carboNZnewz Issue 10, July 2010
In this issue:
Business development
July heralds a number of major events for the carboNZeroCertTM programme and for the NewZealand economy, perhaps none more so than the expansion of the NewZealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). After much public debate and political deliberation the ETS increases its scope to include transport fuels, electricity and industrial processes from 1st July, with forestry having commenced in 2008. It is fair to say that there still remains a lot of uncertainty in the economy in terms of how the ETS will work in practice and the likely impacts it will have on organisations and individuals.
Of course, there’s also the wider importance of NewZealand’s international reputation to consider, remembering that our environment has become an integral part of our economy. International customers are starting to expect our green image to be demonstrated in how we as a country operate and do business. The same is true for our trading partners, with some 28 other countries already having an ETS or are in the process of legislating for one. Some, like the European Commission and France, are going much further and will be introducing quite powerful legislation around carbon reporting for imported goods – which could have a marked implications for international trade.
The NewZealand Government has chosen the ETS as the least-cost way of putting a price on emissions with the key desired outcome of creating an incentive for all of us – especially businesses and consumers – to change our behaviour particularly around reducing emissions and encouraging investment in clean technology solutions as part of a long-term strategy.
The carboNZero programme has long been an advocate for encouraging emission reductions and both our CEMARS® and carboNZero certification programmes mandate this important step as there is indeed a direct correlation between the environment and the bottom line. Put quite simply, if you can reduce your emissions, you reduce your operating costs and these direct saving are both good for the environment and good for the bottom line.
Does this really work? It sure does! Using our CEMARS certification scheme Westpac NewZealand estimates that it will save almost NZ$5 million over three years as a direct result of reducing its carbon emissions; in fact Westpac has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by an impressive 28% already. So how about individuals? Likewise, using our free online carbon calculators and online guidance material it is possible for each and every one of us to make a difference.
Those of you who follow the programme closely will know that over the last few years we have been working closely with Project Lightfoot www.projectlitefoot.org to develop a green initiative that seeks to inspire NewZealanders to live more sustainable, environmentally conscious lifestyles. Project Litefoot is led by NewZealand’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, they have been able to demonstrate through their leadership that we as individuals can all make a difference.
Television NewZealand is running a series of news items around the ETS and how it will affect us all. As a world-leading greenhouse gas certification programme we have been assisting with this project drawing on the Project Litefoot Ambassadors to show us how it can be done. Please do take the time to review this excellent clip which I am sure you will find both informative and inspiring http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/price-pay-carbon-emissions-3616619/video.xhtml
If you would like to know more about how the ETS will work please visit the official government website which has a wealth of information www.climatechange.govt.nz/
Mike Tournier
Business Manager
carboNZero programme
Interest in carbon neutrality is growing
carboNZeroCertTM certifications have increased by over 50% through the 2009/10 year to the end of June. This is not just a NewZealand phenomenon. Google and Rolling Stone Magazine have been carbon neutral since 2007 and continue to maintain this status. Australian Paper is increasing its number of carbon neutral paper stock varieties from one to seven. The 2010 FIFA World Cup will be carbon neutral despite its footprint being eight times larger than the 2006 event in Germany. Dell, Puma, Intrepid Travel, the New York Stock Exchange, Newscorp, DHL and the TD and Clydesdale banks are just a few of the overseas corporates that have recently made announcements that they will become carbon neutral.
So why are we seeing this worldwide trend? For businesses, the benefit of having their emissions scrutinised is not purely environmental; it makes good business sense. Cutting emissions will result in cost savings, and in many cases these outweigh the costs of obtaining a certified footprint. Carbon neutrality can also add value to a company’s brand and increase market access.
The initial enthusiasm of companies making carbon neutral claims was criticised as “paying for indulgences” or “greenwash”. Some of this criticism was justified as some corporates jumped on the bandwagon without checking on the credibility of their footprint calculations, the integrity of the carbon credits and the process of offsetting. They were accused by the consumer protection and advertising standards regulators of having no scientific basis for their claims.
These examples served as a warning and helped to clean up the voluntary market. If a company wants to legitimately claim carbon neutrality, and reduce the risk of being accused of “greenwash”, then money spent on certification is money well spent. Any compromise on quality and credibility is just too risky for those who value their brand and reputation.
Carbon neutrality will always remain an intangible concept over which there will be debate. This does not mean that it is a flawed concept. Carbon neutral claims are credible when they are transparent, based on a scientific footprint measurement, use offsets that are additional and are independently certified as meeting the requirements of a recognised international standard.
The governments in the UK and Australia have published standards for carbon offsetting because they recognise that companies want to make genuine carbon neutral claims. Voluntary schemes operating to recognised international standards have an important part to play in encouraging all sectors of the economy to measure their footprints, understand what can be done to reduce emissions, and to invest in external projects that are making real reductions in emissions. The offsets used may be voluntary or compliance units. Thus voluntary action can also contribute to the success of compliance schemes.
Professor Ann Smith
Technical and Certification Manager
carboNZero programme
CEMARS certification gets British backing
NewZealand’s leading greenhouse gas (GHG) certification scheme has reached another international milestone.
The Certified Emissions Measurement And Reduction Scheme (CEMARS®), run by Landcare Research’s carboNZeroCertTM programme, has become the first overseas-based scheme recognised by the UK Environment Agency as equivalent to the Carbon Trust Standard and hence meeting requirements under the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme. Previously only the UK-based Carbon Trust met the requirements of the CRC.
The CRC is the UK’s first regulatory scheme aimed at improving energy efficiency and cutting emissions in large public and private sector organisations. The scheme started in April 2010 and is central to the UK’s strategy for improving energy efficiency and reducing GHG emissions. It has been designed to raise awareness in 5000 large organisations, especially at senior level, and encourage changes in behaviour and infrastructure.
Organisations must demonstrate that they have cut their emissions over 1–3 years, depending on their size, and must also commit to achieving future year-on-year reductions
Organisations' carbon footprints are compared by customers, shareholders and other stakeholders so it's important that everybody is being measured against a standard that has been verified so there are no misleading claims.
Mike Tournier, Business Manager for the carboNZero programme, says recognition of CEMARS by the UK Environment Agency, under the UK Climate Change Act, means that UK companies now have a choice of certifier for their emissions reduction reporting.
“In particular, our UK partner Achilles clients’, who have to report into the CRC, will receive the same financial benefits as Carbon Trust certified companies.
“It’s another great example of a NewZealand business punching above its weight in the world economy.
“The UK Environment Agency clearly recognises the quality, robustness and benefits of CEMARS certification. There have been many challenges placed in front of us and we’ve spent more than a year working to overcome these to ensure we have access to this important British market.”
Andrew Hitchings, CRC Project Executive at the UK Environment Agency, said CEMARS certification allows organisations who are leading the way in environmental management to be rewarded for their efforts to date.
“Including alternative schemes (CEMARS) will make it simpler for participants to show exactly how much genuine engagement they had with emissions management and reduction prior to joining CRC.
“CRC is a great opportunity for businesses and organisations to show what they have already achieved in reducing emissions and demonstrate a commitment to go even further.”
International Business Update
Australia
The June 2010 leadership change and subsequent new Prime Minister in the Australian parliament has meant that the status of the Australian ETS is now further on hold. The Sydney Morning Herald reported on 30 June that Prime Minister Julia Gillard says she is in no hurry to start emissions trading – resisting pressure from green groups to take faster action on climate change.
Ms Gillard indicated it would be business as usual on emissions trading on her watch, because there wasn't a community consensus on the need for a price on carbon. "First, we will need to establish a community consensus for action," Ms Gillard told reporters today, shortly after her election as Labour leader.
Division is still rife in Australia over whether Australia's business sector needs a carbon price for forward planning and when the best time is to do that. The Australian Government’s Minister for Climate Change, Penny Wong, was on record last month stating “the Emissions Trading Scheme remains the most cost-effective way to tackle climate change – that’s why we remain committed to it and we’re not pretending that we can reach our targets without a price on carbon”.
The Australian Government is strongly committed to reducing Australia's carbon pollution. The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) is the main driver to achieve this important environmental goal.
The carboNZeroCertTM programme continues to receive an increasing number of enquiries regarding companies in Australia seeking to undertake product certification. This is driven in part from those businesses that are exporting and having to comply with overseas market requirements, together with those businesses that understand the value in marketing their certification to support further growth in their businesses.
The carboNZero programme has a strategic vision to be one of the top three international GHG certification schemes worldwide. Key to that vision is ensuring that the carboNZero programme and CEMARS remain compliant with Australia’s GHG reporting requirements.
Mark Klouwens
carboNZero programme
International Business Development Manager
Chile
Chile and NewZealand share similar characteristics in terms of geographical conditions and the challenge of “food miles” for key export products. Chile’s central and southern regions are similar to NewZealand. In central Chile, export-oriented horticultural and viticulture activity is predominant, while in the south forestry, fishing, aquaculture, beef, dairy and sheep farming are the main economic activities.
Chilean companies understand that in order to be competitive on the international market, they need to have a credible carbon footprint certification, aligned with best practice and international standards. This international certification aims to protect the organisation from accusations of “greenwash” and give confidence to stakeholders and clients that their claims are accurate and legitimate.
In only six months the carboNZeroCertTM programme has been able to position its brand and be recognised as one of the most prestigious greenhouse gas certification bodies in Chile and Latin America. The carboNZero programme has experienced significant presence in the media and in many of the seminars about carbon footprinting, where we present the benefits of certification and the opportunities for Chilean companies. Currently we have two clients that will be certified very soon and we expect to increase the number of clients this year. We already have three MOUs (Memoranda of Understanding) with key organisations where cooperative/collaborative activities are being conducted. These organisations include important sectors in the Chilean market such as fruit and vegetables through ASOEX (Exporters Association), the wine sector through Wines of Chile, and large and medium companies associated with the Santiago Chamber of Commerce.
The demand for carbon footprint assessments in Chile is growing and we expect to help more Chilean companies to achieve international certification and assist them to differentiate from competitors and gain access to new markets.
Daniela Ramirez
Business Development Manager – Chile
carboNZero programme
Calling all ‘carbon heroes’
Within a few weeks of starting with the carboNZeroCertTM programme and meeting some of its certified clients, I realised there was wonderful opportunity to bring those clients together so they could share experiences and commitment to the programme through meeting like-minded businesses.
The carboNZero programme is not sector or industry specific and so comprises a diverse group of forward-thinking and innovative companies that are each demonstrating leadership by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Any business that has proactively taken steps to join the programme is also one that will naturally care about who it does business with, from both a customer and supplier perspective.
The next step was to organise an event where all of these companies could get together (over a glass of carboNZero certified wine!) to see how they could do business with each other. A quick review of the breadth of companies within the programme revealed that, so diverse is the client base, that you could almost run a business that was entirely supported by carboNZero certified suppliers!
From this, “Calling all carbon heroes” was born. The inaugural event was held in Auckland courtesy of Ricoh’s generous offer to be the first host. The success of this was followed by a further event at HB Media. The concept will now be rolled out regionally and on 19 August Meridian will host the first Wellington meeting and 16 September sees Christchurch join the action at Warren and Mahoney Architects’ premises.
If you are interested in attending any of these then please see our website for details.
Josephine Rudkin-Binks
NZ Sales Manager
carboNZero programme
Busy time for the small enterprises programme
The new streamlined small enterprise application documents have been available now for at least three months. Thank you for all your feedback on the new documents – it has been very positive. We are sure all who have used these documents would agree that the new format is a huge improvement and surprisingly easy to use.
The last quarter has been a huge month for the small enterprise programme with five newly certified small enterprises and nine re-certifications, including PaintPlus Colour Systems Ltd which has been recertified for the third year!
Newly certified clients
Team Document Ltd (Ricoh Wanganui)
Ricoh Wanganui is an exclusive Ricoh dealership that specialises in document printing and management solutions in the Wanganui area. Based on the requirements of Landcare Research’s carboNZero programme, Ricoh Wanganui has identified and prioritised cost-effective opportunities for the ongoing reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the business. This plan includes initiatives aimed at directly reducing emissions as well as raising awareness and assisting in cultural changes.
Team Document Ltd (Ricoh Taranaki)
Ricoh Taranaki is an exclusive Ricoh dealership that specialises in document printing and management solutions in the Taranaki area. Based on the requirements of Landcare Research’s carboNZero programme, Ricoh Taranaki has identified and prioritised cost-effective opportunities for the ongoing reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the business. This plan includes initiatives aimed at directly reducing emissions as well as raising awareness and assisting in cultural changes.
GreenWork Ltd
GreenWork provides property maintenance, landscaping and organic waste removal services in the Auckland area. GreenWork is committed to reducing its environmental impact and that of its clients. GreenWork has been measuring itsemissions since April 2009 and the major source of these comes from vehicle use. For GreenWork this is just a start; it aims to constantly lessen its impacts and reduce its emissions over time. GreenWork looks forward to a future where we do not have to rely on energy generated through fossil fuels.
Kiwi Does It Ltd
Kiwi Does It (KDI) promotes NewZealand through active, adventure-based luxury travel itineraries using the country's top accommodation, events and operators. As the company is in the travel industry where flights, vehicles, accommodation and activities are all an everyday necessity, KDI is very dedicated to minimise and offset any emissions – not only for its promotion but stemming from a real belief that it is now or never to potentially save our planet. KDI believes its carboNZero certification will benefit the travel industry as a whole.
Boost Ltd
Boost is a company that proudly combines a dedicated design approach with
the technical ability to plan and build websites, CD-ROMs and web applications that are
in a league of their own. Boost is committed to the future: through creating solid educational resources, through understanding and utilising new technology, and through doing its part for sustainability and the environment. Boost will focus on assessing its current and potential impacts on the environment and developing internal business practices designed to reduce those impacts.
Recertified
Conference Innovators Ltd
Established in 1994 Conference Innovators manages large and complex conferences and events, specialising in, but not limited to, medical, legal, scientific, and government arenas. The Directors and staff are committed to managing their share of the world's resources in a sustainable way. Although the emissions relating to its business are relatively small Conference Innovators is committed to reduction and more importantly to assisting its clients to substantially reduce the emissions created by their particular events.
Evolu NZ Ltd
Natural balance for healthy skin is the ethos of the Evolu brand. Inspired by founder Kati Kasza’s personal philosophy, this principle of balance also guides her company’s focus on sustainability. As a strongly ethical company Evolu believes in balancing environment-conscious thinking with actions that are practical and measurable. Evolu is motivated by the mantra “act globally, think locally”, and seeks to make values-based choices that help make a contribution to addressing climate change.
Flare Lighting Ltd
Flare Lighting and its subsidiary Energy Light are a 100% NZ owned lighting wholesale and distribution business which as a company committed to reducing GHG emissions has developed an energy efficient light fitting for commercial use. The company’s offices and warehouse have been fitted with lighting controls that measure daylight, reducing light levels as the natural light levels increase, alongside controllers that are occupancy controlled eliminating theneed to remember to "switch off".
Freight on Board (NZ) Ltd
Freight on Board is a 100% NewZealand owned customs broker and international freight forwarder. Although based in Ellerslie, Auckland, the company is able to handle consignments – import and export – through any port in NewZealand. As a company that looks to the future, Freight on Board sees the importance of taking note of its emissions and doing what it can to reduce them for the generations ahead.In order to reduce these emissions Freight on Board is immediately introducing area-targeted call cycles for its sales team and controlling temperatures by way of thermostats and ensuring all computers are turned off when appropriate.
Hall McMaster & Associates Ltd
HMA is a team of professional human service teachers and practitioners operating throughout NewZealand and Australia. HMA work as trainers, programme developers, supervisors and writers in the area of human service work. Much of HMA’s work occurs in the areas of consultation in criminal justice work, social work with men, family-violence-prevention training programmes, child protection, the interviewing of children experiencing trauma, abuse issues, and psychological assessment and therapy. HMA’s commitment to sustainable growth is a principle that sits behind the company’s aim of “Working with passion and integrity to bring out the best in people”.
PaintPlus Colour Systems Ltd
PaintPlus has been committed to eco-friendly practices since its inception. carboNZero certification was a natural next step after all PaintPlus products received Environmental Choice approval from the NZ Ecolabelling Trust. Embarking on a carbon emissions reduction programme is a logical extension to this commitment. This high-quality manufacturer is the only paint company in the world that has achieved ecolabelling for all its products as well as carbon neutral certification for the company itself.
Springload Ltd
Springload is passionate about creating great websites. Its focus is always on the end-users and staff aim to produce the very best experience they can for them. So being conscious about the environment and the company’s impact on it is a natural extension to this approach. Many of the staff at Springload spend as much spare time as they can enjoying the great outdoors and are just as passionate about taking care of it for future generations.
The Research Agency Ltd
The Research Agency is a full-service, award-winning market research consultancy built out of a passion for research that actually delivers growth to clients. The agency believes that climate change is a serious environmental issue and as such, is committed to reducing its environmental impact. Taking part in a carbon emissions reduction programme is the next step in Research Agency’s commitment. With this in mind the company has set goals of reducing its electricity consumption by 10%, reducing fuel consumption as a result of commuting by 5% and it will actively reduce air travel where possible.
Vertigo Design Ltd
Vertigo is a Wellington-based graphic design house with many years of successful graphic design to its credit. Vertigo’s body of work includes the design and production of numerous publications, branding and identities, Internet/Intranet sites and multimedia projects. Vertigo has a vision and culture that is clearly focused on triple bottom line reporting, i.e. social, environmental and economic reporting.
May Chang
Account Manager
carboNZero programme
Small enterprises, big actions
The carboNZeroCertTM certification programme can prove which products and services are actually sustainable.
These days it seems as though more and more companies are using terms like “eco-friendly” and “carbon neutral” in their marketing material. But accusations of “greenwash” abound, so how do you know which claims to believe? To make it a little easier, Landcare Research has developed the internationally recognised carboNZero programme. It’s based on more than a decade of scientific research, international best practice (ISO 14065), third-party verification, international accreditation and continuous improvement. Globally, an impressive 340 organisations can now make a credible carbon claim using the carboNZero programme.
Evolu and J Friend and Co., two companies committed to reducing their environmental impact, are part of the carboNZero small enterprise certification programme. This involves measuring, managing and reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and then cancelling verified carbon credits to offset the remaining unavoidable emissions.
Natural evolution
Natural balance for healthy skin is the Evolu brand ethos. As an ethical company, Evolu seeks to balance environmentally-conscious thinking with practical, progressive and measurable actions. Evolu believes one of its most meaningful actions is addressing its GHG emissions by becoming a carboNZero certified small enterprise. The certification has significantly benefited the business, especially as it grows and increases its export market. Europe is a key target market for Evolu and carbon footprinting is becoming a key driver of preference among European consumers. The company recently launched in Singapore and Evolu Managing Partner and Marketing Director Paul Westlake says carboNZero certification has been an extremely important point of differentiation for its clients. “Our carboNZero certification is a core part of our business processes and we’re integrating it at every opportunity into our marketing activity,” he says.
Special friend
J Friend and Co. NZ is a carboNZero certified small enterprise with a big vision. The company’s NewZealand Artisan Honey range of single varietal certified organic honey is the brainchild of Jeremy Friend and Sharyn Woodnorth, and the pair are dedicated to making the best honey without compromising the environment that helped to produce it. To help reduce its impact on the global climate, the company also reduces, reuses and recycles wherever possible and uses a small amount of recyclable and reusable packaging. “We joined the carboNZero small enterprise certification programme because we are committed to running a sustainable and ethically sound business,” says Friend. “The programme has provided us with a clear, simple template to accurately measure and manage our GHG emissions.”
Marketing and events schedule ONLINE!
Current and prospective clients can now see how the carboNZero programme is promoting their certification offerings and their certified clients. To see where the carboNZero programme is advertising, placing editorial and cases studies, presenting and exhibiting visit: www.carbonzero.co.nz/steps/market.asp
Domestic and international events profile
Guess who was thinking ‘green’ at Meetings 2010? (Auckland)
Exhibitors were offered a unique opportunity at NewZealand’s only national business tourism event for the conference, meetings, events, exhibition and incentive travel industry.
MEETINGS 2010 teamed up with the carboNZero programme to launch the event’s first “green” award, exhibitors were asked to think outside the square to make the inside of their stand “green”.
Many exhibitors made a conscious effort to take part in the inaugural “green” award but The Harbour Function Centre were the winners on the day.
The carboNZero programme developed the judging criteria and invited Barry Quayle (chairman of the Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia) to be the independent judge. On the day Barry visited the finalists at their stands to covertly question the staff about their efforts to prevent, reduce, reuse, recycle or offset the environmental effects of their stand.
It was the Harbour Function Centre’s efforts to incorporate reusable stand material, car pool to the event, and take the initiative to use their own drink bottles rather than the polystyrene cups provided that contributed to their win.
Josephine Rudkin-Binks, carboNZero programme NZ Sales Manager, says, “No matter what size the event, there are clear business and environmental benefits to be gained by the organisers, performers and attendees when the event measures and reduces its impact on the environment.”
While events can often be a valuable opportunity for awareness-raising and learning, they can also cause adverse environmental impacts (e.g. impacting energy, water, greenhouse gas emissions and waste), she says.
The carboNZero programme would like to encourage all exhibitors and event organisers to make a commitment towards minimising their negative environmental impact at all future events.
14th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference (Adelaide)
As part of our strategy to increase our presence in the wine sector the carboNZero programme attended the 14th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference held at the Adelaide Convention Centre. carboNZero programme Marketing and Communications Manager Kathryn Hailes managed an exhibition stand that aimed to promote carboNZero certified and CEMARS certified wineries. Messaging focused on carbon neutral claims that consumers can trust and the fact that export markets are starting to demand carbon reporting – are you ready?
Ann Smith, carboNZero programme Technical Manager, presented in the “Carbon footprinting: implementation as part of a business development and marketing strategy” conference workshop. The workshop convenors included Dave Pearce (Grove Mill), Roger Kerrison (Aura Sustainability) and Karl Forsyth (The Australian Wine Research Institute).
The Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference is owned and conducted by the Australian wine industry. The conference is held on a triennial basis for the benefit of the Australian wine and grape industry, and is an important contributor to this industry's excellence and competitive advantage. First held in 1970, this is the premier technical wine conference held in Australia, attracting in excess of 1,600 delegates.
We recommend you attend!
For the last 8 years Lowndes Associates, the world’s first carboNZero certified law firm, has hosted a series of Business Intelligence breakfast workshops. They are intended to combine thought leadership and business training for a wide-ranging, senior business audience.
Workshop 1: Cleantech – Seizing the Opportunities
7.30am–9.30am, Tuesday 20 July 2010, Stamford Plaza, Auckland 
The clean technology (cleantech) global movement offers great opportunities for NewZealand, and for NZ businesses of all sizes. This workshop is a call to action. The world is moving to a low carbon economy, with some countries already having a big focus on cleantech. Business people must understand the opportunities and implications, or be left behind:
- What are key forms of clean technology?
- What are the branding, revenue, cost saving and other benefits to all businesses from embracing cleantech?
- What is Phillip Mills' big hairy audacious cleantech goal to transform the economy?
- What are the wide-ranging NewZealand and overseas cleantech projects that show that cleantech is already the way of the future?
- What are the clean technology offerings that global markets and investors are hungry for?
- All businesses use energy. This workshop is of direct relevance to every shareholder, manager, director and investor.
Speakers:
Phillip Mills, Les Mills, International
Chris Mulcare, NewZealand Trade and Enterprise
James Muir, Sinclair Knight Merz
For more information, including registration details, visit: www.business-intelligence.co.nz
Important announcement: Electricity update
You may have heard that Meridian Energy is changing its certification. From 1 July 2010, Meridian Energy will be CEMARS® (Certified Emissions Measurement And Reduction Scheme) certified for its organisation instead of carboNZeroCertTM certified for its organisation and electricity product.
What does this mean for carboNZero certified clients that use Meridian Energy electricity?
carboNZero certified clients normally report emissions associated with Meridian Energy under the double counting section of the emissions inventory report. The emissions from Meridian electricity are subtracted from the final carbon credit requirement because any emissions associated with Meridian Energy electricity were already offset. This procedure will continue for emissions occurring up until the end of June 2010.
For electricity emissions occurring from 1 July 2010 onwards, emissions will need to remain in the final carbon credit requirement balance, i.e. electricity emissions will need to be offset by the client.
How can clients minimise the impact of this change?
There are currently no other electricity retailers supplying carboNZero certified electricity, so carboNZero certified clients who are Meridian Energy customers will need to purchase credits to cover electricity emissions.
Carbon credit cost can be reduced by implementing management actions to reduce electricity use for future emissions inventories.
You can read more about Meridian Energy’s certification change at www.meridianenergy.co.nz/AboutUs/CEMARS
New appointments
Craig McCutcheon, Senior Technical Advisor
Craig is our new senior advisor who will be supporting organisations through the carboNZero certification process. His focus will be on clients who are seeking certification for the carbon footprints of their products and services. Craig’s work involves further development of our tools and guidance for products and services. In particular, Craig will ensure that our programme keeps abreast of international developments in carbon labelling of products. Craig is an experienced supply chain systems analyst specialising in measuring external costs such as carbon associated with products and supply chains. Craig has recently returned to NewZealand from the UK, where for the last two years he worked for the Carbon Trust's Product Footprinting division in London, auditing and certifying numerous Product Carbon Footprint models against the PAS2050. Craig holds a Masters Degree in Commerce (Management Science and Information Systems) from the University of Auckland.
Anastasia McAllister, Administration Assistant
Anastasia is our new administrative assistant who will support the certification activities and technical development of the carboNZero programme. Anastasia has a diverse administrative background within various large and small organisations. This has included supporting and administering ICT within an Australian-based international provider of clean, low greenhouse gas emissions energy and was part of the company’s internal auditing team. It was here that Anastasia first became aware of and interested in the importance of protecting our earth’s environment and natural resources. Anastasia loves travel and is passionate about other cultures and ancient civilisations. Her family is focused on being more environmentally responsible at home and passing this knowledge onto others.
Catharina Damrell, Intern
Catharina is currently an intern with the carboNZero programme. Catharina is undertaking market research, gaining training in the rules and tools for greenhouse gas inventory and carbon footprinting and gaining experience assisting two carboNZero certified clients through the recertification process. She will specialise in the wine industry and her research will give her a better understanding of the value of certification for wineries. Catharina looks forward to learning more about the carboNZero programme and innovation that helps others achieve more sustainable lifestyles. Catharina has always held a passion for environmental issues, and growing up on the coast of Maine has fostered this greatly. When not in the office or studying, she enjoys walking her dog on the beach, practicing yoga, and going for a nice tramp in the NewZealand outdoors. Catharina is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut, USA, and will graduate in May 2011. She plans to pursue a further degree, as well as a career, that is environmentally focused.
The Sustainable Business Network wants to celebrate YOUR extraordinary business!
Be into win! Entries close 31 July 2010
The 2010 NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards recognise and reward NewZealand businesses that demonstrate extraordinary leadership, vision and integrity.
The carboNZeroCertTM programme received Judges' commendation for the Sustainable Design and Innovation Award category at the 2008 NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards. The carboNZero programme would like to encourage all itsclients to enter this year’s award.
Here’s why your business needs to enter:
- Be part of NZ’s largest, most diverse and longest running sustainability awards
- Celebrate your success: raise staff morale and enhance your industry reputation
- Gain recognition through nationwide media coverage, with your customers and with potential employees
- Enter the category that fits your business, no matter what size, or stage of your sustainability journey
- Share your sustainable achievements across the whole business: financial, environmental and social
The 2010 Central/Southern Regional SBN Awards are proudly supported by NZI and Wellington City Council.
It’s simple to enter. You can do it now online.
http://sustainable.org.nz/index.php?page=gsc
Don’t hesitate, entries close 31 July!
Know an extraordinary business? Please pass this on and challenge them to apply.
If you have any questions about the awards, please don’t hesitate to email brenda@sustainable.org.nz or call 04-3844715
For more information or to submit information for the next newsletter please contact Kathryn Hailes, carboNZero programme Marketing and Communications Manager, free phone 0800 CNZERO (0800 269376), or view our website: www.carbonzero.co.nz
