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Talk Environment Roadshow 2007

Key points raised at the Talk Environment Roadshow 2007 – sustainable business

Identifying areas where the Ministry could assist business towards becoming more sustainable was the main focus of discussions this year. Listed below are the issues that emerged repeatedly around New Zealand.

Government assistance with:

  • Promoting the environmental credentials of New Zealand’s products.
  • Developing sustainability strategies and action plans. In particular for business sectors such as tourism, food and beverage, aquaculture and agriculture.
  • Proving New Zealand’s products are sustainable. Roadshow attendees raised concerns about the increasing international attention on food miles (carbon miles). A rating or verification system was suggested as a solution.
  • Compliance costs. Attendees were concerned that the differences and issues faced between industries are not considered enough when nation-wide policy is written. Improved cost/benefit analysis before introducing regulation, and consideration of local nuances, was called for.

Information

  • Several attendees told us that unbiased, practical information, e.g. hard hitting figures and facts, are needed by businesses to motivate change. 
  • Other attendees requested consistent information, messages and policy from government so that consumers, and businesses, have a clear understanding about what environmental sustainability means.

Case studies and examples

  • Roadshow attendees requested practical information about sustainable practices that focus on the benefits to business.
  • General feedback suggested that many businesses already struggle in the current regulatory environment and sustainability was seen as another burden. Attendees suggested that case studies, templates, self audit tools and models to make decisions from are needed.

Incentives

  • Incentives and funding were suggested as ways to help small to medium-sized enterprises make changes to their businesses practices.  
  • Awards to acknowledge best practice among business were also suggested.
  • Tax rebates and tax incentives on sustainable products or as a reward for changing practices were offered as a solution.

For more information on sustainable business visit:

Last updated: 21 December 2007