Climate Action Toolbox helps smaller businesses cut carbon emissions

The Toolbox has been created by the Sustainable Business Network in partnership with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency), NZ Trade & Enterprise, EECA, BNZ, Meridian Energy and DNA. It meets the need identified by the Climate Change Commission for tools to help smaller businesses take action.

Rachel Brown ONZM, CEO and Founder of the Sustainable Business Network, says: 

'We know businesses want to do the right thing for climate. The challenge for many, particularly smaller businesses, is what to do. This is why we collaborated to create the Climate Action Toolbox, which is an excellent resource for business. It’s free, super easy to use and can be tailored to the individual circumstances of any small to medium sized business. It gives examples of what others have done and creates a ready-to-use action plan.' 

'There are no excuses for inaction on climate any more!' 

Why the toolbox has been created

About 97% of New Zealand's businesses are small-to-medium sized, and they contribute about 35 percent to NZ’s GDP. Their carbon emissions are likely to be a similar proportion. Together, SMEs can make a huge impact on lowering NZ's carbon gas emissions.

Many small businesses want to act responsibly by taking action on climate. However they may be unsure how to get started. They often have limited funds and time, and find the array of existing tools confusing. This toolbox makes it easy for small businesses to act on climate, and it’s free.

How the Climate Action Toolbox works

The tool provides tailored advice and support in five major impact areas:

• Moving people
• Moving goods
• Office operations
• Site operations and equipment
• Designing products

Businesses first go through an assessment to identify impact areas relevant to them.

Under each impact area, businesses are presented with specific actions they can take along with a step-by-step implementation guide. There are over 40 actions, including switching to electric vehicles and shared transport, limiting non-essential travel, installing LED lighting, being energy efficient, and converting to clean energy equipment.  

Businesses will also be provided with case studies of other businesses in their community undertaking actions under relevant impact areas.

Prudence Marx, Director of Marx Design, says, 'We knew we needed to take action on climate but, as a small business, we were not sure what to do or what actions would be best for the environment. and the impact those actions would have on our business. We found the toolbox really helpful, easy to follow and it’s given us a great action plan!'

Find the Toolbox at https://www.tools.business.govt.nz/climate/