Connecting the dots: the value of systems thinking in sustainable outcomes

S Cooper, P Corrie, SKM

Why the need for systems thinking?(important to design sustainable outcomes)Mine

Wastewater treatment plant

Processing plant Port - export

Treatment process Discharge to ocean, river

The changing context for projects and organisations

The Systems Mapping Tool

• Consideration of Scale • Enabling direct team

dialogue and diversity of thought

• Challenges the project boundary

Project ‘boundary’

The Issues Wheel Tool

SOCIAL

ECONOMIC

TECHNOLOGICAL

POLITICALENVIRONMENTAL

LEGAL

Planning/Design

De-commissioning

Operation

• Multi-dimensional thinking

• Holistic assessment

• Identifies causal relationships

Process is important – a process in strategic, integrated thinking

• Visual outputs• Gives every participant a voice • Mix of expertise• Synthesis of information • Challenges the group

Frieda River Copper Mine, PNG

River route to coast

Mine and processing plant

River port

Hydro dam (energy generation)

Coastal port

Solution outside the project site

Cadbury factory

School

WWater Treatment Plant: pump upgrade

60 ML/day to ocean

1kL / second

Treated effluent discharged to ocean outfall

A holistic view for a sustainable solution

Conclusions

Systems thinking needed for sustainable solutions to more complex and integrated challenges.

Take a step back to avoid:• Going straight to the solution• Going straight to technical detail• Working in silos with like disciplines.

The tools are simple; and practice develops expertise.