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Update from SBC CEO

In his latest update, SBC CEO Mike Burrell provides insights into SBC’s recent Advocacy engagements and the work underway to finalise SBC/CLC’s joint pre-election policy paper. He reflects on his recent round table engagements across the motu, and looks out to next month’s launch of our refreshed strategy. Watch here.

Health NZ will decommission the final coal boiler in a NZ hospital this week, completing a programme that replaced 13 coal boilers across 8 campuses with cleaner energy systems. The new heat pump technology will cut emissions, improve air quality, lower operating costs, and support Health NZ’s carbon reduction goals, a major milestone in healthcare decarbonisation.

Kiwis want stronger climate action

New research from IAG brands AMI, State and NZI shows New Zealanders remain concerned about climate risks, with only 27% confident the country can reduce climate impacts. The findings mark the fifth consecutive year that pessimism has outweighed optimism, highlighting growing public support for stronger leadership and action to manage climate hazards. Read full details here.

SBC welcomes growing cross party agreement in the direction of travel to support more NZ households to move to solar power. In the lead up to the election, last week National announced its Home Energy Fund, a policy in line with what's also been announced by the Green Party. Labour is also largely supportive, and due to make its own policy announcements in this space soon.

Take the scenic route to CCBC26

CCBC 2026 delegates can reduce emissions from their conference travel by taking the Northern Explorer rail journey between Wellington and Auckland this September. Thanks to KiwiRail and Great Journeys New Zealand, delegates and speakers can access a 20% discount, offering a lower-carbon way to travel while enjoying one of Aotearoa NZ’s most iconic rail experiences. Find out more.

Lion has launched a pilot returnable bottle and crate system for Steinlager across 48 Auckland Super Liquor stores. Combining reusable glass bottles with digital tracking for the first time, the initiative aims to make returns easier for consumers. Evaluated by Toitū Envirocare, the system has the potential to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by 64% compared with single-use packaging.

No shortcuts to net zero: thinkstep-anz

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has released Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0. For businesses in Aotearoa New Zealand, this raises practical questions. What has changed? And what should we do now? thinkstep-anz has summed up in this new blog.

In a week of reflections, the Lever Room also breaks down what SBTi’s Net-Zero Standard V2.0 means for organisations with targets, teams preparing to set them, and leaders looking for a clear place to start - helping turn climate goals into credible plans and action that holds up. Read their blog here.

Double materiality webinar recording – Proxima

Double materiality is becoming a key lens for organisations to assess their impacts, risks and opportunities. In this webinar, the full DMA process is explored, showing how it delivers decision-ready insights and strengthens ESG due diligence. The session highlights the value for reporting, impact understanding, financial risk management, and more strategic, forward-looking decision-making.

The XRB has launched a consultation on a draft climate reporting roadmap, setting out a proposed strategic direction for climate reporting in New Zealand. The draft roadmap sets out what could change, why it matters, and when it could happen. Consultation closes 30 September. Find details here or register to attend one of their upcoming webinars here.

2026 Insights on Sustainability Professionals
Oxygen Consulting, together with SBC, SBN, and AUT launched the results of the 6th year of research into the role of the sustainability professional in NZ, including its challenges and opportunities. Watch the recording here. Access the full report.