New Tool Helps Businesses Calculate Carbon Footprint And Take Action

A new free calculator to help small businesses measure their carbon footprint has been launched in Aotearoa New Zealand today.

The Carbon Emissions Calculator is the newest feature of Climate Action Toolbox, developed by the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), business.govt.nz and a collaboration of organisations from the public and private sectors.

The free online Toolbox makes it easy for smaller businesses to measure and reduce their carbon footprint. More than 24,000 users have accessed it since it was launched in March 2021.

“The Toolbox and calculator further enhance MBIE’s business support resources tools and services. The Toolbox is designed to help businesses take action on climate. They play a vital role in reducing New Zealand's emissions,” says Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Head of Small Business Services Tui Rutherford.

Small businesses contribute to about one-third of the New Zealand economy and are estimated to contribute a similar level to our carbon emissions.

“This latest addition to the toolbox gives businesses the data they need to make changes. Now with the built-in calculator, small businesses have everything they need at their fingertips to measure emissions and create an action plan to reduce their carbon footprint”, says Mr Rutherford.

Calculating emissions can help a business identify the key areas for reducing its carbon footprint. The Toolbox then helps create a tailored step-by-step plan to make that happen. A carbon calculation also sets a clear benchmark for monitoring progress.

Rachel Brown, ONZM, CEO and founder of the Sustainable Business Network says taking action to reduce emissions helps businesses attract customers and talent, reduce energy costs, satisfy stakeholders, stay ahead of regulation, and prepare for the future.

“The Toolbox is a game changer for thousands of small businesses, helping them start their climate action journey. With the carbon calculator, it is a one-stop shop for any smaller business,” says Rachel.

Taranaki small business ICE Electrical used an early version of the calculator to reduce emissions. It found using the calculator was eye-opening.

“It's helped us understand the key areas where our emissions come from. It's not just with transport as we originally thought. Emission levels from our office energy use were a real surprise,” says Business Manager Emah Tippett.

The Toolbox has been developed in a collaboration between the Sustainable Business Network, Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, BNZ, EECA, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, Meridian, Spark Lab, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and DNA.

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