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Sustainability Superstars Episode 5

Tune into the 5th episode of our podcast series, developed in partnership with KPMG, in which Emily Davies Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability for Tower Insurance shares her insights and reflections on the deepening challenge of managing natural risk while ensuring insurance remains affordable and accessible for people - and the importance of maintaining trust throughout that.  

In this latest thought piece, Tonkin & Taylor’s sustainability advisory team explore how GRI’s updated Climate Change and Energy Standards offer a broader, impact-driven framework for sustainability reporting and share insights on what that means for clients and the wider industry. The piece also provides a high-level summary of how the updates compare to XRB NZCS and IFRS S2. 

WBCSD CEO Peter Bakker highlights messages from global businesses

Capital is still flowing toward net-zero - but only where the right conditions exist. In this new interview with Reuters, WBCSD CEO Peter Bakker highlights the key messages from their recently released 2025 Business Breakthrough Barometer Report: global businesses are ready to deliver climate action, but needs aligned signals from policymakers, financial institutions, and global frameworks. 

As our digital infrastructure grows, SBC members are exploring important questions around what we need to do to ensure AI benefits Aotearoa New Zealand’s climate, nature, economy and people. Generate Zero shares their guidance in this thought piece on how to measure and manage your AI footprint. Lever Room’s Rebecca Mills also explores whether AI could cut more carbon emissions than it creates in this recent post.

Kiwirail and WSP Harness Data Analytics to Boost Climate Resilience

A recent article from BRANZ Build Magazine showcases how Kiwirail and WSP are leveraging advanced data analytics to enhance infrastructure resilience against climate threats. By integrating historical and real-time data, including IoT and AI technologies, they enable predictive, preventive, and adaptive strategies. This proactive approach supports smarter decision-making, helping Aotearoa New Zealand’s built environment withstand floods, fires, and other climate disruptions. 

The Warehouse Group have launched The Good Drop, a circular economy recycling programme incentivising customers to drop off their old clothing for a 10% discount. Wearable clothes are given to The Salvation Army, and the rest are processed into new materials by recycling partners. Read more here.

Powerco’s net-zero journey continues

Powerco’s new electricity field services contracts began this week. General Manager Electricity, Karen Frew says, “demand for electricity is evolving fast, and the new agreements allow us to maintain and enhance the infrastructure essential for helping Kiwis embrace electrification as New Zealand moves towards sustainable energy choices.” Read more here.

Five NIWA (now known as Earth Science NZ) proposals have been successful in the latest MBIE Smart Ideas funding round. This includes a project - quantifying impacts of record-shattering weather events on critical infrastructure under climate change. 

New report: evidence review on the financial effects of nature-related risk

A new TNFD report reveals nature-related risks can significantly impact business finances, from cash flow to capital access. With over 600 sources reviewed, the findings provide key insights for Aotearoa NZ businesses on why nature should factor into risk planning. Better data and scenario analysis can help organisations stay resilient and attract investors increasingly focused on environmental impacts. 

SPR 2025 Insights launch recording

• Catch up on the launch of the 2025 Insights on Aotearoa New Zealand Sustainability Professionals, delivered in partnership by Oxygen SBC, SBN and AUT. Rewatch the entire webinar here.

• Download the full report here. 

See all SBC events here. For other low emissions events, see the Climate Leaders Coalition events calendar.

Please send Pānui stories (50 words plus square image) or event listings (100 words plus banner image) to sbccomms@businessnz.org.nz by Tuesday 12pm. 

See guidelines around SBC's expectations of member communications and transparency here. 

3 July 2025