Sustain | NZ Business Council for Sustainable Development Newsletter

Market opportunities in Kiwis' lower-emission intentions

New research shows some significant business opportunities are available for businesses wanting to reach New Zealanders intending to lower their greenhouse gas emissions. The opportunities, by household income, and intended actions run across most household types and incomes, according to this just-released report.

Business isn't counting

When it comes to measuring, verifying and cutting emissions - and reporting risks to CEOs, boards and shareholders, New Zealander businesses are doing poorly. A national survey by ShapeNZ shows only seven out of every 100 firms have measured their emissions.

MAF report on business opportunities arising from emissions trading

MAF has just released this report identifying investment opportunities likely to arise from emissions trading.

Battle over fate of $1 billion home retrofit fund

Radio New Zealand reports National's Environment spokesperson Nick Smith as saying his party won't keep the $1 billion fund, to retrofit homes during the next 15 years, if it forms the next Government. Prime Minister Helen Clark was quick to attack the statement while visiting a Waikato family "with a powerful story to tell about the health benefits and energy cost savings of insulating their home". Dr Smith says National will commit $15 million a year to home insulation for state housing and $35 million to an upgraded solar water heating scheme.

Meantime, 78% of New Zealanders back the billion dollar idea, including 66% of National voters, according to this poll of 4119 people.

Global financial crisis makes responsible business role more urgent

World Business Council for Sustainable Development president Bjorn Stigson says that as financial institutions and markets crash around us, the need for responsible business engagement in the big issues of our time has never been more urgent. These include actions for a greener, more inclusive and economically rational world. Stigson says in this article: "Business cannot succeed in societies that fail. The companies that continue to demonstrate thoughtful responses to society's needs, and are planning for a changing future, will be among those that will still be operating successfully many years from now. "

Shift to renewable fuel moving an "unimagined pace"

The transition to an economy fueled by renewables is moving at a pace and on a scale that we could not have imagined even a year ago, according to Earth Policy Institute director Lester Brown. He says even Texas has nearly overtaken California in renewable energy developments.

How to make a billion

More than 140 investors and new technology developers came together at a Business Council organised Clean Billions investment symposium. Idealog carries this special feature on the event and New Zealand's opportunities to profit from clean-tech.

Cleantech investments rising - report

As world markets stagger under a financial crisis, climbing energy costs and commodity shortages, one climate-friendly market appears on the rise: cleantech. Accounting firm Ernst & Young says the global clean technology market is poised to grab one-tenth of the world's venture capital this year -- up from just 1.6 percent in 2003 -- and that it is taking hold in major markets around the world.

Europe backs carbon capture with Euros 10bn

European legislators have committed about euros10bn (NZ$20bn) to help build as many as a dozen power stations equipped to capture and store carbon dioxide, throwing its weight behind a technology that supporters say has immense potential to curb greenhouse gases.

EVENTS

October 21 is a big day for sustainability.Follow the links below for major events, including the October 21 Business Council-sponsored symposium on how to transform your business into a sustainable one.

21 Oct 2008 | Achieving Sustainability through Collaboration Symposium

Level 3, University of Auckland Business School, Auckland

Sweden is recognised worldwide as a leader in managing change. Swedes know how to achieve

consensus within organisations and communities facing a complex and rapidly changing world - they

allow people to develop solutions together.

This one-day symposium has been developed in collaboration with the University of Auckland Business School, and will allow you to develop a clear vision of sustainability, and a plan to implement it.! more »

21 Oct 2008 | A Strategic Approach to Implementing Sustainability Initiatives Seminar

Mercure Hotel, 8 Customs Street, Auckland

With increasing regulation and changing consumer attitudes, sustainability is fast becoming the new business imperative. Businesses that understand what this change means for their long-term success will be well placed to create continued opportunity and prosperity. Only by really understanding the challenge of sustainability can businesses plan strategically for success and remain a step ahead of their competitors whilst avoiding the risks and increasing costs of unsustainable practices. more »

21 Oct 2008 | Packaging Council Seminar Series - Innovation, Collaboration, Regulation

ASB Showgrounds, Auckland

I'm delighted to tell you that the Packaging Council is ready to launch its exciting breakfast seminar series at Foodtech Packtech 2008. Our theme is Economic Transformation in a Carbon Constrained World - Innovation, Collaboration, Regulation. We've brought together a suite of experts and thought leaders in the fields of business, economics, research, environmental policy and law to explore how New Zealand business' can integrate innovation, sustainability and the requirements of the new environmental legislation as a complete business model for competitive advantage. more »

21 Oct 2008 | Oxfam Series of Election Debates "Ending Global Poverty and Building a Safer World

Lecture room WA 220, AUT, Wellesley St East, Auckland

"Ending Global Poverty and Building a Safer World"

Moderated by Bill Ralston

Confirmed speakers : Minister Phil Goff (Labour),

Keith Locke (Greens), Kath McCabe (ACT), National (name tbc),

Matt Robson (Progressive Party)

Tuesday October 21

7:00- 8:00pm

Lecture room WA 220, WA building

Venue: AUT, Wellesley St East

Auckland more »

28 Oct 2008 | Environmental Law Update Conference

Duxton Hotel, , Wellington

The Environmental Law Update conference will bring you up to speed on the significant developments and current issues in the environmental law spectrum. more »

29 Oct 2008 | Fundamentals of Carbon & Emissions Management

Mercure Hotel, Auckland, Auckland

Fundamentals of Carbon & Emissions Management more »

GUIDES

Emissions

More than 800 businesses a month are now using the Business Council's new guide to measuring and reducing emissions - and lifting profits. Try it here.

Which paper?

The first edition print run of the country's first ratings guide for sustainable paper has been snapped up, and the online version is available here.

ENDS

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