Kāpiti Coast District Council has been a forerunner on reporting its corporate greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and have released the latest emissions inventory report.

The Council committed to measuring and independently auditing its organisational emissions in 2010, and was the first local authority in New Zealand to certified under Enviro-Mark’s Carbon Emissions Measurement and Reduction Scheme in 2012 (now known as Toitū Carbon Reduce).

The 2023-24 greenhouse gas emissions inventory and management report is now available on the website, and the figures show some impressive progress: the Council has reduced its corporate emissions by 72% since 2010. The Council has an aspirational goal to be ‘net zero’ by 2040.

Mayor Janet Holborow says that these latest figures prove that Council is on the right track, and that the commitment is already paying off.

“We’ve come a long way since we have started on our emissions reduction journey. But what is good to know is that progress doesn’t always need big changes,” Mayor Holborow said.

“It’s the small steps that make a difference over time, whether that’s phasing in LED streetlights, retrofitting low-flow shower heads into the pools, or finding better waste management practices, it all adds up.

“But it's important we measure these outcomes, so we can see how we're doing and track trends and improvements – so we can see what is working, and where we can still do better,” Mayor Holborow said.

“The latest audit shows that we’re making good progress year on year, with our 2023/24 emissions down by 11% from the previous year. That’s 446 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions that we’ve managed to keep out of the atmosphere over the year. To put that into context, that’s equivalent to the emissions of 23 average households over the same period.”

“The positive thing about reducing emissions is that it typically leads to improved energy efficiency, which lowers costs for Council, so we’re able to deliver multiple benefits to our community.

Mayor Holborow said that Council have embedded this thinking across the organisation, so taking action on climate change is not just about the big projects, it’s about taking steps, no matter how small.

“Making decisions that prioritise energy efficiency or sustainability means that we’re intentional about our resources – how we use power or dispose of waste, and being more efficient over time.

“These increased efficiencies have helped us reduce our carbon footprint as well as reducing operational costs, so it’s delivering benefits in more ways than one.

“I’m incredibly proud of the role that Council has played, but it’s important to note that it’s a cumulative result, and we are already the beneficiaries of decisions that have been made by successive Councils over the years. This shows that climate action is a team effort, and what we plan today will have impacts for the future.

“This also shows us that success isn’t reliant on big changes and investment, but can also be achieved through smaller adjustments.

“Setting goals and targets means that we can align ourselves on the same path and collectively make those wins.

“Looking back shows us how far we have come since we started this journey in 2010, and I am proud of our progress, but recognise there is still more to do,” Mayor Holborow said.

For more information on Council’s emissions reduction journey visit: https://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/environment/climate-change/emissions

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