Energy is and always will be the currency of life.
Energy is and always will be the currency of life.
Basing on the universal laws of systemic health and renewal, this course will show how we can develop durably vibrant and broadly inclusive systems of all kinds.
Learn the universal laws. Develop thriving systems.
The word “regeneration “refers to the self-feeding, self-renewing processes that living systems use to nourish their capacity to thrive for long periods of time, as well as their ability to adapt to unexpected and sometimes threatening circumstances. No system (including our human bodies, local communities and environmental ecosystems) can sustain itself over the long-term if it is not designed (and redesigned) to continuously regenerate.
“Regenerative development” uses the universal laws of systemic health and renewal to show how we can develop durably vibrant and broadly inclusive systems of all kinds. It uses the study of “flow-networks” to make this idea more accessible. This approach to development offers new answers to a critical question for our ever uncertain and turbulent times:
Can the tools of personal, community and economic development be used, not just for periodic (and often ineffective and exclusive), but to build the long-term regenerative capacities of local communities and economies for all?
This short course (4 sessions of 2.5 hours each) explores this question by inviting participants to look at and through the four pillars of energy systems science and flow network analysis. Together, these pillars offer new answers to another key question:
How can we develop networks that generate a broad range of desirable outcomes – from full meaningful employment to environmental health to personal resilience and equitable community well-being – in a reliable and lasting way?
Regenerative development uses the study of flow-networks to make these answers clear.
Why should I enrol?
Key Benefits
In our time together, we will gain a theoretical and experiential understanding of energy systems and flow networks, and spend time each session more deeply and interactively exploring the four pillars:
(1) regenerative flows
(2) balanced and resilient structures
(3) common cause culture
(4) cooperative learning
And how these might illuminate places and ways to strengthen our long-term work for vital communities, healthy ecosystems and equitable economic development. Along the way we will also explore practices that apply to different levels within and across the pillars (personal, group, larger systems) and hear about different case examples.
What you Will Gain
In the end, participants will leave this course not only with a conceptual and experiential understanding of regenerative development, energy systems and flow networks, but also new tools, frameworks, personal connections and renewed vitality for bringing about the more beautiful world we know is waiting for us.
GEDS equips you to be a visionary leader, driving innovation and transformation in your field while making a real impact.
If you're ready to integrate regeneration and sustainability into your work, this program is for you!
Gaia’s 4D Framework: Unique and impactful approach to Sustainability & Regeneration.
Social, Ecological, Economic, and Worldview dimensions combine to offer a holistic approach to sustainability. Gaia’s 4D Framework connects people, nature, local economies, and personal growth to create balanced and resilient comunities and projects.
The programme is divided into four interconnected dimensions: Social, Ecological, Economic, and Worldview.
Each dimension spans eight weeks and can be taken individually as Focus Course or as part of the full course.
Social
Enhance your leadership and collaboration skills with practical tools to empower communities, advance social justice, create inclusive solutions, and implement effective governance strategies.
Starts: 6 October 2025
Ecological
Master regenerative design and ecological practices to restore nature, applying principles of permaculture, ecosystem resilience, and innovative environmental solutions.
Starts: 12 January 2026
Economic
Develop regenerative economic models by integrating local economies, ethical finance, conscious consumption, and systems that foster prosperity without depleting natural resources.
Starts: 25 May 2026
Worldview
Expand your perspective by embracing holistic values, ecological ethics, and transformative spirituality while balancing innovation with ancestral wisdom.
Starts: 23 March 2026
Course details
Course format:
Online, flexible modules
Price:
1500 GBP (save 260 GBP by purchasing the full GEDS)
Duration:
14 months (with breaks in between)
Next Dimension:
Social - 6th October 2025
Workload:
Approximately 80 hours per Dimension - 400h total
Structure:
Four Dimensions plus the integration/practicum phase, called the Design Studio.
The Design Studio is the fifth unit, where you collaborate on real cases to apply your skills and earn a certificate in Sustainability & RegenerDesign
Facilitation:
Led by experts in each Dimension
Certificate:
Recognised certificate upon completion of the full course
Is the Energy Systems Course for You?
Anyone working for more just and sustainable communities, and also community healing work;
People who work for NGOs, government, and businesses that have a social mission;
Entrepreneurs;
Community organizers and advocates;
Artists;
Network weavers/builders;
Those who work as consultants to change efforts, facilitators and coaches;
Guided by experts in social transformation.
The GEDS Full Course is guided by dedicated professionals with real-world experience across all dimensions of sustainability.
Meet some of our facilitators:
Aline Van Moerbeke
Flemish born but residing in Spain since 2000, where she arrived as a Chinese Philologies' student working a summer job as an entertainer, and then ended up again for love. Just over a decade later she finds herself taking the Ecological Dimension of a Gaia EDE course on Mallorca, where she learns about whole systems design, bioconstruction, and... permaculture.
Gracelynn Lau
Self-identified as a settler of colour born and raised in British Hong Kong, Gracelynn Lau is a nature-based expressive arts therapist and community facilitator based in Canada. In 2005 Gracelynn began her master degree in worldview studies specializing in ecofeminist theology. The studies brought her to an inquiry into faith, ecological and personal healing.
Root Cuthbertson
Growing up between Montreal, New Hampshire, and Boston, Root learned to love dancing, music, poetry, public libraries, matching needs with resources, monofloral honeys, generously inclusive humor, and stories about healing and hope.
Learn from Global Sustainability Experts
The GEDS Full Course is guided by dedicated professionals with real-world experience across all dimensions of sustainability.
Meet some of our facilitators:
Aline Van Moerbeke
Flemish-born and based in Spain since 2000, Aline discovered permaculture during a Gaia EDE course on Mallorca, where she first explored whole systems design and bioconstruction. Soon after, she co-founded PermaMed (Permacultura Mediterránea), where she continues to serve as a board member. Her early focus centered on education, community collaboration, facilitation, new economies, and inner landscape design. More recently, she co-founded La Casa Integral, a cooperative of permaculture designers and facilitators in Catalunya.
Emma Woods
Dedicated to democratizing economic thinking and empowering others to have their say on the economics that shapes their lives. Tired of peddling economic growth and conforming to a neoliberal neuronormative career path, Emma left a career as a successful senior economist in the UK public sector to set up Flourish Economics which offers alternative economics education, imaginative workshops and radical thought leadership.
Root Cuthbertson
Growing up between Montreal, New Hampshire, and Boston, Root learned to love dancing, music, poetry, public libraries, matching needs with resources, monofloral honeys, generously inclusive humor, and stories about healing and hope.
Gracelynn Lau
Self-identified as a settler of colour born and raised in British Hong Kong, Gracelynn Lau is a nature-based expressive arts therapist and community facilitator based in Canada. In 2005 Gracelynn began her master degree in worldview studies specializing in ecofeminist theology. The studies brought her to an inquiry into faith, ecological and personal healing.
What Our Learners Say.
I realize I am more capable than I had assumed. I am grateful for the learning format to facilitate speedy learning. Our project planning now includes more depth and detailing thanks to this course."
– K. U. S.
The course content was very comprehensive, detailed and practical. I appreciated how the facilitators brought a focus on real-world applications from the very beginning. They both modelled the principles of harmonious and supportive group-working that we were learning."
– N. B.
Freedom and flexibility. Meaningful content. Great facilitation. Inspirational and diverse group of other students.
Loved the mix of self study and live sessions."
– E. C.
Have questions? We’ve got answers.
No previous experience is required. All you need is a passion for community building and collaboration.
The course is designed to fit busy schedules with around 10 hours per week of flexible study. Though highly encouraged, Live Sessions are not mandatory and are recorded to be watched later.
Yes! The course provides hands-on tools you can apply immediately in your community.
A comprehensive programme covering four dimensions of sustainability: social, ecological, economic, and worldview.
No prior experience is required. This course is designed for both beginners and advanced learners. Whether you’re new to sustainability or looking to deepen your expertise, the course provides accessible and actionable content for everyone.
Entirely online with live sessions, group discussions, and self-paced assignments. You’ll have access to experienced facilitators, a supportive learning community, and rich resource materials.
Yes, each dimension can be taken as a standalone course, so if you are interested in specific dimensions, you can take them separately. Enrolling in the full course provides a holistic understanding of sustainability and is more cost-effective.
The Design Studio is the integration piece of the GEDS Full programme that you can join after complete the 4 Dimensions.
Participants have life-long access to the course material. Though the course has a defined length, participants can go back to the material any time after the course completion.
Have questions? We’ve got answers.
A comprehensive programme covering four dimensions of sustainability: social, ecological, economic, and worldview.
No prior experience is required. This course is designed for both beginners and advanced learners. Whether you’re new to sustainability or looking to deepen your expertise, the course provides accessible and actionable content for everyone.
Entirely online with live sessions, group discussions, and self-paced assignments. You’ll have access to experienced facilitators, a supportive learning community, and rich resource materials.
Yes, each dimension can be taken as a standalone course, so if you are interested in specific dimensions, you can take them separately. Enrolling in the full course provides a holistic understanding of sustainability and is more cost-effective.
The Design Studio is the integration piece of the GEDS Full programme that you can join after complete the 4 Dimensions.
Participants have life-long access to the course material. Though the course has a defined length, participants can go back to the material any time after the course completion.
A comprehensive programme covering four dimensions of sustainability: social, ecological, economic, and worldview.
No prior experience is required. This course is designed for both beginners and advanced learners. Whether you’re new to sustainability or looking to deepen your expertise, the course provides accessible and actionable content for everyone.
Entirely online with live sessions, group discussions, and self-paced assignments. You’ll have access to experienced facilitators, a supportive learning community, and rich resource materials.
Yes, each dimension can be taken as a standalone course, so if you are interested in specific dimensions, you can take them separately. Enrolling in the full course provides a holistic understanding of sustainability and is more cost-effective.
The Design Studio is the integration piece of the GEDS Full programme that you can join after complete the 4 Dimensions.
Participants have life-long access to the course material. Though the course has a defined length, participants can go back to the material any time after the course completion.
Take your next step toward a Sustainable Future.
Be part of a global community of sustainability leaders. Secure your place today and start your transformative journey!
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