ACM happening today 25 August!

It’s great to have everyone together for SBC’s Annual Council Meeting, which is taking place this afternoon at the Genesis office in Auckland. Keep an eye out for some exciting announcements and updates from the ACM on social and in next week’s Pānui! 

Ecotricity score 100% renewables contract with Microsoft 

Unilever ANZ becomes a B-Corp 

Unilever ANZ has achieved B-Corp certification, joining a growing network of organisations committed to meeting high environmental and social standards. “Achieving B Corp Certification is a signal to Kiwi shoppers that when they buy Unilever brands, they can feel reassured they are buying from a business that is committed to having a positive impact on the planet and society.” 

Investing in social procurement 

Ākina have worked with McConnell Dowell, the construction firm behind the new Puhinui Station Interchange, to deliver a socially responsible procurement strategy. The new  infrastructure procurement framework helps McConnell Dowell easily identify engagement opportunities with accredited businesses, Māori-owned or run businesses and social enterprises. 

Megan’s thoughts on SLP 

With the 2022 Sustainability Leadership Professionals (SLP) programme now halfway through, SBC’s Sustainability Advisor Megan Gallagher shares her top five insights from the course thus far. Check out the SLP brochure if you’re considering taking part in the 2023 course, and keep your eyes peeled for more information about registering soon. 

New builds must be greener 

Have a read through this thought-provoking op ed from Andrew Eagles, head of CLC signatory New Zealand Green Building Council, calling for greater focus on improving NZ’s building standards. In his opinion, the old ‘tried and tested’ methods are proving to be a roadblock, and regulators and industry bodies need to embrace innovation if we want to create greener housing.  

New member: Unravel Carbon 

Welcome to new SBC member Unravel Carbon, whose enterprise software helps companies track and reduce carbon emissions. Backed by investors like Y Combinator and Sequoia, Unravel Carbon is the first AI-powered decarbonization platform in Asia Pacific that converts accounting data into full supply chain carbon data automatically in seconds.  

Netlogix invest in electric forklifts

Netlogix has bought 10 electric forklifts to replace diesel and LPG hoists. “Replacing fossil fuel machines with zero emissions Battery Electric was the right decision for the environment and our business. Our expectations have been exceeded and operator acceptance has been overwhelming...it’s a clean, green and quiet environment that’s better for everyone.”

Silver Fern Farms going coal free 

Silver Fern Farms is moving closer towards a coal-free future as it begins work on a high-temperature heat pump at its Christchurch plant. The $1.6 million project (co-funded by the government) will scrap the plant's coal boiler and reduce more than 1,500 tonnes of coal a year, which is about 8% of the co-op's total consumption. 

Have your say on PFAs

A team of academic researchers (UoA, AUT, UC) are collaborating to understand PFAS usage/concern within various industries in NZ. They hold monthly online seminars and are looking to understand perceptions through a 5-7 min survey and online interview (approx. 45min) – if you’re interested in participating, please visit the links or contact joya.kemper@cantebury.ac.nz. 

Sustainability Reporting Corner

More SBC members have released their Annual and Sustainability Reports for the last financial year. Click below to give them a read.

• thinkstep-anz Integrated Report 

• Chorus FY22 Sustainability Report 

• Mercury FY22 Annual Report 

• Meridian FY22 Annual Report

Ngāi Tahu tackle climate change 

Clever engineering and innovation from Ngāi Tahu Tourism is turning a fossil fuel hungry V8 jet boat into one that travels lightly and quietly on electric batteries. Lisa Tumahai, Kaiwhakahaere (Chair) of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, shares how resilience and innovation can turn climate challenges into opportunities. 

More about SBC events. For other low emissions events, see the Climate Leaders Coalition events calendar.

Please send Pānui stories (30 words plus image) to sbccomms@businessnz.org.nz by Weds 12pm.