Throughout my time with OnePlanet I learned how to use their digital mapping tools and observed how important stakeholder engagement is when mapping solutions. This week, I had the opportunity to gain online experience in the fast-moving world of sustainability consulting which has been inspiring! I was able to spend five days with OnePlanet where I engaged in calls and completed wider research into other consultancies. As an undergraduate student, going in I was unsure what to expect, however I quickly saw how strategic outcomes can be constructed through efficient data organisation. 

In the first few days, I attended training and functionality calls that provided me with the foundations for operating OnePlanet’s digital interface. I was able to build my own mind maps and construct training action plans for what I wanted to achieve with OnePlanet. Mid–week I was able to participate in a monthly strategy meeting in addition to a tech roadmap review.

Following this, I visited a local regenerative farm called Eves Hill Farm to find out more about their sustainable practices and to see where OnePlanet may be able to help. After inputting their scenario into a DPSIR framework, I analysed the interconnected elements such as soil depletion and surface runoff in order to observe the farm as a system. From this framework, I then used OnePlanet’s mind mapping tool to organise Eves Hill Farm into Outcomes, Actions and Indicators. Finally, after attending an online CIOB conference and team call I was excited to share my wider research with the OnePlanet team, through a presentation. Additionally, I felt privileged to publish my own mindmap using their software. 

One of the most valuable parts of the week was combining my university case study with OnePlanet’s digital software. Through this experience I learnt how to map out solutions as a way of understanding the problem as a whole. Whether it’s simplifying climate data or guiding clients through sustainability reporting, what differentiates OnePlanet is their systems thinking approach to any complexity. 

Overall, I was surprised by the complexity of data integration and the technical aspects of online mapping platforms. Additionally, I predicted that zooming in on and understanding the small components to action planning would help comprehend the solution as a whole. However, I now realise that approaching challenges as interconnected and to a greater extent indivisible provides a far more accurate understanding of problem solving. Furthermore, I now look forward to exploring it further in both my studies and future work.

Thank you so much to the OnePlanet team for collaborating with me and I actively encourage anyone to try their digital solutions!