Tailored resources for sectors

Businesses account for around 40% of New Zealand's energy-related emissions, so they represent a big opportunity for decarbonisation.

Our Sector Decarbonisation Programme collaborates with sector associations and technical experts to connect New Zealand businesses with world-class innovation and best practice guidance to decarbonise at a sector level.

The programme also provides new businesses with best practice knowledge when they enter the sector.

The business good of decarbonisation

Switching away from fossil fuels can have many benefits for business, beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Cost savings – reduce operating costs through energy efficiency and fuel switching.
  • Social license – improve your reputation with socially responsible consumers and investors.
  • Brand value – tap into new markets, spark innovation and create business opportunities.
  • Employee engagement – attract and retain talent.
  • Compliance – stay ahead of regulation for climate change mitigation.

A big part of decarbonising our economy means understanding what options there are to transition, developing plans to get there and supporting businesses to bring on new technology.

Nicki Sutherland, EECA Group Manager Business

5 steps to decarbonisation

  1. 1

    Increase engagement and awareness

    Businesses learn about the importance of decarbonisation and understand which processes in their business have the most impact on carbon emissions. With this awareness, businesses can get on the path to decarbonisation and become inspired to take action with their teams.

  2. 2

    Measure emissions and set targets

    Businesses are guided through measuring and accounting for their energy consumption and energy intensity to better understand how they compare to other businesses within their sector, and how they are progressing.

  3. 3

    Optimise equipment and improve processes

    Reviewing and adjusting the way that equipment performs can be a big win for energy reduction, as well as cost and productivity. Businesses are given information on how sector-specific equipment can be optimised, and specific actions they can take.

  4. 4

    Reduce energy demand

    New technology or upgrades to existing processes can reduce the demand for energy. We undertake global technology scans to identify the best approaches and innovations in the sector, which helps businesses identify opportunities to decarbonise prior to fuel switching.

  5. 5

    Switching to renewable energy

    Fuel switching is a crucial step in reducing New Zealand's emissions, so the final step involves working with the sector to identify the best way to switch to renewable energy sources.

Wayfinder