What is the difference between regenerative and sustainable?
Let us first take a look at the core definitions of each word according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
Regenerate: restored to a better, higher, or more worthy state
Sustain: to carry or withstand (a weight or pressure)
Right there we believe to have our answer. Instead of simply sustaining the degraded environmental, economic, and social ecosystems we currently are faced with, we can achieve a higher, more productive and abundant state through changes catalyzed by our regenerative management of resources and resource production systems.
What exactly is regenerative management?
Regenerative management is simply managing systems, products, services, and resources in a way that restores or regrows what is taken for use. Unlike the linear model of many businesses, regenerative management employs a circular model that recycles and renews what was taken to ensure continued abundance. It is the very basis of a living ecosystem in that it stewards our resources in such a way that they grow with time, rather than diminish.
What benefits does regenerative management offer?
Regenerative management offers benefits in three key spaces.
People: By focusing on diversity, creativity, independence, cooperation, and stewardship, regenerative management can bring the best out of the individuals within an organization, as well as the organization as a whole, by better aligning talents and strengths. Increasing an organization’s productivity through better use of these natural abilities will ensure committed employees with long-term visions aligned with the operation’s mission and vision.
Planet: Utilizing natural systems and biomimicry within an organization will align people and profit goals with goals of stewardship of the planet and the resources it creates. By placing an economic and social value on environmental goals, organizations are incentivized to reduce waste, reuse base materials, reorganize systems to best meet these standards, and recycle what was once considered waste into value-producing assets.
Profit: Through a minimized input/maximized output based system, excess value can be generated from the proper utilization of resources that mimics the natural life cycle of design, develop, reuse, and recycle. This allows nature to produce excess abundance without the addition of costly inputs. By managing such a system with a stewardship mindset, one can align systems and processes to maximize the value created by the strategic allocation of resources within a regenerative management system. Within an organization, this value manifests as cash flow and net profit.
How would I know if regenerative management is right for my business?
The great thing is, regenerative management principles can be used in any business. A minimized input/maximized output system built using biomimicry is applicable in all aspects of our daily lives. While the application of these principles can vary by industry or operation, the outcome of higher returns on investment in your 3 capitals (environmental, economic, social) is something every business can enjoy.
What exactly does the enterprise management company do?
Management Company Purpose & Functions
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Operates, manages, allocates, and grows our network and network brands.
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Acts as a representative on the Network’s behalf or on the behalf of any combination of its components.
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Markets and solicits business on behalf of EDN Brands Partnership and other subsidiaries, affiliates, and partners
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Manages finances within the network (funding, IPO, collateral, debt, credit, etc.)
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Controls internal system development.
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Allows for aggregation of value of subsidiaries in one place for IPO
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Acts as a management entity for use in owning or operating separate legal entities.
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Designs, develops, refines, and executes the standard operating procedure and groundwork upon which the entire network runs.
Why do you refer to this as a "network"?
While most operations use individual services for every stage in their life cycle, we are a trusted partner that can build strong lifelong relationships with all operations and operation owners by being there every step of the way. Ecological Design Network offers services that encompass the full scope of operational needs (Design->Financing->Development->Consulting), for the new agricultural economy, in both enterprise level solutions and direct-to-consumer operations. With this network design, Ecological Design Network can provide one network of services with uniform values, systems, and management, to create maximum value for our clients, subsidiaries, and partners.
What industries does Ecological Design Network encompass?
Focuses include natural systems design and management, physical site development and structural engineering, financial services, agricultural production insurance, fixed income products, small holder land access solutions, operation systems and operations management, and direct-to-consumer enterprise solutions.
What does "biomimicry" mean?
Biomimicry simply means to create processes, products, systems, structures and networks in a way that is modeled by the evolutionarily refined biological counterparts within nature.
What do you mean by saying your "business ecosystem"?
An ecosystem is simply the creation of an environment by the sum of its parts. Just like our internal businesses have ecosystems where rights and responsibilities are delegated to ensure maximum productivity across the spectrum, we have structured our network of businesses in such a way that the rights and responsibilities delegated to us by our clients are met quickly, effectively, and excellently.
Which company in the network should I contact to get started?
1. Construction & Site Development- Origin Construction
2. Landscape Design: EDN Landscapes
3. Agricultural Production: EDN Agriculture
4. Timber Production & Ecosystem Restoration: EDN Conservation
5. Market Making & Research: EDN Markets
6. Financial Services: EDN Capital Management
It sounds like there is no downside! So what's the catch?
While there is certainly no "catch," regenerative management faces challenges just like any other business method or business model.
Transitions take time, each situation is unique, and many people struggle to find a starting point. For this we recommend reaching out to one of our experts through any of the Contact Us forms or buttons. So, while we can’t ensure there will never be challenges, we can assure you that, just as in the case of any other worthy ideal, the difficulties of the challenge faced will be small in comparison to the overall reward.
If this is such a good idea, why isn’t everyone doing it?
Many people are! While this is a new industry, it is certainly growing. The push for climate neutral or climate positive business is growing exponentially. The Great Resignation has showed us that people are beginning to unite in the fight for meaningful work and meaningful relationships and put a premium on organizations that provide them. There are many wonderful ideas on the table, and just like in any other industry, things take time to develop fully with the tangible and intangible infrastructure to support the transition. Going against the grain of social norms takes time, but in accordance with the law of exponential growth, each success is compounding on another and soon enough regenerative will be the new understanding of conventional.
Ok, I am hooked! Where can I learn more?
Perhaps we are being a bit presumptuous, but we hope you feel this way! To learn more about what the opportunities are in the regenerative industry, contact one of our experts in the form below. Or check out any of the websites for organizations in our network to see industry-specific stories of regenerative management application. Thank you for taking this time with us, we hope the potential for a world where people, planet, and profits can exist in abundance excites you as much as it does all of us here within the Ecological Design Network.