The carboNZero programme actively works with government and industry bodies to maximise the availability of carboNZero certification to as many organisations as possible.
The carboNZero programme has partnered with Achilles Information Limited. Achilles provides a range of supplier management services in the oil and gas, transport, utilities, mining, construction and communications technology sectors for some 70,000 clients in 22 countries. Achilles’ supplier management schemes improve the efficiency of the procurement cycle while promoting health and safety, environmental management and wider corporate responsibility in the supply chain. The partnership with the carboNZero programme adds greenhouse gas measurement, management and certification to this portfolio of services. Achilles’ Chairman, Colin Maund, said the key reason for selecting carboNZero was the robust tools and processes it provides for accurately measuring greenhouse gas emissions, tracking emissions performance improvements, and managing the associated business risks and emissions reduction planning. Achilles was looking for a credible solution to measuring carbon emissions based on proven academic and scientific research, and that centred on the premise of reducing emissions and developing long-term strategy.
The carboNZero programme has formed a strategic alliance with Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) to help make events carbon neutral. CINZ vision is to take a lead role to increase New Zealand convention and meeting activity from international and domestic sources for the benefit of its membership, principal stakeholders and the New Zealand economy. CINZ also acts in an advocacy role for the convention and incentive sectors of New Zealand tourism and provide opportunities for professional development, accreditation and education for those engaged in the sector.
On 29 March 2008 for one hour, 24 global cities made a powerful statement about the greatest contributor to global warming – coal-fired electricity – by turning off their lights. Earth Hour is the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis. It is about simple changes that will collectively make a difference – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby. The carboNZero programme was proud to support this WWF-led climate change initiative and in doing so the carboNZero programme measured, managed and mitigated all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated through the organisation and promotion of Earth Hour Christchurch.
The carboNZero programme has partnered with Project Litefoot, a green initiative that seeks to inspire New Zealanders to live more sustainable, environmentally conscious lifestyles. Project Litefoot is led by New Zealand’s most prominent athletes - Michael Campbell, Barbara Kendall, Brendan McCullum, Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell, Daniel Kereopa and Conrad Smith, known as the Project Litefoot Ambassadors. The carboNZero programme is delighted to work with Project Litefoot and the participating Ambassadors to assist them on measuring and managing their greenhouse gas emissions, and in turn help reduce their own impacts on climate change. The carboNZero programme believes that the Ambassadors are influential role models that can encourage all Kiwis to follow their lead, and take action to make changes and create a sustainable future.
The carboNZero programme has partnered with Sustainable Living Programme, a local government-led community education course available across New Zealand. The programme encourage households to reduce their carbon footprint and other resource waste through practical sustainability actions. Sustainable Living provides a practical way of making small changes to limit your environmental impact at home and have fun learning with others while you do so. The Programme is independently managed in Christchurch (ph 03 960 2656) for Marlborough District Council and 25 partner regional, city and district councils across New Zealand, who in 2008 formed the Sustainable Living Education Trust to develop this work. Funders have included Ministry for the Environment.
New Zealand hosted World Environment Day on the 5 June 2008 in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). One of the key events during this day was the promotion and expansion of UNEP’s Climate Neutral Network to assist in catalyzing an international response to global warming at various levels of society. The website is a platform to funnel initiatives on carbon neutrality from around the world. It engages the interest of developing countries by providing a forum for linking up to developed countries and accessing expertise. Participation in the CN Net is free of charge and does not involve any financial contribution. At its launch in February 2008, the CN Net included countries (New Zealand was one of the first four), cities and companies. The network is now being expanded to businesses, NGOs, IGOs, regions, etc. The Ministry for the Environment are encouraging full support from businesses throughout New Zealand. Landcare Research was one of the first companies to join the network and we have made it our personal goal to have 100 carboNZero programme clients registered on the network. Congratulations to the following businesses who were among the first companies to take lead and register: Antipodes Water, Adventure South, Christchurch International Airport Limited, Footprint Adventures, Kaimira Ventures Limited, Meridian Energy, New Zealand Wine Company, Quakebake, Sempre Avanti Consulting, Signify, Trade Me Limited, Urgent Couriers, Warren and Mahoney and Wright Communications.
The carboNZero programme has partnered with the University of Queensland SMART (Sustainable Management Alliance in Research and Training) programme. SMART brings together leading researcher, industry, government and non-government organisations to inform and enhance research and innovative teaching in the fields of corporate social responsibility, business sustainability, carbon management, environmental policy and clean technology. SMART is building long-term partnerships within Australia and internationally. Its objectives are to identify, pioneer and develop new opportunities that are characteristic of the new low-carbon economy. This partnership is aligned with the carboNZero programmes strategy of connecting with the next generation of influencers.