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Sustainability news, views and insights
   
   

Take part in the Low Emission Freight Certificate trial

123Carbon has built the Low Emission Freight Certificate registry, enabling trucking companies to issue verified low emission freight certificates and freight customers to purchase and recognise them within their GHG inventories. We’re now seeking companies to join a no cost trial running 1 September–30 October 2027. To learn more or register your interest, please contact SBC’s Charlotte Kootstra.
   

Sunergise supports Snowplanet’s solarpowered slopes

Sunergise has partnered with Snowplanet to install a 1.05 MW solar system, reducing its reliance on grid electricity by around 30%. The 2,317-panel installation will generate approximately 1,500 MWh of clean energy annually and offset 101 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, with solar generation closely matching peak cooling demand. Read more.
   

1 month to go for CCBC26!

We’re officially one month out from CCBC26! Join the kōrero as business leaders, practitioners and academics come together to share how they’re navigating the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of business. Make valuable connections and hear practical insights to help accelerate change within your organisations. View the programme here and register here.
   

New model highlights $1.3 trillion energy bill to 2050

A new report from the BusinessNZ Energy Council and EECA uses the new TIMES-NZ 3.0 model to explore how Aotearoa New Zealand's energy landscape could evolve over coming decades. The accompanying Insights Report examines two future scenarios, and how different energy choices could shape energy use, investment, and emissions outcomes through to 2050, read the press release here.
   

Kiwis shift from AI curiosity to scrutiny as adoption grows

One NZ’s recent AI Trust Report 2026 suggests Kiwi businesses need to consider the social and environmental impacts of their AI usage to maintain public trust. In a recent article, One NZ’s Nicky Preston says the findings highlight a shift in how organisations approach responsible AI, demonstrating how sustainability plays into the trust equation for businesses. 
   

What would make land restoration more attractive for farmers?

New research from The Bioeconomy Science Institute has identified what could encourage more land restoration across Aotearoa NZ. Commissioned by The Nature Conservancy, the study found 85% of landowners are motivated by improving biodiversity and native habitat. However, many need financial returns and long-term support to participate in restoration.
   

Making sense of scope 3

Scope 3 is complicated. Finding the right guidance shouldn’t be. thinkstep-anz has refreshed its free resources to help businesses get moving: a plain English guide to the basics, a practical breakdown of all 15 scope 3 categories and a new blog on what the proposed GHG Protocol changes could mean, and how to prepare.
   

How recycled tyres are outfitting nz commonwealth games athletes

Talking on Rural Exchange podcast, Tyrewise CEO Adele Rose discusses how end-of-life tyres have been transformed into new products. The conversation explores innovation being developed to find new uses including how tyres have been used by Kathmandu to create fabric for the uniforms of NZ athletes competing in the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
   
In other news
   
   
Job opportunities
   
   

SBC hui

Climate Change & Business Conference 2026

Auckland | 7, 8 September 2026 | All day

As we enter the final stretch to 2030, the impacts of climate change are no longer theoretical, they are shaping the operating environment for New Zealand businesses today. The conference will bring together a leading line-up of local and global speakers at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre on 7–8 September to tackle the critical questions of the moment. From geopolitical shocks reshaping energy security, to capturing the upside of the transition, shaping policy priorities ahead of Election 2026 and unpacking the true cost of adaptation, this is a critical forum for business leaders and one not to be missed.

   

Other hui

NEW: RMA Reform & Planning System Change

Auckland | 12 August 2026 | 7:00 - 9:00am

Tonkin + Taylor and Construction Clients' Group are hosting a regional seminar - the reform of the RMA and its replacement by two new Acts will change the focus of resource management in New Zealand. There will be a much greater role for national direction in setting environmental limits and standardised planning zones and rules. Spatial Planning will become an important feature of the planning landscape. This event will explore what these changes will mean in practice and how industry and regulators will need to respond.

   

Exclusive international update on climate and nature disclosures with ISSB, XRB and SEEA

In Person | 13 August 2026 | 8:30 - 11:30am

As reporting expectations evolve, organisations are being asked not only to disclose climate-related risks and opportunities, but also to understand how their dependencies and impacts on nature influence financial performance, resilience and enterprise value. Deloitte is pleased to invite you to an exclusive briefing featuring three leading voices shaping the future of climate and natural capital reporting globally and in New Zealand: Sue Lloyd, Carl Obst and Dr Amelia Sharman. This event is open to SBC members and CLC signatories.

   

Sustainability & environmental catch up networking event

Auckland | 13 August 2026 | 4:30 - 7:30pm

Are you passionate about sustainability and eager to connect with like-minded individuals? Don’t miss our upcoming Sustainability & Environmental Networking Event—a dynamic online gathering for experts, enthusiasts, and anyone committed to making a positive environmental impact. Connect, learn, and grow as we explore the latest trends in sustainability, share real-world experiences, and spark meaningful conversations.

   

NEW: Credible Climate Policy with Chloe Swarbrick

Wellington | 18 August 2026 | 6:00 - 7:30pm

Join Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick alongside experts for a practical kōrero about how Aotearoa can move towards real action on climate: through smarter economic choices, fairer trade rules, stronger legal tools, and leadership willing to act. If you’re a student, young professional, organiser, policy nerd, or just a New Zealander who wants to know what’s going on and what we can do about it, you won’t want to miss this.

   

Electrifying Your Fleet: Real-World Lessons on Depot Electrification

Online | 19 August 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00am

Heavy transport operators know electrification is coming. Most just don't know where to start. That's exactly the gap this webinar is built to close. Drive Electric and Kwetta are bringing together New Zealand's leading fleet operators, truck OEMs, infrastructure specialists, and funding experts for one practical, no-jargon, no-sales-pitch session — walking you through the entire electrification journey, step by step.

   

BusinessNZ Election Conference

Wellington | 15 September 2026 | 9:00 - 4:30pm

Join the Deloitte and Chapman Tripp Election Conference, hosted by BusinessNZ - the premier business forum of the 2026 General Election campaign. This full-day event brings together political party leaders, senior ministers and key spokespeople to outline their vision for New Zealand's economy and make their case to the country's business community ahead of the November election. Hosted by Ryan Bridge, the conference will analyse issues that matter most to business, including economic growth, infrastructure, workforce, sustainability and productivity. Discussion will be informed by insights from this year’s Election Survey, ensuring the conversation reflects priorities of businesses across New Zealand. 

We’re pleased to confirm SBC members have access to member rates.

   

NEW: GRI Standards - Certified Sustainability Reporting course

Auckland | 21 & 22 September 2026 | All Day

GRI is one of the most widely used reporting standards across more than a 100 countries, and is the basis for a thorough materiality assessment to identify impacts of and on an organisation. It is a hands-on, applied training that covers how to work out what's material to your business, engage stakeholders effectively and share the impacts credibly, in a structured manner.

   

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. 


6 August 2026
   

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