30th June 2023
Dr Parin Rafiel-Thompson, Auckland Unlimited /Climate Connect Aotearoa
Tori Calver, Sustainable Business Network (SBN)
Mark Roberts, Senior Waste Planning Specialist, Auckland Council
Bailey Gorst, ChargeNet
This sold-out event attracted representatives from all types of organisations at different stages of their sustainability journey. Their shared goal was perfectly expressed during Eliza McCartney’s welcome video. The Olympic athlete, environmental ambassador, and Hyundai EV (electric vehicle) ambassador reminded everyone that innovation through collaboration can transcend individual efforts, and thanked attendees for stepping up and showing their commitment to sustainability.
Unfortunately, Dr Rafiel-Thompson was unwell. BNH general manager Kevin O’Leary shared her presentation, focused on Auckland’s ultimate climate goal, to create and maintain “a resilient, low carbon economy, guided by our kaitiaki values, that supports Aucklanders to thrive.”
A new initiative, Climate Connect Aotearoa, will fulfil a pivotal role in helping businesses adopt practical solutions and developing a knowledge hub of resources and support.
Echoing previous statements, SBN’s Tori Calver highlighted the many benefits – including financial – of transitioning from a “take, make, waste” linear model to a sustainable circular economy. Acknowledging that making this change can be complex, she recommended three of SBN’s free resources:
- Climate Action Toolbox, which had been updated that day to include construction-specific content
- Docket, which helps businesses select ethically and environmentally sound suppliers and partners
- Circular Economy Directory, which lists organisations that can help businesses on their sustainability journey. For example, recycling and upcycling, vehicle fleet optimisation
Mark Roberts discussed “the state of waste in Auckland” and the Zero Waste 2040 plan. Fifty per cent of Auckland’s waste comes from construction and demolition. The cost is huge – to business and the environment. There are some great initiatives out there, including Ara Auckland Airport Job & Skills Hub, and Naylor Love’s waste sorting protocols, which, amongst other benefits, provide potentially unqualified labourers with valuable environmental qualifications.
Illegal dumping has become “an epidemic”. Mark urged anyone who witnesses this to call Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 and to get a job number for their report. He also encouraged people to visit and make use of their local community recycling centres, of which there are now 13 around Auckland, and check the council website for “How to get rid of unwanted items”.
Founded in 2015, BNH member ChargeNet has been at the forefront of developing the country’s EV fast-charging public network. Bailey Gorst shared a brief history of the company whilst explaining how the EV landscape has evolved over that time. To support the increasing number of businesses and individuals transitioning to electric vehicles, ChargeNet has big goals for the next three years, aiming to add another 300 charging points across 240 sites.
Bailey concluded by reminding business owners how they can reap the benefits of going green, through the likes of reduced operating costs, improved brand reputation, and increased employee satisfaction.
Having thanked the summit’s speakers for their time and expertise, Kevin O’Leary encouraged attendees to speak to Dave Loader about how BNH’s three eco-initiatives – food waste collections, inorganic collections, and pallet and cardboard box swaps – could assist their sustainability efforts.
