Backcasting

EcoSTEPS’ experience with The Natural Step back-casting methodology may be useful in determining the overall strategic sustainability direction of your organisation.

Backcasting is a process by which one determines the incremental steps that we have to take to reach our vision from where we are today. This differs radically from today’s more common technique of forecasting, which is an extrapolation from today’s knowledge, situation and trends to predict the future. Whilst yielding short-term gains, forecasting overlooks the inevitable changes and discontinuities with current trends that will arise through sustainability pressures. Incremental steps derived from backcasting acknowledge current constraints to full sustainability (for example limits to capital investment or the readiness of the market). However, they also reflect the progressive steps that can be made today, from which further future steps can be taken to lead along a clear path towards the vision of full sustainability.

Find out how EcoSTEPS can help you with backcasting, please contact us.

4. Where to?