Awareness
Becoming aware of something is a necessary first step towards change. In this step awareness is created by getting a better idea of the impact of the problem situation.
Analysing
In this step, a systemic analysis is made in order to see what is the underlying problem. Can we by changing the structure, avoid these problems?
Avoidance
Anticipation of new
technologies
The fourth A stands for Anticipation of new technologies. How can technology helps with the transition? Taking also into account the possible rebound effects.
In this step, the possible more sustainable options are explored. Can we act and shift towards more sustainable patterns?
Act and Shift
In the fifth step, we look at what could help this transition. Should the law be changed, are there certain policy measures to be taken or abolished? So what is the right framework to accelerate the transition.
Accelerate
Moving towards a climate-neutral society will involve changes in many ways. A fair transition framework must take a broader perspective by assessing the impact of different measures on the different groups of people in the society. We need to consider all the stakeholders involved. We see these stakeholders very broad, including the next generation and nature.
Actor involvement
Looking from a system perspective, individual behaviour is not the fault. However if people are changing, the system will also change. In this step we look at this individual level.
Alter behaviour
Changing brings fear. Getting a glimpse of another future can help to overcome this fear. In this step we make the future visible and can start longing for it.
All in love!
Mobilising
The Factor 8 framework serves as a holistic guide for catalyzing transformative change, embraced by initiatives such as the 2-day change bootcamp hosted at the House of Sustainable Transitions.
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At its inception, the journey towards change hinges on Awareness (Step 1), acknowledging the existence of a problem or crisis. Subsequently, the framework navigates through solutions aimed at changing the systemic structures (Step 2), advancing sustainable practices (Step 3), and embracing emerging technologies (Step 4). This analytical phase, labeled "Analysing Sustainability," scrutinizes systemic symptoms, patterns, and worldviews to identify pathways for positive change.
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Central to the framework is the Regeneration Point, positioned at the midpoint of the eight steps, where decisions are made regarding elements to retain from the existing system and those to discard. Transitioning to the left side, emphasis shifts to mobilizing change through bringing the right stakeholders from the ecosystem together (step 5). Also people or elements (like nature or earth) that might be influenced are taken on board. This step can be facilitated by participatory tools like the Multi Actor Multi Criteria Analysis (MAMCA) methods and other co-creation methods. In the Acceleration phase (Step 6) supportive policies and hampering structures are dismantled to create to the right framework for change. The subsequent phase, "Adapt Behaviour," focuses on how these changes can be translated in concrete steps and behaviors. Finally, the process culminates in "All in Love," integrating the envisioned future into collective consciousness. It is a last reflective step that overviews the process till then, and integrates in a new world view and future that is aspired. This process is very iterative. The new vision creates continual evolution, shaping new worldviews that uncover fresh challenges, perpetuating the cycle of change.