Sustainability Policy
What is ‘Sustainability’ and how do we plan for it?
Sustainability planning asks ‘How do we thrive now and into the future?’. It looks at the big picture of how the world is changing and focuses on the things we hold in our hands here and now. It names the ways we impact the world and sets creative achievable goals for positive change for maximum benefit.
The internationally recognised definition of sustainability is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”
(Our Common Future, Brundtland Commission Report to the United Nations, March 1987).
Policy and Strategy
Sustainability is everyone’s business, no matter what your business.
Few organisations have environmental protection as their primary focus. Some organisations do have some conservation goals incorporated into the main body of their work. But every organisation needs to consider the impact of their work on the environment.
Developing a sustainability policy begins from what matters to you; the values and principles that define your organisation and drive what you do:
What matters to you?
From there we ask:
How does your organisation impact on the environment?
both negatively, in terms of carbon emissions, waste or pollution, and positively, in terms of enhancing natural spaces. This would normally include some measuring of current outputs.
Then, the goal setting:
What does becoming more sustainable look like to you?
This becomes a statement of policy as it gains agreement within your organisation and emerges as a common commitment.
But words alone are not enough. Taking it into an action plan means asking:
What will you work on? How? Who? When?
Reporting and Accreditation
“Producing a sustainability report is a fantastic opportunity for your organisation to engage with your stakeholders and deep dive into the issues that are important to you and to them. It provides a unique opportunity to share the milestones achieved to date, the goals you are striving for while explaining the obstacles in your way, and a big-picture understanding of sustainability. Ultimately, a sustainability report is about transparency and communication which are fast becoming the expected norms.” (GoWell Consulting)
Website: https://gowellconsulting.co.nz
There are various frameworks available in NZ and internationally designed to lift the bar on sustainability planning. These aim for consistency across the range of organisations, so that together we hold ourselves accountable for doing what we say we are doing.
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has developed global standards for reporting and strategic planning. Their vision is “a sustainable future enabled by transparency and open dialogue about impacts. This is a future in which reporting on impacts is common practice by all organizations around the world.” GRI encourages a holistic understanding of development across economic, environmental and social aspects.
Website: www.globalreporting.org
UN Sustainable Development Goals. The United Nations has set 17 goals to target a wide range of aspects including environmental sustainability (and make for a very colourful interactive clock pattern!). A rigorous reporting process enables comparisons between countries internationally, and highlights key aspects for attention.
SDG NZ works “to ‘hold the mirror’ on New Zealand’s progress towards the attainment of the Goals (both relative to our own history, and in comparison with other countries) and serve as a catalyst for conversations on how we can make progress towards the attainment of the Goals.”
Website: www.sdg.org.nz
Toitū Accreditation
Toitū EnviroCare has emerged as New Zealand’s standards process. (It used to be called Enviro-Mark). Toitū offers a range of services including:
- ‘Enviro Mark’ accreditation for “systematic development and improvement of a credible environmental management system”
- ‘Carbon Reduce’ or ‘Carbon Zero’ accreditation based on calculations, reduction and mitigation of carbon emisssions: “proof you are taking action on climate change. Accurately measure and reduce the greenhouse gas footprint of your business, product or service.”
- ‘Carbon Assess’ software for small-to-medium organisations. Cost is approx $30 per month. Website: https://carbonassess.toitu.co.nz
website: www.toitu.co.nz
Sustainability Planning in New Zealand
Business
Many businesses are responding to consumer desire for safe and environmentally friendly products and services and looking to brand themselves as eco friendly. Sustainability reporting is a vital part of this process. Sustainability consultancy for businesses and environmental impact planning is a rapidly growing service.
NZ Govt
Government agencies are all tackling the challenge of sustainability planning.
Defence
A recent report by the NZ Defence, highlights the “perfect storm” threatening our Pacific neighbours with the effects of climate change and identifies implications for the NZDF. The report concludes by stating:
“In this context, Defence has an opportunity to be better prepared to address the adverse impacts of climate change in New Zealand and its neighbourhood and to be ambitious in becoming more environmentally sustainable. This would contribute to the Government’s wider efforts to help lead the global policy debate on addressing and minimising the impacts of climate change.”
Web link: https://www.defence.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/66cfc96a20/Climate-Change-and-Security-2018.pdf
MFE
For the Ministry for the Environment sustainability means three things: “operating within our baseline, minimising our environmental footprint and ensuring we walk the talk on sustainability matters.” Obviously the work of MFE is all about caring for the NZ environment, but they still needed to go through the process of assessing the impacts of their operations. Their Sustainability Strategy includes:
“We are measuring and reporting our organisation’s emissions from the following areas.
• Transportation (domestic air travel, international air travel, rental cars, taxis, reimbursed mileage, buses, ferries and trains)
• Electricity consumption
• Waste to landfill
• Paper consumption
We have committed to achieve many targets by July 2022 such as the following:
• Reduce our emissions by 26 per cent from our 2017/18 baseline
• Reduce our waste to landfill from our head office by 50 per cent from our 2017/18 baseline
• Reduce our paper use by 50 per cent rom our 2017/18 baseline.”
Website: www.mfe.govt.nz/about-us/about-ministry/sustainability-mfe
Universities
Universities are leading in sustainability strategy. Here are two examples:
Lincoln University’s policy starts from a conviction that “We don’t see sustainability as a choice, but an imperative.” It states that “Lincoln seeks to ensure future generations have the opportunity to grow and thrive. That means using the world’s resources wisely, in a sustainable way. So we do. Not just through our teaching and research but every day on campus. At Lincoln we want to ensure we tread lightly on the earth in areas such as energy conservation, protection of native biodiversity, water management and resource recovery.”
Website: www.lincoln.ac.nz/About-Lincoln/Why-Lincoln/sustainability
Lincoln University is the only NZ University to gain an international ranking through the UI Green Metric accrediation programme.
Canterbury University’s policy is to view sustainability “as a broad, multi-faceted concept in which ecological, social, cultural and economic systems mutually reinforce and support one another into the long term. In particular, the University supports the notion of ‘strong sustainability’, in which the ‘econo-sphere’ rests within the ‘socio-sphere’, which in turn is dependent on a strong ‘bio-sphere’.
Website: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/media/uc-policy-library/general/Sustainability-Policy.pdf
Canterbury University uses the framework of Learning In Future Environments (LiFE) which aims to support tertiary institutions “in their efforts to embed sustainability into all facets of the core business of educational institutions.”
LiFE website: www.life.acts.asn.au
Community
Community organisations such as social services are mostly yet to grapple with sustainability planning.
Maori
Caring for the natural environment is central to a Maori world-view, and those organisations with a commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi are making the connections between sustainability and bicultural partnership.
For instance, Canterbury University’s Sustainability Policy defines and recognises the concepts of Manaakitanga, Mauri Tū, Mahinga Kai and Tauutuutu.
Website: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/media/uc-policy-library/general/Sustainability-Policy.pdf
Another excellent example of a bicultural policy is the NZDF's 'Tuku Iho' policy statement. This includes Kaitiakitangi as a central value; "Ko au te whenua, ko te whenua ko au".
Website: http://campsandbases.nzdf.mil.nz/assets/Uploads/TUKU-IHO-final.pdf
Other NZ Organisations working in this space:
Sustainable Business Network
https://sustainable.org.nz
The Sustainability Council of NZ
Website: www.sustainabilitynz.org
Basic principles and definitions:
Sustainable Development: “Development meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Biodiversity: “The genetic variability on the earth shall not be compromised; the population levels of all life forms must be at least sufficient for their survival, and to this end necessary habitats shall be safeguarded.”
Precautionary Principle: “Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.”
Burden of Proof: “Activities which are likely to pose a significant risk to nature shall be preceded by an exhaustive examination; their proponents shall demonstrate that expected benefits outweigh potential damage to nature, and where potential adverse effects are not fully understood, the activities should not proceed.”
Polluter Pays: “Operators of potentially risky activities who cause environmental damage shall be held responsible for restoring the damage caused, or made to pay for the restoration.”
Sustainability planning asks ‘How do we thrive now and into the future?’. It looks at the big picture of how the world is changing and focuses on the things we hold in our hands here and now. It names the ways we impact the world and sets creative achievable goals for positive change for maximum benefit.
The internationally recognised definition of sustainability is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”
(Our Common Future, Brundtland Commission Report to the United Nations, March 1987).
Policy and Strategy
Sustainability is everyone’s business, no matter what your business.
Few organisations have environmental protection as their primary focus. Some organisations do have some conservation goals incorporated into the main body of their work. But every organisation needs to consider the impact of their work on the environment.
Developing a sustainability policy begins from what matters to you; the values and principles that define your organisation and drive what you do:
What matters to you?
From there we ask:
How does your organisation impact on the environment?
both negatively, in terms of carbon emissions, waste or pollution, and positively, in terms of enhancing natural spaces. This would normally include some measuring of current outputs.
Then, the goal setting:
What does becoming more sustainable look like to you?
This becomes a statement of policy as it gains agreement within your organisation and emerges as a common commitment.
But words alone are not enough. Taking it into an action plan means asking:
What will you work on? How? Who? When?
Reporting and Accreditation
“Producing a sustainability report is a fantastic opportunity for your organisation to engage with your stakeholders and deep dive into the issues that are important to you and to them. It provides a unique opportunity to share the milestones achieved to date, the goals you are striving for while explaining the obstacles in your way, and a big-picture understanding of sustainability. Ultimately, a sustainability report is about transparency and communication which are fast becoming the expected norms.” (GoWell Consulting)
Website: https://gowellconsulting.co.nz
There are various frameworks available in NZ and internationally designed to lift the bar on sustainability planning. These aim for consistency across the range of organisations, so that together we hold ourselves accountable for doing what we say we are doing.
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has developed global standards for reporting and strategic planning. Their vision is “a sustainable future enabled by transparency and open dialogue about impacts. This is a future in which reporting on impacts is common practice by all organizations around the world.” GRI encourages a holistic understanding of development across economic, environmental and social aspects.
Website: www.globalreporting.org
UN Sustainable Development Goals. The United Nations has set 17 goals to target a wide range of aspects including environmental sustainability (and make for a very colourful interactive clock pattern!). A rigorous reporting process enables comparisons between countries internationally, and highlights key aspects for attention.
SDG NZ works “to ‘hold the mirror’ on New Zealand’s progress towards the attainment of the Goals (both relative to our own history, and in comparison with other countries) and serve as a catalyst for conversations on how we can make progress towards the attainment of the Goals.”
Website: www.sdg.org.nz
Toitū Accreditation
Toitū EnviroCare has emerged as New Zealand’s standards process. (It used to be called Enviro-Mark). Toitū offers a range of services including:
- ‘Enviro Mark’ accreditation for “systematic development and improvement of a credible environmental management system”
- ‘Carbon Reduce’ or ‘Carbon Zero’ accreditation based on calculations, reduction and mitigation of carbon emisssions: “proof you are taking action on climate change. Accurately measure and reduce the greenhouse gas footprint of your business, product or service.”
- ‘Carbon Assess’ software for small-to-medium organisations. Cost is approx $30 per month. Website: https://carbonassess.toitu.co.nz
website: www.toitu.co.nz
Sustainability Planning in New Zealand
Business
Many businesses are responding to consumer desire for safe and environmentally friendly products and services and looking to brand themselves as eco friendly. Sustainability reporting is a vital part of this process. Sustainability consultancy for businesses and environmental impact planning is a rapidly growing service.
NZ Govt
Government agencies are all tackling the challenge of sustainability planning.
Defence
A recent report by the NZ Defence, highlights the “perfect storm” threatening our Pacific neighbours with the effects of climate change and identifies implications for the NZDF. The report concludes by stating:
“In this context, Defence has an opportunity to be better prepared to address the adverse impacts of climate change in New Zealand and its neighbourhood and to be ambitious in becoming more environmentally sustainable. This would contribute to the Government’s wider efforts to help lead the global policy debate on addressing and minimising the impacts of climate change.”
Web link: https://www.defence.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/66cfc96a20/Climate-Change-and-Security-2018.pdf
MFE
For the Ministry for the Environment sustainability means three things: “operating within our baseline, minimising our environmental footprint and ensuring we walk the talk on sustainability matters.” Obviously the work of MFE is all about caring for the NZ environment, but they still needed to go through the process of assessing the impacts of their operations. Their Sustainability Strategy includes:
“We are measuring and reporting our organisation’s emissions from the following areas.
• Transportation (domestic air travel, international air travel, rental cars, taxis, reimbursed mileage, buses, ferries and trains)
• Electricity consumption
• Waste to landfill
• Paper consumption
We have committed to achieve many targets by July 2022 such as the following:
• Reduce our emissions by 26 per cent from our 2017/18 baseline
• Reduce our waste to landfill from our head office by 50 per cent from our 2017/18 baseline
• Reduce our paper use by 50 per cent rom our 2017/18 baseline.”
Website: www.mfe.govt.nz/about-us/about-ministry/sustainability-mfe
Universities
Universities are leading in sustainability strategy. Here are two examples:
Lincoln University’s policy starts from a conviction that “We don’t see sustainability as a choice, but an imperative.” It states that “Lincoln seeks to ensure future generations have the opportunity to grow and thrive. That means using the world’s resources wisely, in a sustainable way. So we do. Not just through our teaching and research but every day on campus. At Lincoln we want to ensure we tread lightly on the earth in areas such as energy conservation, protection of native biodiversity, water management and resource recovery.”
Website: www.lincoln.ac.nz/About-Lincoln/Why-Lincoln/sustainability
Lincoln University is the only NZ University to gain an international ranking through the UI Green Metric accrediation programme.
Canterbury University’s policy is to view sustainability “as a broad, multi-faceted concept in which ecological, social, cultural and economic systems mutually reinforce and support one another into the long term. In particular, the University supports the notion of ‘strong sustainability’, in which the ‘econo-sphere’ rests within the ‘socio-sphere’, which in turn is dependent on a strong ‘bio-sphere’.
Website: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/media/uc-policy-library/general/Sustainability-Policy.pdf
Canterbury University uses the framework of Learning In Future Environments (LiFE) which aims to support tertiary institutions “in their efforts to embed sustainability into all facets of the core business of educational institutions.”
LiFE website: www.life.acts.asn.au
Community
Community organisations such as social services are mostly yet to grapple with sustainability planning.
Maori
Caring for the natural environment is central to a Maori world-view, and those organisations with a commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi are making the connections between sustainability and bicultural partnership.
For instance, Canterbury University’s Sustainability Policy defines and recognises the concepts of Manaakitanga, Mauri Tū, Mahinga Kai and Tauutuutu.
Website: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/media/uc-policy-library/general/Sustainability-Policy.pdf
Another excellent example of a bicultural policy is the NZDF's 'Tuku Iho' policy statement. This includes Kaitiakitangi as a central value; "Ko au te whenua, ko te whenua ko au".
Website: http://campsandbases.nzdf.mil.nz/assets/Uploads/TUKU-IHO-final.pdf
Other NZ Organisations working in this space:
Sustainable Business Network
https://sustainable.org.nz
The Sustainability Council of NZ
Website: www.sustainabilitynz.org
Basic principles and definitions:
Sustainable Development: “Development meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Biodiversity: “The genetic variability on the earth shall not be compromised; the population levels of all life forms must be at least sufficient for their survival, and to this end necessary habitats shall be safeguarded.”
Precautionary Principle: “Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.”
Burden of Proof: “Activities which are likely to pose a significant risk to nature shall be preceded by an exhaustive examination; their proponents shall demonstrate that expected benefits outweigh potential damage to nature, and where potential adverse effects are not fully understood, the activities should not proceed.”
Polluter Pays: “Operators of potentially risky activities who cause environmental damage shall be held responsible for restoring the damage caused, or made to pay for the restoration.”