This week, the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) released the draft second emissions reduction plan, containing the strategies, policies and actions the Government is setting to achieve the second emissions budget (2026-2030). Consultation is now open and will close on 21 August. SBC and CLC will be running a feedback process with members to respond to the document at a strategic level. We have invited members to get involved in the consultation, including through a number of workshops and an information session with MfE. If you didn't receive this email but believe you should have, please email us.

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SBC hui

(SBC and CLC members only) Consultation has opened on the draft second emissions reduction plan containing the strategies, policies and actions the Government is setting to achieve the second emissions budget (2026 – 2030). To help members respond to the consultation, the Sustainable Business Council, Climate Leaders Coalition and Business Energy Council will be hosting an initial online session in which MfE experts will present on the content of the draft document, followed by a Q&A. 

(SBC and CLC members only) Join us for our next Masterclass where we look at the human side of climate action and explore what an inclusive transition plan looks like. We know the move to a sustainable, net-zero future needs to be a fast one to be effective. But it also needs to be fair and equitable. Green job alternatives, locally designed climate solutions and public buy-in can all help ensure we don’t leave anyone behind on the path to a net-zero economy. Join Oxfam’s Climate Justice lead Nick Henry and KPMG Partner Alec Tang for a discussion on inclusive transitions in this Masterclass.

(SBC members only) Taking action on sustainability can be challenging during a time of fiscal constraints. SBC has established a community of practice to share good practice on this topic. At our third hui Hamish White (Sustainability Manager, DB) will share DB’s thoughts on keeping momentum on emission targets when budgets are lower - how to do more with less? Register for one or all of the upcoming sessions below. This event is open to SBC members only. 

(SBC members only) In our next Thriving Voices session, we will build on content covered in previous sessions to unpack what a meaningful community partnership actually looks like and the key steps required to build it, given each community is unique and there is ‘no one size fits all’ solution. Join Robert Perry (Manager - Thriving People), Nao Guy and Izabela Josh from the Auckland Council Environmental Services team, and Rebecca Gallegos - DE&I Lead at Fujitsu, for our next Thriving Voices session.

(SBC members only) We invite you to join us at our Annual Council Meeting in Auckland, where we are looking forward to bringing together our Council Members and Liaison Delegates to launch our 2024 Snapshot Report. Come along to enjoy some light refreshments and kōrero with both familiar and new SBC faces. The event will offer an entertaining programme of speakers, covering both SBC's key achievements and priorities, as well as some hot topics in the wider sustainability landscape.

(SBC members only) Join us for our next SBC Spotlight Session, focusing on how to integrate sustainability across your business, even during a time of fiscal constraints. We'll have the pleasure of hearing from Evan Lawrey (Director, Marketing and Customer, OfficeMax) about marketing sustainability internally to drive continued effort in reducing emissions and demonstrating leadership during tough times, as well as Trent Brash (Senior Manager - Sustainability & Social Impact at AA Insurance) about how they have supported customers during the economic downturn and learnings from extreme weather events about putting social sustainability issues at heart of their operations. 

The contributions nature provides to people and businesses and the consequences of its rapid loss is well recognised by governments and economists alike. Over the last five years the Science Based Targets Network has taken a ‘big tent’ approach to developing the Science Based Targets for Nature (SBT4N) framework and guidance to help companies set nature targets appropriate to their value chains and aligned with the global goals. Join SBC and Nature Positive to learn about why and how your company might set global best practice targets for nature!

Register now for the 16th Climate Change & Business Conference, taking place at the Viaduct Events Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on 9-10 September. Check out our compelling programme line-up of domestic and international speakers and join the kōrero in September by registering below.

Other hui

Are you ready to eliminate the risk of greenwashing from your circular economy strategies? Join us for a 30-minute webinar on 31st July 2024, where we unpack the newly published ISO 59000 series of standards. thinkstep-anz’s Head of Circular Economy Jim Goddin and Walter Jager, from the Canadian mirror committee on the standards, will explain how the standards support businesses to implement and measure circular economy strategies effectively.