About the programme
Climate Action 20/25 is the Sustainable Business Network's five-year programme to make it easier for SMEs to take action to reduce their carbon emissions and become climate resilient.
The programme has been designed to help SMEs take advantage of the opportunities from, and overcome the barriers to, taking climate action.
We welcome the support of our project partners in helping us with this mahi!
The components of the programme include:
Climate Action Toolbox
The Climate Action Toolbox is a fundamental pillar of the programme. A simple two-minute assessment enables users to identify priority action areas based on business type and core activities. They can develop an action plan or go one step further and measure their carbon footprint to identify the most relevant actions to help cut emissions. The toolbox provides tailored advice and support. It showcases smaller businesses leading the way with climate action.
Upskilling & support
SBN is delivering a suite of training and resources and events. We hold regular climate action workshops for SMEs to provide additional support and guidance that is based around the Climate Action Toolbox.
Showcasing to inspire others
Engaging communications is a critical part of the programme. The Toolbox features over 40 case studies of smaller businesses. These will be added to.
Promotions
SBN, business.govt.nz and and the programme partners are collaborating to deliver an integrated promotions plan. The plan aims to reach more of our target audience - 'mainstream' smaller businesses who know they need to play their part in climate action. Our promotions are multi-channel, including partner websites, electronic direct mail, social channels and search engines.
Impact reporting
The impact of the programme is reported regularly. SBN and business.govt.nz has access to a real-time dashboard which shows the usage of the Toolbox. The insights from these data are used to evaluate the Toolbox and programme, and provide input on future developments.
Governance
The programme is overseen by a governance group comprising of representatives from SBN, business.govt.nz, and each of the funding partners. It meets monthly.
Refer to the Business & Climate Action for background on smaller businesses and climate action.
Who's involved
The programme was established by the Sustainable Business Network in 2020. The programme is a collaboration of organisations from the public and private sectors that recognise climate action needs to be integrated into the way we do business in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Initiated by the Sustainable Business Network and co-led with business.govt.nz (Ministry for Business, Innovation & Employment), the partner group currently includes BNZ, EECA, NZ Trade & Enterprise, Spark, and Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency). All have been partners since the programme's inception in mid-2020, except Spark which joined the group in January 2022. Meridian Energy were also a valued partner until July 2022. The programme is funded by this group. DNA provides the design and development expertise for the Climate Action Toolbox.
The project is led by SBN and co-managed by SBN and business.govt.nz. The funding partners provide oversight and strategic direction through a governance group. The partners are also involved in the design group and communications group.
How you can get involved
There are many opportunities to get involved. Whether you are a large business, a smaller business, lead a business group, or have a role in supporting businesses with climate action, we have ideas for your involvement. Take a look and contact us to find out more!
If you are a larger business
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- Join us as a programme partner. Show your support for climate action by our smaller business community and play a critical role in shaping the direction of the programme. Leverage the positive brand association.
- Promote the Climate Action Toolbox to your customers and suppliers. Encouraging SME's you are involved with to use this simple self assessment tool will help them to reduce their carbon footprint. Contact us for a promotion pack.
- Partner with SBN on a workshop or webinar specifically for your customers or suppliers.
If you lead a business network
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- Partner with us to deliver events for the SMEs in your network. We can deliver stand alone workshops or a comprehensive six month programme that includes learn, share and progress elements.
- Promote the Climate Action Toolbox to your network. Contact us for a promotion pack.
- Let us know if you have any climate action leaders within your network - we might feature them as case studies.
If you are a smaller business
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- Use the Climate Action Toolbox. Complete the simple self-assessment. Browse the actions and create an action plan to get started!
- Let us know about your climate action and we may feature your business as a case study.
- Keep an eye out for climate action workshops for SME's on our events page for further support. There are a number happening this year as a part of our Starting out in Sustainability series.
Get in touch to find out more on how you can get involved.
Contact us to find out more
Future direction
The programme has made good progress in its first 2 years. But this is just the start!
In mid-2023 we implemented the next major Climate Action Toolbox release, including a new target setting module and tailored advice, starting with the construction sector.
Our roadmap beyond includes a range of new Toolbox features to further simplify the tool and enhance the user experience. We are also looking to introduce new sector-specific information beyond the construction sector and automate parts of the carbon calculator process. We will continue to introduce new case studies, showcasing businesses taking action.
In addition to these Toolbox enhancements, we'll keep on improving the range of additional support we provide to our SME users, including through a wider range of workshops and other upskilling activities.
A word from our partners
Get in touch
Get in touch with Kimberley or Rosa to discuss how you can help Kiwi businesses through the Climate Action 20/25 Programme.
Kimberley Savill
Programme Manager - ClimateKimberley leads the Climate Action programme at SBN, supporting smaller businesses across Aotearoa to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and be part of a low-emissions future.
Kimberley has previously worked in sustainability within a corporate context and completed a PhD researching materials for solar panels. Kimberley loves learning and is passionate about tackling climate change and leaving a positive impact on our planet. Outside work, Kimberley enjoys running, reading fantasy and science fiction, and getting immersed in the bush on tramping trips.
Rosa Thompson
Senior Project & Partnership ManagerRosa is part of SBN's climate related work, focused around the Climate Action Toolbox. Having previously worked in SBN's nature and regenerative design programmes, Rosa brings a wealth of knowledge to the Climate team. Her experience is key to helping businesses make the connection between climate and nature.
She has a Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business, with experience managing various wildlife conservation projects in Zimbabwe. Rosa loves all things outdoors and is an avid surfer, spending most weekends at the beach.
Phil Crawford
Communications AdvisorPhil’s career in media and communications has involved him as a writer, photographer and video producer. Over the past decade he has been raising awareness of environmental issues and promoting their solutions at both local and global levels. Phil credits a rural upbringing for his connection to the land and ongoing dedication to sustainability.
Our climate work in partnership with
