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In this issue: a Climate Leaders Coalition case study on the power of consumer choice; why we've joined the BusinessNZ Energy Council; and what we learnt from the CEP webinar. Read the newsletter Subscribe to future issues

Switching to electricity is often the answer to help decarbonise process heat. But how do we then deal with the carbon emissions from electricity use? On Tuesday 8 December, Tim Middlehurst will be on a panel at the Decarbonising Heat conference in Auckland, run by Conferenz. Electricity can often be a sticking point in an organisation’s zero carbon footprint. We’re used to the warm glow of knowing most of New Zealand’s electricity generation is renewable, but that still leaves nearly 20% derived from fossil fuels - and nearly 40% that generates carbon emissions. And the electricity market does not differentiate between those sources, providing the exact same supply mix to all users. Until recently, organisations wanting to lower their Scope 2 emissions had to offset them or buy carbon credits. But energy certificates represent another way to reduce your Scope 2 emissions to zero. At the conference, Tim will explain the options for decarbonising electricity that currently exist in New Zealand, and how energy certificates can help accelerate your low-carbon journey to meet your corporate goals and contribute positively to your brand story for consumers and investors. Tim will be speaking alongside panel members from the Bioenergy Association, Kaitiaki Advisory, Sequal Lumber, and Kinleith Land and Infrastructure. Decarbonising Heat will focus on the decarbonisation of industrial and process heating, exploring the available fuels, technologies and processes to determine the options and logistics of transition for more sustainable outcomes. We’re also looking forward to hearing from other leading organisations during the two-day event, including Beca, Danone, DB Breweries, Fonterra, Oji Fibre Solutions, Synlait, and Transpower.

Certified Energy has recently joined the BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC), part of BusinessNZ and a member of the World Energy Council. Membership of organisations like BEC is really important to us. Certified Energy is just a small outfit, with a big idea to reshape the energy environment of New Zealand. We know that without like-minded people, we won’t get far. BEC brings together some of the key players in the New Zealand energy sector. Led by Tina Schirr, BEC recently released its 2020 Energy Briefing, outlining the key issues for leaders and policy makers in the energy transition. We’re used to thinking about the electricity system as at least 80% renewable, and 60% zero-carbon. We need to remember that 60% of New Zealand energy still comes from fossil fuels. That’s right, if we include all energy used in transport, we have a long way to go to decarbonise our overall energy use. In particular, green hydrogen and electric vehicles will help reduce the carbon footprint of transport, and there are some exciting initiatives going on in those areas. But increased electrification will greatly increase the demand for renewable electricity generation in New Zealand, an issue that is very close to our hearts at Certified Energy. We feel that businesses need to show their support for renewable and zero-carbon energy to encourage new generation capacity to be built. Buying energy certificates is one of the ways to do that. I agree with BEC’s assessment of the ten key areas where business and government can work more closely together. We would particularly like to see more progress on energy efficiency and reducing energy hardship, to improve the lives of low-income New Zealanders as well as reduce carbon emissions. Win-win. Point #7 caught my eye - support your local. “Decarbonisation and diversification of New Zealand’s energy system may require growth in local, renewably sourced energy.” And this is another area where Certified Energy operates. We are working with several local generators to issue certificates for locally-sourced power, for businesses who want to support low carbon and renewable power generation that gives back to their local communities through increasing jobs as well as other benefits like improving wetlands or biodiversity projects. We’re proud to be part of the big picture with the BusinessNZ Energy Council and we’re looking forward to meeting fellow members at upcoming events, either online or in person. If you want to know more, drop us a line via the contact form below.