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Sustainability

The issue of climate change has propelled sustainability into the top of agendas in New Zealand and overseas. Around the world, governments, businesses, households and individuals are striving to incorporate sustainability into their plans and everyday actions.

Sustainability is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (the Brundtland Report, Our Common Future, 1987).

The work of the Ministry for the Environment is focused on environmental sustainability which supports social and economic wellbeing.

The Government’s package of sustainability initiatives

The Government recognises that New Zealand’s future prosperity depends on long-term sustainable strategies for the economy, society, environment, culture and our way of life.

In February 2007, the Prime Minister outlined her vision for New Zealand to be the first country to be truly sustainable. She announced six new sustainability initiatives. These initiatives are part of a broader cross-government work programme to lead New Zealand towards greater sustainability in our resource use and way of life.

The six initiatives are:

  1. Helping households towards sustainability
    The Household Sustainability programme raises awareness of the simple steps that householders can take to reduce their impact on the environment, improve energy efficiency, and reduce waste and water use. The campaign will build on and integrate the practical advice and help already being given by government agencies, non-government organisations and the private sector. The sustainability.govt.nz website, developed under this programme, provides New Zealand households with information and advice on sustainable living.
  2. Business partnerships for sustainability
    The Business Partnerships for Sustainability programme, will make it easier for New Zealand businesses to find out about and implement sustainable business practices. It will include support for existing sustainability advisory services and the expansion of assistance to industry groups.
  3. Eco-verification: demonstrating sustainability of goods and services
    Through the Enhanced Eco-verification programme Government will work with businesses and sectors to identify the standards, tools and verification infrastructure that will support a drive towards the development, use and export of eco-friendly goods and services.
    There will be a strong focus on improving uptake of internationally recognized firm-based environmental management systems such as ISO 14001, and identifying where New Zealand can lead internationally such as in tools for life cycle carbon footprinting of products.
    This initiative will be supported with the development of a database that will provide guidance on eco-labels and environmental standards. and links to products which meet those criteria.
    It will also increase the number of product specifications available under the Government's own Environmental Choice New Zealand ecolabel and encourage greater uptake of the label by businesses, to help purchasers make informed decisions about the goods and services they buy.
  4. Government to buy sustainable goods and services
    The Government will use its purchasing power to grow the market for environmentally friendly services and products, including paper, timber and wood products, travel and light fittings.
    Sustainability will be integrated into a single procurement policy. A national sustainable procurement framework leveraging off best practice initiatives overseas will be implemented, quick win categories will be rolled out to public service departments, and best practice tools and information will be made publicly available.
  5. Public service takes lead in becoming carbon neutral
    The 34 core public service departments have begun immediate work to achieve carbon neutrality. A lead group of six agencies – the Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Economic Development, Inland Revenue, Department of Conservation and the Treasury – will have carbon neutral plans in place by early 2008 and be carbon neutral by 2012.
    It will be mandatory for the remaining 28 agencies to be on a path to carbon neutrality by 2012.
  6. Towards zero waste
    The Government has announced a new drive to cut down on waste and improve resource recovery. Initiatives include:
    • The introduction of recycling facilities in public places in different regions in New Zealand.
    • Securing dedicated funding for further solid waste minimisation and management. This is a proposal that is currently before Parliament (as part of the Waste Minimisation (Solids) Bill).  
    • Regulation back up for product stewardship schemes, including recognition of existing industry sponsored schemes. This is a proposal that is currently before Parliament (as part of the Waste Minimisation (Solids) Bill).  

Implementation

The Government has tasked core agencies to implement the sustainability package of six initiatives. The initiatives are being led by Ministry for the Environment or Ministry for Economic Development.

Policy is in the initial stages of being drafted and stakeholders will be consulted before it is finalised.

Work on the six initiatives sits alongside much existing work to promote sustainability, including:

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