Act now
Business has a major role to play in transitioning Aotearoa New Zealand to a net zero carbon economy by 2050. More urgently, we need to make substantial progress towards that goal by 2030. Consumers and investors have rising expectations. This is a major opportunity for businesses. Many are taking climate action but there are barriers, especially for our smaller businesses.
Climate tools and resources
Now is the time for all businesses to take climate change seriously and start transitioning to zero carbon. Your business can work towards lowering emissions, and benefit financially at the same time.
Switching to electric vehicles, facilities and equipment is a good starting point to cut emissions and costs. Learn how to electrify your business.
Visit SME Climate Hub to calculate your emissions and to build a climate action plan.
Note: In 2021 we launched the Climate Action Toolbox with seven partners. It was hosted on the business.govt.nz platform and helped thousands of small businesses. It was retired by Ministry for Business, Innovation & Employment in late 2026.
The benefits of taking action
The need for climate action is clear. It is no longer a case of whether, but how, businesses get involved.
Until recently, taking action to address climate change and other sustainability issues was generally seen as incurring a cost for businesses. That has changed. There are now clear reasons, and powerful drivers, for businesses to make change.
They include:
– Cost savings from efficient use of energy and resources
– Meeting the expectations of customers, both consumers and businesses, for low carbon and circular products and services
– Staying ahead of regulation and taking advantage of opportunities
– Attracting and retaining staff, especially talented younger people, who expect to work for responsible and proactive organisations
– Being prepared for the impacts of climate change
– Making your organisation more resilient
