Signatory News

The United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) wrapped up in Glasgow on Friday.

Countries gathered to negotiate the final details of a global bid to keep the planet warming between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, companies in New Zealand have taken the step to reduce their own emissions, as the country works towards cutting emissions by 41 per cent by 2030.

With a set Science Based Target, which are a goals developed by a business to provide it with a clear route to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of under 1.5C, and a signatory of the Climate Leaders Coalition, to actively reduce its carbon usage by 2030, here are four of New Zealand’s most carbon-concious businesses:

Genesis Energy’s ambition to be a leading developer of solar generation has gained momentum with the selection of a joint venture partner – FRV Australia, a leading utility-scale solar farms developer, asset owner and renewable energy platform.

A major scientific breakthrough in effluent treatment technology will significantly reduce methane emissions from dairy farm effluent.

The methane-busting farm dairy effluent treatment system was launched on Wednesday at the Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF).

Toyota Motor Corporation has revealed the production design of the new bZ4X, the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) addition to their beyond zero range.

The Warehouse has signed a $70 million sustainability-linked loan with Westpac.

Warehouse chief executive Nick Grayston said the group will have to meet five sustainability performance goals including sustainable packaging, carbon emissions and gender targets to receive discounted rates, under the agreed terms.

More than 45,000 people are already using Auckland Council’s FutureFit tool to measure and reduce their personal carbon footprint.

To date, they’ve saved the carbon equivalent of 13,600 car trips from Auckland to Wellington by making simple adjustments to their habits.

Australasia’s largest electric bus order has been announced between Auckland Transport (AT) and NZ Bus.

AT has ordered 152 battery electric buses in an effort to green their bus fleet. The buses will replace 12 percent of the current diesel bus fleet across Tāmaki Makaurau in line with AT’s Low Emission Bus Roadmap.

More than 45,000 people are already using Auckland Council’s FutureFit tool to measure and reduce their personal carbon footprint.

To date, they’ve saved the carbon equivalent of 13,600 car trips from Auckland to Wellington by making simple adjustments to their habits.

In the bowels of the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant, a team of engineers diligently grow small poo-eating organisms which will help pave the way to a greener future.

It’s the first time anammox bugs have been farmed in New Zealand on such a scale, and the team behind the project are hoping the micro-organisms drastically reduce the energy needed during part of the wastewater treatment process.

Genesis Energy will be required to meet ambitious carbon emission reduction targets if it’s to avoid penalties under a Sustainability-Linked Loan agreed with Westpac New Zealand.

The $100m loan financially incentivises Genesis to meet sustainability targets, which include reductions across all scopes of emissions, ramping up renewable energy generation, and a future of work programme. Genesis will pay a lower interest rate on the loan for achieving its goals but will have to pay higher interest if it falls short of its commitments.

Think of it as renewing our vows.

Almost three years ago, Stuff announced it was prioritising climate change with insistent coverage aimed at disturbing our collective complacency.

What was then called Quick! Save the Planet has morphed into The Forever Project, a dedicated team of climate journalists working on a multi-platform effort to articulate the peril, and share solutions.

Genesis Energy is working with Christchurch based company Evnex to trial new electric vehicle smart charging technology that removes pain points in the adoption of electric vehicles.