ZERI Certification Training Course
ZERI - Zero Emissions Research & Initiatives
Certification Training Course
with Gunter Pauli
at the Findhorn Ecovillage
17 to 26 June, 2006
For the first time available in Europe
“Gunter Pauli introduced the notion of industrial clustering by promoting the principle of zero emissions and making it the very core of the ZERI concept. Zero emissions means zero waste. Taking nature as its model and mentor, ZERI strives to eliminate the very idea of waste.” Fritjof Capra
“The trainers blazed a trail of hope, passion and possibility through my feelings of frustration, desperation and impotence about looming global crises. If you crave a proven technique for effecting positive ecological and social change that will catapult you into action, take this training!” Barrett Brown, Integral Relations, Vermont, USA
The ZERI Certification Training is designed to provide a deep understanding of systems thinking and the development of skills in using the ZERI methodology.
ZERI's emphasis is on meeting society's basic needs for food, clean water, healthcare, shelter, clean energy, and a platform that generates jobs and builds a society founded on a high quality of life. The ZERI production and consumption model makes sustainable development possible by understanding and working in concert with natural systems. It also shifts our concept of industry as a linear process-where waste is an expected by-product-to a concept of a system in which all by-products are used to stimulate further production. ZERI is a system in which the use of our natural resources (forests, lands, water, minerals, agriculture, as well as our industrial processes) beneficially use all “waste” and emissions outputs as input for some other production process that adds economic and social value.
Upon completion of training and certification, individuals will be able to:
*Apply systems thinking to design ZERI projects in collaborative efforts that could involve communities, villages, local, state and federal agencies, schools, non governmental organizations, universities and technical institutes.
*Challenge current unsustainable practices in organizations and communities and help people see the potential of innovative alternatives.Inspire others to think differently about doing more with what Nature produces to produce less waste and more economic value.
*Bring new depth to their current careers - or open up whole new career possibilities.
*Articulate ZERI's 12 economic axioms to guide future economic development
*Join a pool of inspired and active ZERI trained and certified individuals who apply ZERI principles and methodology in their communities and in their work.
The ZERI Certification Training is an intense programme which includes a total of 10 days divided into the 3 modules containing a rich intellectual base that includes elements from systems thinking, economics, biology, chemistry, organizational development, business practice and industrial ecology.
Module 1: Thinking and being in systems
focuses on the history and goals of ZERI, the understanding of natural and other systems and applying this to project development. . ZERI helps us move beyond cleaner production, pollution reduction, and waste minimization towards zero emissions and zero waste - where all resources are optimized as in nature where nothing is ever “wasted.” This approach leads to new, higher value-added products, more competitive businesses, creation of local jobs and increased cash flows as value is generated while responding to people's basic needs. These designs utilise local and often hidden resources for solving seemingly unrelated problems.
Module 2: The new technology mix
focuses on the ZERI methodology as well as specific economic, biological and technological tools which include biomass; biodigestors; water related innovation and material separation. These technologies will be used in a way that benefits humanity and the ecosystems on which we depend.
The ZERI principles and methodology can be successfully applied to broad-based economic sectors such as forestry, agriculture, rangeland improvement, and water conservation. They also address broad-based problems that stem, e.g. from pollution from human and animal wastes, oil and gas production, manufacturing and other production processes. And, finally, they address cutting edge practices like complete solid waste separation and utilization. Utilizing the same ZERI methodology, these technologies are locally applied to more than 50 ZERI projects on five continents ranging from remote, rural areas in Namibia to urban, corporate settings in Japan.
Module 3: Towards a new ethic: systems-inspired economics and management
focuses on critically important aspects of decentralized management patterned on the human immune system that encourages innovation for successful implementation of ZERI projects.
This module will present a number of case studies including:
o A community headed by Paolo Lugari taking a systemic approach to meeting multiple needs in Las Gaviotas, Colombia.
o The recycling market for polycarbonates (CDs, DVDs).
o The world's largest tea plantation in Kenya.
o Reforestation of the Atlantic rainforest in Brazil.
o Making beer, bread, and mushrooms in Germany and Canada.
o Rediscovery of mushrooms as a high quality food - among other things - in Africa.
o The introduction of ZERI-like activities within the nearly $1T global electronics industry.
“ZERI training was transforming. It showed how the workings of nature can be the basis for solving the most complex challenges we face as a society. I can never look at situations and solutions the same way again.”
David Schaller, Sustainable Development Coordinator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8, Denver, Colorado.
BACKGROUND ON ZERI
Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives (ZERI) is a systems-based approach to economic and social development that views waste as resource that allows communities and businesses to do more with what Nature produces rather than forcing Nature to produce more (i.e., depleting natural resources or genetic manipulation).
The ZERI Foundation (an international non-profit organization) was established under Swiss law in 1994 in response to the alarming pressure humanity is putting on the environment. Its Founder and Director is Gunter Pauli, United Nations Honor Recipient, author of numerous books and articles, professor, father, businessman, and former President of ECOVER, a highly successful manufacturer of biodegradable detergents. ZERI's network of scientists, business people, government officials, community leaders and educators work in the tradition of systems-thinking inspired by nature that is truly sustainable and environmentally, socially and economically responsible.
ZERI teaches that among the five kingdoms of nature (animals, plants, fungi, algae and bacteria) what is waste for one kingdom is neutral or beneficial for another. ZERI is about responding to the needs of all species with what they have in co-evolution with each other. Being inspired by, we can see underlying systems and connections. We can more easily design projects that use our natural resources more judiciously and can also be used to convert “wastes” into useful, non-polluting raw materials for value added products and businesses - whether it is wastes from forestry, agriculture, ranching, wastewater treatment systems, manufacturing or other production processes. By re-using “waste” in this manner, we also create more products, more businesses, and more jobs, which also strengthens communities, social systems and culture.
BACKGROUND ON ZERI TRAINING
To date there have been four ZERI certification trainings in North America with over 80 graduates from the United States and around the world. These trainings have brought together a diverse group of people ranging from community leaders, consultants, teachers, NGOs leaders, musicians, dancers, business executives, scientists, government officials, students and multi-national corporate managers. Some participants were interested in promoting and using the ZERI methodologies within their communities for improving social conditions through new projects that will create jobs. Some were interested in starting new, small businesses or in implementing ZERI within their company. Others were interested in presenting the ZERI principles and methodologies in lectures and educational efforts. Whatever your particular area of interest, you will find that the ZERI methodology allows you to increase both the value of your work and the depth of your impact.
ZERI is about action as well as understanding. Therefore, participants who complete the ZERI Certification Training will also need to initiate the implementing of a self-chosen ZERI project during the year following training in order to maintain their Certification status. This project can be within your industry, business, community, farm or school. The common denominator is that it is a real-world implementation of the ZERI methodology. Completing the ZERI Certification Training is the first step. Gunter Pauli will be responsible for certifying applicants who demonstrate the required proficiency during the Training.
ZERI certification will allow certified participants to identify and market themselves as ZERI-Certified practitioners. It is anticipated that the growth of ZERI in 2006 and beyond will offer professional opportunities for participants either through their communities, non-profits, businesses or agencies to incorporate ZERI activities.
There are specific rights and responsibilities for ZERI-Certified practitioners after certification which will be presented during the course.
These rights and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
maintaining the integrity of ZERI's goals, principles and methodology (to avoid “greenwashing”);
the certified person's relationship to the ZERI Foundation International and other regional and local ZERI organizations;
sales of future ZERI related products;
use of logo and other ZERI patents and properties;
ongoing ZERI Certification Training.
All rights and responsibilities are being developed with the intent of optimizing opportunities for ZERI-Certified practitioners and to ensure the steady growth and influence of ZERI worldwide. All participants who complete the training will have access to appropriate ZERI documents and images. Access to a network of ZERI scientists and experts will be facilitated depending on need and availability.
“The ZERI methodology has opened up an important missing approach to systematic, land-based business and economic development. Particularly valuable is the honoring of place, culture and what you HAVE. I see virtually endless opportunities for incorporating these knowledges, wisdoms and community in/for the rest of my life.”
- Margo Covington, Covington Consulting, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Applicants should complete and return the training application electronically to the ZERI Registrar, Zoe Isaksen
Applicants should be mature individuals with a serious interest in furthering their own communities, businesses, careers and/or ZERI.
Applicants should have a genuine desire to help people by improving the environmental, social, and economic conditions that affect quality of life.
All applicants will be notified of their status within one week of submitting their application.
TUITION
Price: £1350 (includes 10 nights accommodation & vegetarian meals. field trips)
APPLICATION FORM
Findhorn ZERI Certification Training 2006
Please respond to all questions and submit your completed application to
A confirmation of receipt of the application will be sent within one week.
Name
Age
Address
Email Address
Phone
Check your initial area(s) of interest - subject to change after the training begins:
a. Interest in ZERI project design, implementation or management:
b. Professional trainer/speaker/project consultant
c. Furthering ZERI's K-12 educational program
d. Professional consultant for converting “wastes” to value-added
economic opportunities for businesses or corporations
e. Other (explain):
1. What area of work are you currently involved in and would you try to implement the ZERI methodology within this arena or in some other. Please explain.
2. Please submit a short, but thoughtful essay on each of the following 3 questions. The maximum word count per essay is 300.
a. What about the ZERI methodology, projects and/or potential do you find most compelling today?
b. While your ideas may change, how do you see yourself using the ZERI methodology in 3 years?
c. If the ZERI methodology were to spread quickly and widely, what are the concrete breakthroughs and results that might be achieved in the next decade?
For more information, please contact evt@findhorn.org or call us at + 44 1309 692011.
Or visit
www.zeri.org for successful projects internationally
www.zeri.org/initiative/ for educational initiatives,
www.scizerinm.org for ZERI projects emerging in New Mexico
Posted on May 31, 2006