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The latest emissions monitoring report from the Climate Change Commission has found emissions are continuing to fall in Aotearoa New Zealand, but progress stalled in 2024. The report shows the rate of emissions reduction will need to more than double over the next few years to get on track and current policies are unlikely to deliver the future climate targets.

SBC/CLC Response: Monitoring Report

In responding to the report, SBC and CLC described it as a significant wake-up call for Aotearoa New Zealand, welcoming the work and signaling support for its key recommendations. SBC CEO Mike Burrell says the findings reinforce the economic case of our Driving Sustainable Growth report, which the Commission itself has cited in the report. Read our full press release here.

SBC is delighted to welcome its newest member, Sunergise. Comprising Sunergise, PowerSmart and Clay Energy, the Sunergise Group is the largest operator of privately owned solar assets in NZ and the Pacific, with over 200 commercial installations completed. Notable projects include NZ's Parliament House, as well as NZ's two largest rooftop solar installations. Read more about Sunergise here.

Fletcher Building, Govt to secure NZ cement manufacturing

The Government has granted up to $60 million to Golden Bay Cement, NZ’s only domestic cement manufacturer. Alongside the Government’s investment, Fletcher Building will invest at least $150 million through to 2040. Fletcher Building says the agreement recognises the importance of maintaining domestic manufacturing while supporting the transition to a lower-carbon future. Read more.

In a new article from Oxygen Consulting, Sarah Holden explores NZ’s proposed Modern Slavery Bill as it progresses through Parliament. The article compares NZ’s approach to recent reforms in Australia, examining differences and outlining what businesses operating across the Tasman may need to consider as modern slavery reporting and due diligence evolve.

Climate transition plans: Driving change or getting in the way?

SLR Consulting has shared a new white paper exploring the significance of climate transition plans in helping organisations navigate the transition to a low-emissions economy. The white paper draws on insights from sustainability leaders and examines the value and limitations of transition plans, highlighting stakeholder engagement, implementation and enabling policy settings.

MCERT is seeking feedback on a draft framework for endorsing voluntary nature and carbon markets in Aotearoa NZ. The consultation, opened 20 July, outlines the proposed assessment criteria and guidance on the qualifications and experience required of assurance practitioners. Provide your feedback by 7 August here.

In a recent case study, Naylor Love and Massey University, explore what a fossil-fuel-free construction site could look like. Drawing on data from trade partners, the research proposes that moving toward fossil-fuel-free construction is a ‘system-level change’ that extends beyond just replacing equipment, requiring collaboration to drive industry change. 

Reporting corner

In this week’s Reporting corner, we’re pleased to share a new report from SLR and LION. 

• SLR Sustainability Report
• LION: Force for Good 

In the latest ESG Snapshot from BCSDA, the focus is moving away from sustainability commitments to delivery – highlighting how success in the energy transition is increasingly being judged on cost and implementation. The latest issue also explores how nature, circular economy and reporting requirements are becoming more integrated into business, investment and regulatory decision making.

Effectiveness evaluation of the climate-related disclosure framework

The XRB has published an independent evaluation of Aotearoa NZ's climate-related disclosure framework, conducted by the University of Otago. This establishes a baseline for understanding the framework’s effectiveness and early insight into its impact. The findings will help inform future standard setting, including XRB’s draft climate reporting roadmap.

SBC Spotlight Series: Social sustainability disclosure in practice

As expectations around social sustainability continue to grow, businesses are increasingly being asked to understand, manage, and disclose their impacts on people, communities, and workers. View the webinar here.