.

Example: Nabr

Co-founded by Bjarke Ingels, Nabr is a residential design company that is set to reimagine how housing is designed and developed. He outlines that the company is set to deal with the root of the housing problem; expensive homes that are being made at a lower quality.

“There's a huge potential to reimagine this entire process, from end to end."

At the heart of this reimagination is inclusive design, where residents will be consulted and embedded within the process allowing them to co-design spaces that are specifically tailored to their needs.

"We could create a system that can adapt to people and their environments, not the other way around."

The Leader and Storyteller

When you think about the iconic movements that have shaped our history, great leaders have been at the forefront. From Martin Luther King Jr to Greta Thunberg, one thing that is consistent is their ability to paint a picture; of what the future can look like if we all just come together.

However, being a leader is not simply being the head of an organization or decided by mere seniority.

The Design Council believes that authentic leadership – by an individual or brand – is about encouraging others to “think more broadly and more hopefully.” That is, reimagining what might be possible in the future, and collectively moving towards it.

Example: Goodtel

After 25 years in the telco industry, the team at Goodtel have decided that now is the time to put their experience to good use.

Today, they are the first telco that commits 50% of its profits to help people and the planet. Founder Damien Gould outlines that Goodtel came from a passion for doing good.

“I often thought Australia needed a telco that would do good for the planet and those in need but somehow time got away.”

While other telcos choose to focus on maximising profits to shareholders, Goodtel continues to split their profits with charities.

“It’s a choice we feel good about.”

The Designer and Maker

Beyond painting a picture of what the future can be, bringing that future to life is another job entirely. This is no different in our pursuit for a net zero world. From policy and strategy, to products and services – designing can span a variety of processes and levels.

The Design Council encourages designers to work across disciplines and collaborate strategically to “understand different motivations and create things that people want to use or be part of.” The Designer and Maker therefore makes the intangible tangible to “raise awareness...and inspire others to act.”

Example: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP)

In Victoria, the State Government supported by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) recently released Victoria’s Climate Change Action Plan – a roadmap to net zero emissions and a climate resilient state by 2050.

This involves a range of policy changes and initiatives that span a variety of sectors from business to technology, and agriculture to public transport.

This plan is set to position Victoria not only as a climate leader in Australia, but internationally as well.

"Authentic leadership – by an individual or brand – is about encouraging others to think more broadly and more hopefully.”

“Seeing and making connections is a core part of acting systematically.”

The Connector and Convener

However, true systemic change requires a collective and united front and this has never been more evident than in our world’s fight against climate change.

The Design Council outlines that “seeing and making connections is a core part of acting systematically.” From connecting ideas, interventions and people, actively building connections can spark innovation and collaboration.

Example: Patagonia Action Works

Patagonia has a long-standing history in the fight against climate change. Visit their website and their mission statement is clear: “We're In Business To Save Our Home Planet.” This intention pervades all aspects of their business – from manufacturing transparency to product repair through their Worn Wear initiative.

The team at Patagonia also understands, however, that meaningful and sustainable change cannot be achieved on their own. In an effort to use their brand to continue doing good, they launched Patagonia Action Works, a platform where committed individuals can connect with organizations working on environmental issues in the same community.

Leveraging their uniquely wide reach, Patagonia has now connected a broad range of brands, people and organizations based on one shared goal: that the time is now in our collective fight against climate change.

Words by Ryan Cheng