From Digital Detox to Green Transition: Incorporating Forest Therapy into Our Triple Transformation Approach

In September, as representatives of the Steinbeis School of Sustainable Innovation and Transformation, one of the associated partners of the SWEPPP project [1], we presented our triple transformation approach at the 6th International Congress on Forest and Its Potential for Health [2] in Druskininkai, Lithuania. We discussed how forest therapy can be integrated into this holistic framework and shared insights from the SWEPPP project.

In this blog, you'll discover key highlights from our presentation and explore how these approaches can foster a systemic transformation towards sustainability and sustainable well-being:

Exploring the Triple Transformation Approach to Sustainability

At Steinbeis School of Sustainable Innovation and Transformation (SIT) we are committed to transferring knowledge and technology to businesses while focusing on sustainable transformations. Our school, based in Berlin, plays a pivotal role in this process, offering education programs, consultancy services, and engaging in partnership projects. One of the key frameworks guiding our efforts is the triple transformation approach, which integrates green, digital, and social-behavioral components to drive long-term sustainability [3].

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From Twin Transition to Triple Transformation

Before diving into the triple transformation, it is essential to first understand the concept of the twin transition - a strategy that combines green and digital transformations to build more sustainable systems. This approach suggests that by harnessing digital technologies, businesses can increase resource efficiency, adopt circular practices, and ultimately drive greater sustainability [4].

However, we believe that achieving true sustainability requires going beyond these two dimensions.

The move from twin to triple transformation adds a crucial third pillar: social and behavioral transformation. This involves a shift in mindsets and behaviors, where individuals internalize sustainability and take responsibility for their own actions, well-being, and the well-being of their communities and the environment.

‍Forestry and Forest Therapy within the Triple Transformation Approach

During the 6th International Congress on Forest and Its Potential for Health, we analyzed forestry and forest therapy through the lens of our triple transformation approach: Technologies like smart sensors and the Internet of Things (IoT) can be used to monitor forest conditions, such as soil moisture, temperature, and tree health. These systems can collect real-time data, enabling precise decision-making, whether it’s optimizing irrigation, managing pests, or preventing wildfires. This not only supports sustainable forestry practices but also ensures the maintenance of biodiversity and soil health. The data collected is not only valuable for forest management today but can also drive future improvements and innovations in the area.

Equally important is making people and communities feel responsible for the sustainability of ecosystems and resources, and -where necessary- changing how they interact with the natural world.

Forest therapy can play a crucial role in this third pillar. While its benefits for mental and physical well-being are well-known, forest therapy isn’t just about personal well-being. Spending such guided time in natural environments fosters a deeper emotional connection to the land, trees, and wildlife. It creates a sense of belonging and interdependence, making individuals more aware of their role in the ecosystem and more responsible for its preservation.

As a result, sustainable forestry practices shift from being an abstract concept or a legal obligation to a lived experience. Hence, engaging in forest therapy programs can not only enhance personal health but also inspire behaviors that promote environmental stewardship and collective responsibility for forest conservation. Research shows that experiences in nature significantly increase pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors [5].

Forest Therapy in SWEPPP Project

In SWEPPP project, we aim to educate and support learners in adopting a holistic approach to sustainable well-being that integrates personal, professional, and planetary health. We want to show our target groups how crucial it is to take responsibility for their own well-being while recognizing how deeply connected this personal well-being is with the well-being of their communities and the environment.

It’s not just about taking care of your own mental and physical health -though that’s where it begins- but also about nurturing the well-being of those around you and the natural environment you live in.

There are various sub-topics we touch on in the SWEPPP project and its outputs. One of them is digital well-being, as balancing technology use with well-being is crucial in today’s digital world, both at personal and professional levels. While online and digital tools offer us freedom and access to valuable information, they can also negatively impact our mental, emotional, and physical health. We aim to raise awareness about this among our learners through one of the activities we’ve developed. We encourage individuals to reflect on their digital habits, manage digital addictions, and promote positive technology use, including strategies for digital detox.

Forest therapy can play a valuable role in these digital detox activities and workshops by offering a natural and restorative way to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.

Below is a snapshot of the digital detox activity that we’ve adapted to incorporate forest therapy. The full activity, with guidelines for facilitators, will also be published on our project website in the coming months - So, stay tuned!

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Conclusion

The triple transformation approach at SIT integrates green, digital, and social-behavioral elements to drive long-term sustainability. Through innovative educational programs and projects like SWEPPP, we aim to inspire individuals to internalize sustainability and become change-makers in their communities. With initiatives like forest therapy and digital detox, we are creating holistic pathways to personal, professional and planetary well-being.

This journey is about more than knowledge - it's about shaping minds and fostering a deep connection to the world we share.

Author:

Ela Kurtcu, Director at SIT, Co-founder at EMG

References:

[1] Sustainable Well-being - Education for Personal, Professional and Planetary Well-being (www.wellbeing4sustainability.eu)

[2] 6th International Congress ISFT Forest and Its Potential for Health (link)

[3] More on SIT’s activities integrating triple transformation approach:

In response to the growing number of regulatory frameworks on sustainability standards introduced by the European Union, and the increasing demand in the job market for practitioners who can work with company data and lead sustainability strategies, we have developed a Diploma Program in Responsible Data Science. This program combines sustainability with digital technologies, aiming to equip professionals with both data science skills and a deep understanding of sustainability, including non-financial reporting and ESG compliance.

However, we believe education should go beyond transferring knowledge or developing skills - it should shape minds and foster positive behavior. We aim to cultivate this philosophy in all our activities, emphasizing responsibility as the core value.

This philosophy applies not only to our educational programs but also to the collaborative projects we engage in, such as the SWEPPP project, which focuses on sustainable well-being.

[4] Sources on twin transition concept:

World Economic Forum. (2022). What is the 'twin transition' – and why is it key to sustainable growth? (link)

EU Joint Research Centre. (2022). The twin green & digital transition: How sustainable digital technologies could enable a carbon-neutral EU by 2050. (link)

EU Joint Research Centre. (2024). Boosting the twin transition through innovation: inspiring practices and tools from across Europe. (link)

[5] Sources on sustainability and forest therapy:

Nisbet, E. K., Zelenski, J. M., & Murphy, S. A. (2009). The Nature Relatedness Scale: Linking individuals' connection with nature to environmental concern and behavior. Environmental Education Research, 15(1), 93-105

Mayer, F. S., & Frantz, C. M. (2004). The connectedness to nature scale: A measure of individuals’ feeling in community with nature. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 24(4), 503-515.

Scannell, L., & Gifford, R. (2010). The relations between natural and civic place attachment and pro-environmental behavior. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(3), 289-297.

Image Sources:

Kurtcu, Ela. From Digital Detox to Green Transition: Incorporating Forest Therapy into Our Triple Transformation Approach. Presentation at the 6th International Congress on Forest and Its Potential for Health, Druskininkai, Lithuania, 19 September 2024.