Print Icon
 
Sustainability news, views and insights
   
   

Update from SBC CEO Mike Burrell

As we move into the second half of 2026, SBC CEO Mike Burrell reflects on a full and productive first six months. He outlines progress towards finalising SBC’s refreshed strategy, which will be launched as part of our Annual Council Meeting in August. Mike also looks out to the months ahead as we sharpen the focus of our advocacy work in the lead up to the General Election.

   

Emissions factors and what they mean for your business

MfE has released its updated 2026 Measuring Emissions Guide for NZ, emissions factors are being updated in Australia too. For some organisations the changes may affect reported totals, YOY trends and reduction claims. Lever Room has unpacked the updates, who they affect, and how to keep your carbon inventory accurate and easy to explain.

   
   

Silver Fern Farms join global roundtable

As part of the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance, Silver Fern Farms recently attended a global leaders’ roundtable event at Windsor Castle. Focusing on scaling regenerative and nature-based agri-food production, discussions explored making nature-positive systems investable and commercially viable, while highlighting NZ farmers’ leadership in delivering resilient food systems for global markets. 

   

Have your say: On the fourth emissions budget

From next Tuesday, the Climate Change Commission is inviting input to inform an update to its advice on what the fourth emissions budget should be. The Commission is updating its 2024 advice on emissions budgets after the Government changed the biogenic methane target in 2025. From 9 June to 19 July, you will be able to share your evidence and insights here.

   

2026 CCBC Next Generation Scholarship

Your voice matters. If you're 18–30 yrs and passionate about climate action, apply for a Next Generation Scholarship to attend the 2026 Climate Change & Business Conference. Sponsored by thinkstep-anz, the scholarships help young professionals and students connect, learn and help shape the future of business-led climate action.

   
   

Key announcements from Budget 2026

Following last week’s Budget 2026 release, Deloitte has shared a detailed analysis of the announcement. The summary focuses on key measurements relating to energy, sustainability, climate and conservation. You can read their perspective here and view the Budget at a glance infographic here.

   

Developed countries exceed USD 100 billion climate finance goal for third consecutive year

In a recent OECD report, climate finance for developing countries has continued to climb, reaching $136.7 billion in 2024. Developed countries have now exceeded the US$100 billion annual goal for the third year. However, the report highlights the need for more targeted investment to ensure more reaches the most vulnerable countries.

   
   

Reporting corner

In this week’s Reporting corner, we are pleased to present Zeale’s latest Renewables market report:

   
In other news
   
   
Job opportunities
   

Auckland Transport (Auckland)
Senior Climate Transition Specialist

   

SBC hui

SLP Alumni Networking Event

Wellington | 30 June 2026 | 5:30 - 7:00pm 

Join the SBC and Catapult in Wellington to celebrate 10 years of the Sustainability Leadership Programme. This exclusive alumni event will bring together current, past, and potential participants to reconnect and reflect on a decade of growing leadership impact in Aotearoa New Zealand. Meet programme alumni, share stories, and catch up with others across the SLP network to help celebrate this important milestone.

   

Other hui

   

Proxima Advanced Sustainability Reporting Series

Auckland | 18 June 2026 | 8:30 - 4:30pm

Sustainability reporting standards, processes, disclosures and the level of rigour required to prepare sustainability statements have changed significantly in the past two years. These global changes have started to impact New Zealand companies. Double materiality (driven by the European Union’s CSRD regulation), and the harmonization of updated GRI impact reporting standards with the new ISSB (IFRS) financial sustainability reporting standards, means there has been a fundamental shift in how sustainability reporting is now undertaken. Proxima are delivering an Advanced Sustainability Reporting Series for finance, investment and sustainability professionals to bring New Zealand companies up to speed with these important changes.

   

Unlocking more value from EPDs

Online | 18 June 2026 | 1:00pm

How can Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) help your business make better decisions, support procurement and strengthen sustainability reporting? Join Bex McQueen, Sustainability Project Manager at Profile Group and Chanjief Chandrakumar, Projects & Team Lead LCA at thinkstep-anz, for a practical discussion on the EPD development process, key lessons learned and how businesses can use EPDs beyond compliance.

   

NEW: Sustainability Professionals Research webinar

Online | 24 June 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00pm

Oxygen Consulting, together with the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), SBC and Auckland University of Technology (AUT), are launching the results of the sixth year of research into the role of the sustainability professional in New Zealand, including its challenges and opportunities. Join us to hear what this year’s insights reveal about the sustainability profession in New Zealand today. Topics include wellbeing, capability development, remuneration, diversity, education, job satisfaction and more.

   

SBN Nature and Business Symposium

Auckland | 5 August 2026 | 8:30 - 5:00pm

Back by popular demand, SBN’s Nature and Business Symposium this year will focus on helping organisation's take action, make connections and grow stronger partnerships. In the session, make sense of nature and business, cut through the jargon, explain why it all matters and explore the latest developments. Be part of the discussion with businesses, community groups, tangata whenua, landowners, NGOs, government, philanthropy groups and finance experts. Curious or committed, you'll leave ready to take action for nature.

   

See all SBC events here. For other low emissions events, see the Climate Leaders Coalition events calendar.

Please send Pānui stories (50 words plus square image) or event listings (100 words plus banner image) to sbccomms@businessnz.org.nz by Wednesday 12pm. 

See guidelines around SBC's expectations of member communications and transparency here


4 June 2026

   

Manage Preferences

Level 13, NTT Tower, 157 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011, New Zealand