Beyond Net Zero: A systemic design approach

Design as a link between technological innovation and its application in everyday life: in this report, the Design Council presents approaches that can be used to accelerate the sustainability transformation. It is aimed at people who work as designers, but also at companies that consider design in the fulfilment of their environmental goals.

The report identifies several barriers that hinder change. Different disciplines use different terms, making communication difficult, and co-operation between sectors is hindered by competition for knowledge. Environmental and social aspects are often considered separately, although they are linked, and the focus on short-term financial gains inhibits long-term sustainable strategies. Many projects only treat symptoms and not the underlying problems, technical knowledge is often not put into practice, and outdated laws and bureaucratic hurdles hamper innovative approaches.

The authors recommend using systemic approaches to overcome these barriers. This includes developing a common language, fostering inclusive partnerships, measuring social and environmental impact and setting ethical standards. Systems thinkers, leaders, designers and facilitators who promote collaboration between disciplines and enable systemic change are important. The proposed framework for systemic design emphasises the focus on shared benefits of all living beings, zooming in and out between different levels, testing and growing ideas, creating safe spaces for different perspectives, working together as part of a larger movement, and using and growing existing resources.

The report emphasises the need to develop design methods that integrate technical and social aspects in order to achieve sustainable and systemic change.

You can download the report here: