How Nelson businesses can take climate change action
This is part of a series of articles prepared by Nelson strategy group ACE ("Actions for a Climate Emergency"), to support the city council and the people of Nelson in effective actions to combat a climate emergency. Today, Bruce Gilkison looks at what steps local businesses can take. Whatever we call it global heating, climate catastrophe we now know it's urgent. Many are calling it an existential crisis. Nelson City Council calls it a climate emergency, along with over 600 councils and governments worldwide. There are ominous signs. Research shows that the oceans are being heated at 'the equivalent of one atomic bomb explosion per second'. Millions of people are being displaced and thousands of species are at risk. To stay habitable, the world must cut carbon emissions to 'net zero' by 2050. But these are still rising, and per capita New Zealand's are among the highest. The later they start to drop the steeper the cuts will have to be and the more damage will be done. READ MORE: * Nelson City Council climate declaration sets new course * Businesses band together to tackle climate change * Farmer involvement crucial for Zero Carbon Bill The cause of the problem is all of us. And for a safe future we all - individuals, councils, businesses, other organisations - have a part to play. 7 Steps Forward For a local business, what can be done right now? 1. Measure emissions, and understand the various sources. There are simple calculators online. For support and credibility, though, use a service such as Ekos (a charitable trust) or Enviro-Mark Solutions. 2. Manage emissions. Set ambitious targets to reduce them. Offset emissions that you can't avoid. Start with obvious sources, like air travel. Plan to reach 'net zero' early. 3. Disclose targets, successes and challenges. Certification of carbon-neutrality would be a rewarding goal and a major marketing advantage. 4. Costs to emit will rise quickly. Ensure that capital expenditure plans reflect this, so emissions are not locked in for years to come. Some companies use a 'shadow carbon price' or 'internal tax' in decision-making, to incentivise change. 5. Innovate. Climate change is not just another compliance issue this will change everything, and bring opportunities as well as risks. Encourage ideas from staff. Work with the whole supply chain. Favour suppliers with low emissions, and help them to lower them further. 6. Cut waste. Fiver per cent of our emissions are from waste, mainly methane, and disposal means costs and lost opportunities. Strive for a 'circular economy', with all materials recyclable and no loss of natural resources. 7.Collaborate. Connect with others for support, inspiration and fresh ideas. There are great examples of all of these in New Zealand right now. The Warehouse Group was certified as carbon-neutral this year. The Directors say it has an ethical obligation to cut emissions. Along with native forestry projects, its offsets include funding efficient cookstoves in Bangladesh, slashing emissions and fuel use. Milk processor Synlait is working with its supply chain to reduce emissions. It is rewarding cleaner production and finding that 'tough ambitions unleash creativity'. Its CEO calls our current ecological overshoot 'a state of insanity'. Supermarket chain Countdown found that refrigerants were almost half its greenhouse gas emissions, and will cut them by 15% over 5 years. Lower food waste and LED lighting have provided big savings. Emissions per square metre of shop space have dropped 26% in 9 years. Wishbone Design Studio makes children's gear, such as a trike that can be adapted to grow as the child grows. Products are repairable, recyclable, and designed to have a long life with no waste. The business started a decade ago and now exports to 135 countries. Many businesses are cutting costs and emissions by switching to electric vehicles, or to wood waste for process heat. Carbon-neutral food and beverage producers have been contacted unexpectedly by overseas outlets, keen to meet fast-growing demand for these. There are useful groups for businesses to connect with. Sustainable Business Network in Nelson has a strong focus on climate change strategies. Climate Leaders Coalition, with over 90 of New Zealand's biggest companies and accounting for half our emissions, is committed to a low carbon economy and helping suppliers reduce their impacts. And starting this year, Nelson Tasman Climate Forum will bring businesses and organisations together to explore new ways forward. Time to act What if your business does not act on climate change? Our brightest young people will not want to work for you. It will be harder to compete for contracts with progressive companies and councils. You will miss opportunities and pay higher costs as emission prices rise. And later, the rate of change will be steeper and more disruptive. For most of us, though, there is more at stake than that. We care deeply about this place we call home, and about those who will follow us here. For altruism or love, obligation or opportunity, it is time to act. We cannot 'solve' the climate crisis in Nelson Tasman. But we are still adding more than our fair share to the problem - at least we can fix that. There are big challenges. But the most worrying approach would be to do nothing. Make a start. It just got more urgent. On June 24, ACE presents the first free workshop in its "Zero Carbon Here We Come!" series, on submitting on the Zero Carbon (Amendment) Bill. The workshop is not yet full. Bookings at https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/zero-carbon-here-we-come-tickets-63179409314 Bruce Gilkison is a Chartered Accountant and sustainable business consultant. He is currently working with ACE and with Zero Carbon Nelson Tasman to accelerate the development of regional climate strategies.