What is carbon verification?

Carbon verification is when a third-party verification organisation inspects a carbon footprint and/or offset programme and ensures it meets certain (GHG Protocol, ISO 14064 etc.) standards.

How can my business measure its carbon emissions?

There are several methods to measure carbon emissions, such as conducting a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory or using carbon footprint calculators. GHG inventories involve collecting data on emissions from various sources within your business operations, such as energy use, transportation, and waste. Carbon footprint calculators are online tools that help estimate emissions based on inputs such as energy usage, transportation, and employee commuting.

What are some effective strategies for reducing carbon emissions in my business?

The best reduction strategies will depend on your business. It usually takes a mix of improving energy efficiency, transitioning to renewable energy sources, optimising transport and logistics, implementing resource conservation, waste reduction and recycling programmes, and promoting sustainable procurement. Getting your team engaged and adopting new behaviours can not only reduce emissions but support a healthy workplace culture.

Can my business offset the carbon emissions that we can’t eliminate?

Yes. Offsetting carbon emissions is a way for businesses to make up for unavoidable emissions by supporting projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere. These could be reforestation, renewable energy projects, or methane capture projects. Look for offset projects that meet recognised standards and have credible verification processes in place.

What are the benefits of offsetting carbon emissions for my business?

Offsetting carbon emissions helps your business take responsibility for its environmental impact, demonstrate sustainability leadership, and contribute to global climate action. It can also enhance your reputation, attract conscious customers, investors, and partners, and create new business opportunities in the low-carbon, circular green economy.

Are there any regulations or incentives in New Zealand that can support my business in measuring, reducing, and offsetting carbon emissions?

Yes, New Zealand has several regulations and incentives in place to support the transition to a low-carbon economy. For example, the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) is a government programme that puts a price on carbon and lets businesses buy and sell emission units, which can be used for offsetting emissions. The government also offers grants and funding for renewable energy projects, energy efficiency improvement, and other sustainability initiatives through programmes like the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund and the Waste Minimisation Fund.

How can my business communicate its efforts to measure, reduce, and offset carbon emissions to stakeholders?

Communicating with transparency builds trust. You can create a sustainability report that outlines your carbon measurement, reduction, and offsetting initiatives, and share it on your website, in your annual report, or through other communication channels. You can also use third-party sustainability certifications and endorsements, such as the Climate Action Label, to signal your commitment to carbon reduction.

How can my business make sure our carbon measurement, reduction, and offsetting are accurate and credible?

It's vital to use recognised methodologies and standards for measuring and offsetting carbon emissions, such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, ISO 14064, or Verified Carbon Standard (VCS). [KP1] Experienced sustainability consultants can help ensure the accuracy and credibility of your initiatives. Regularly monitoring, reporting, and verifying your emissions data and offset projects creates transparency and accountability.

How can I achieve long-term sustainability in my business?

By setting and implementing clear sustainability goals and targets into your governance and decision-making, engaging all levels of your team, regularly reviewing your sustainability initiatives, and seeking opportunities for improvement.

What does setting a science-based target of 1.5°C mean?

Carbon reduction with science-based targets (1.5°C) involves setting specific, measurable, and time-bound goals to decrease greenhouse gas emissions – limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as recommended by the IPCC. This includes transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, adopting sustainable transportation, conserving forests, and other actions. Science-based targets align with the latest climate science and guide organisations to take ambitious, necessary action to mitigate climate change and prevent catastrophic impacts.

What is a significant emission source?

Determining a "significant emission source" requires both quantitative and qualitative considerations. This helps us judge if an emission source is material (important) to the footprint. Additionally, qualitative factors like regulatory requirements, stakeholder concerns, and potential for improvement can elevate the importance of an emission source even if its absolute volume is smaller.