Shift 7

Build a Carbon Neutral Future

Rapidly reduce carbon-based fuel consumption by promoting renewable energy usage, and radically reducing energy use by reorganising production and consumption patterns.

Carbon neutrality is attained when entities implement measures to minimise greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and then offset residual emissions so that their net greenhouse impact is zero.

This shift provides emphasis on:

  • Establishing Auckland's carbon profile
  • Reducing emissions
  • Offsetting residual emissions.

Establishing Auckland's Carbon Profile

Developing a carbon profile of the region which identifies the key carbon flows to the atmosphere would allow Auckland to determine potential abatement options and to focus efforts on areas that provide the greatest emissions reduction potential in the region.

Reducing Emissions

After determining where carbon savings may be made, we will then be able to begin working towards reducing carbon emissions. Our ability to build a carbon neutral future is dependent on the development of an effective emissions reduction programme. This will involve breaking our dependence on fossil fuels and reducing energy use.

The region could identify and focus on critical areas of risk, which may be in areas such as fossil fuel-based transportation systems and low-density urban form. The region can then become a ‘fast adopter' and regional innovator of national initiatives.

Offsetting Residual Emissions

Carbon offsets are generated from a project or activity that avoids or absorbs CO2, or any of the other main GHG emissions, from the atmosphere. These are then used to compensate for emissions from another project, activity, or business.

To meet its Kyoto targets, New Zealand will need to both reduce its GHG emissions and use flexible mechanisms which allow for the trading of carbon credits. The Government has decided to implement an emissions trading scheme (ETS) as its core price-based mechanism for reducing GHG emissions and enhancing carbon sinks. A key requirement for organisations in the region is to determine their obligations (in terms of both assets and liabilities) under the proposed ETS.

Because reducing emissions to zero through efficiency measures may be unattainable or unfeasible, offsets are an important tool for organisations to meet their obligations under the ETS or to meet reduction targets or if they wish to reduce their net carbon footprint.