Our Legacy

The Natural Step (Det Naturliga Steget) was founded as a Swedish environmental organization in 1989 by the Swedish doctor and researcher Karl-Henrik Robèrt.

The organization started as a response to the environmental challenges the world was facing, with the aim of creating a science-based framework for sustainable development that could guide organizations, businesses and communities towards a more sustainable future. The organization’s work has inspired other sustainability initiatives and has been a model for how science and practice can come together to create real change.

The FSSD Global Foundation is a formalization and institutionalization of The Natural Step. Through the foundation, a more long-term and stable form has been adopted where FSSD, Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development, aims to become a household name globally.

Founding and Early Development (1989-1990s)

Karl-Henrik Robèrt was working as a doctor in cancer research when he became increasingly aware of how human activity damaged the environment and how this in turn affects health. Robèrt realized that a holistic and science-based approach was needed to deal with environmental issues and involved researchers and experts from different disciplines to develop a common understanding.

A central part of this process was the creation of the so-called “System Conditions for Sustainability”, four basic principles that describe how humanity can avoid contributing to the systematic degradation of nature and society. They emerged after annual discussions among 65 sustainability researchers. These four principles were what they all agreed on.

A picture book with accompanying audio cassette was sent to all Swedish households and schools in 1989. The theme was the basis for Robèrt’s continued professional career as professor of Strategic Sustainable Development and founder of the master’s program with the same name at Blekinge University of Technology. The social body, which suffers from the disease “non-sustainability”, should, as in medical science, attack the disease without creating other and worse diseases. That is built on the idea of ​​a fully healthy patient in the future.

Global Expansion and Impact (1990s onwards)

During the 1990s, The Natural Step began to gain international impact and Karl-Henrik Robèrt received international recognition for his leadership in sustainability and for having created a framework that helps organizations and communities worldwide work towards a sustainable future. His work has inspired many and had a profound impact on how we think about and work with sustainable development. The organization began working with companies, municipalities and other organizations worldwide to implement the four system conditions and develop strategies for sustainable development.

The organization has been involved in a wide range of projects, from helping companies integrate sustainability into their business models to supporting municipalities in their efforts to become more sustainable.

Through the years four more principles have been added.

Green Cross Millennium Award (1999)

Karl-Henrik Robèrt, the founder of FSSD was awarded this award by Mikhail Gorbachev and Green Cross International for his work promoting sustainable development and environmental awareness through The Natural Step.

World Swede of the Year (1999)

The founder of FSSD, Robèrt, was named “World Swede of the Year” by Swedes in the World for his efforts in the area of ​​sustainability and for having put Sweden on the map as a leading nation in the field of environment and sustainable development.

Blue Planet Prize (2000)

The Blue Planet Prize is one of the most prestigious international environmental awards and is awarded by the Asahi Glass Foundation. Karl-Henrik Robèrt received this award for his pioneering work in developing the system conditions for sustainability and for establishing The Natural Step, which has had a global impact on the sustainability movement.

Unilever Global Leadership Award (2005)

This award recognized Robèrt’s leadership and his influence on global companies, including Unilever, where he helped integrate sustainability principles into the companies’ business strategies.

Skandia Ideas for Life Award (2006)

This award was given to Robèrt for his work in creating a sustainable society through The Natural Step and for his ability to inspire people and organizations to work for a sustainable future.

Karlskrona Sustainability Award (2015)

Robèrt received this award for his long-term and profound commitment to sustainable development and for his work in making sustainability a central part of community planning.