Climate action makes good business sense and future-proofs the low-emissions economy
The environment is a shared taonga for which every business and every person has a responsibility. When it comes to reducing emissions and improving energy use, every contribution matters. As a nation of small businesses, being energy smart and climate-wise won't just save the only planet we have. Done right, it's also good for business. That much has emerged from several local organisations that have embraced the climate challenge and made energy efficiency integral to their operations. But, there is a but. While recent research shows 72% of Kiwis see climate change as important or very important, just 55% of business leaders have the same view. There is a gap, and EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) says this comes down to perceived barriers of cost, difficulty in starting, and not knowing how to take action. Getting stuck into a problem as big as climate change can be overwhelming, says co-founder and Kaihautu (CEO) of AWWA Michele Wilson (Tainui, Ngati Paoa), who has led the pioneering period-care underwear company in just that direction. "I was afraid. It's really daunting," she shares, but at the same time, the company sought action. "We're doing whatever we can to have a positive impact on Papatuanuku." If you measure it, you can manage it. Wilson therefore points out that for AWWA, the first step was understanding its own carbon footprint. This sets the scene for small but cumulative actions, which in combination move the needle on those carbon numbers. It starts with managing waste more consciously, using a minimum of water and electricity wherever possible, and then extends further into, for example, goods movements. "We only use sea freight instead of air freight. Small changes like this actually have a huge impact," she notes. That's a view reflected by Mike Casey, co-founder of NZ0 and Forest Lodge Orchard. "Start with something that's easy," is his advice. This can relate to internal conservation of power and water, or even flexi-work arrangements. Or it can relate to internal combustion...as in, moving away from it. Cromwell-based Casey is a horticulturalist, and has experience aplenty in this arena his orchard, Forest Lodge, is entirely fossil fuel free. "Make your next purchasing decision electric. We're going to be importing NZ's first commercial electric tractor," he reveals. Creating demand for alternative energy vehicles starts the process of moving that mountain. The one person joined by many others carrying small stones creates a 'virtuous circle' and helps move the entire economy in a more sustainable direction. That's beneficial to everyone, but Casey also points out advantages closer to home. "You save money, because energy is way cheaper, and you save on carbon." For Juliette Hogan, Founder/Director/Designer at Juliette Hogan, going greener is a no-brainer. As a mother to small children, she is acutely aware of what's at stake. "Sustainability isn't a 'nice to have' anymore, it's an absolute must for business. You choose a place to start, and you build on from there," she says. Echoing Wilson's view that it can seem a high hill to climb, Hogan nevertheless got stuck in. "As a small business it has been really challenging to understand what it is that we can do to make a significant impact," she relates; again, like Wilson, Hogan set out by establishing a baseline. "For the first time we measured our carbon emissions, which was a really informative process for us to go through." Knowing where emissions are being generated provides the insight for taking action; again, it doesn't have to be grand gestures that get the ball rolling. It can be as simple as changing out lightbulbs to more energy efficient alternatives a working out of the conscious decision to go greener. "It's really important for me that my children say their mum's business is making good decisions that will impact their future," Hogan adds. 4 steps to get started with emissions reduction in your business: Visit www.genless.govt.nz/business to take your business's next step on your low emissions journey. Sponsored content