Tēnā koutou katoa, nau mai haere mai ki tā mātou kawerongo.
Greetings everybody, and welcome to another Ekos newsletter.
Welcome to Ekos’ final newsletter of the year.
|
|
ANNOUNCEMENT
Using New Zealand Carbon Credits at Ekos
|
|
Government-owned Toitu Envirocare announced last week that they will no longer be allowing their customers to use New Zealand carbon credits for voluntary carbon offsetting. Here we provide the Ekos position on the use of New Zealand carbon credits sourced from the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZETS).
Ekos aligns its carbon management programme to the International Carbon Reduction and Offset Accreditation (ICROA), and the Ministry for the Environment Guidance on the Voluntary Carbon Market. The MfE Guidance is currently out of date and we are awaiting the updated version of this guidance before making any decision.
ICROA currently supports the use of carbon credits from UNFCCC Mechanisms but these are not specified in their latest Code of Best Practice. The NZETS is a domestic market instrument under the umbrella of the UNFCCC and New Zealand’s contribution to the (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement. According to ICROA, further clarity is expected following the approval of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Of particular relevance is the determination of whether voluntary carbon offsetting can legitimately encompass a contribution to a country’s national target (as is the case for all voluntary emission reductions). Alternatively, voluntary carbon offsetting would need to have a direct relationship with the atmosphere and thereby lie outside all national targets. The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (IC-VCM) do not support the issuance of carbon credits for voluntary actions that contribute to a national target.
ICROA on the other hand do endorse the use of carbon credits from government schemes on the strict condition that they are only used within the context of the government scheme to offset a local footprint within this specific jurisdiction. This aligns with Ekos use of carbon credits from the permanent category of the NZETS, whereby a carbon-related claim includes a) emission reductions (which contribute to a national target), and b) carbon offsets which also contribute to a national target, and where c) this is clear in the carbon-related claim.
Our strong preference is to support New Zealand projects where possible, particularly for buyers that have an interest in supporting local projects. We will review our carbon offsetting policy once Article 6 of the Paris Agreement has been resolved and in communication with ICROA.
|
|
YEAR REFLECTION
Summary and Certifications
|
|
|
With 7 years left to meet the 2030 Paris Climate Agreement targets, it is imperative that we take decisive action to make a meaningful difference in our fight against climate change.
In our pursuit of this goal, it is crucial to consider abatement costs and identify practical solutions that can be quickly implemented. We urge companies to grab the low-hanging fruit within their operations and adopt behavioural changes that not only reduce their bills but also significantly decrease their environmental footprint.
By working together and embracing these essential changes, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come. Let us join forces in this endeavour and make a lasting impact on our planet.
This year from the 1st of January to the 7th of November 2023 we have certified over 100 organisations!
|
|
|
We are proud to be working with climate-conscious businesses!
|
|
Stuck On Environmentally Friendly Gift Ideas?
|
|
|
Are you in search of environmentally friendly gift ideas that truly make a difference? Look no further!
It’s that time of year again – Ekos' gift packs are back! Give the gift of carbon credits, offering a unique and impactful way to contribute to our planet's well-being.
|
|
EDUCATIONAL PIECE
The Abatement Tree
|
|
|
|
Reducing emissions is like harvesting apples from a tree. Once we have harvested all the low fruit they are gone and we have to spend more and more time and effort harvesting every additional apple as we reach higher and higher on the tree. The cost (time and effort) to harvest the last apple can get very high.
We can use this logic to design a smart emissions reduction strategy. This can include deciding when it becomes sensible to stop harvesting high fruit on our own tree and cause greater good per dollar invested, by helping someone harvest lower fruit on their tree. Learn more by clicking the button below to an article on The Abatement Tree.
|
|
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Southern Kauri Forest
|
|
Kauri Trees Ltd is creating a Kauri forest in Taieri Beach, Otago. The project begun in August 2023, planting 7,300 native nurse trees on 20 hectares of pasture. The project's planning started in May 2022, and despite the location being further south than where Kauri typically grow, experts believe the trees can thrive with the right preparation. Kauri Trees Ltd sourced 34,000 seeds from various locations, with plans to plant 20,000 Kauri trees over three planting periods.
Kauri Trees Ltd is implementing a unique tracking system with GPS and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to monitor individual tree growth and support research into seed provenance. The project aims to provide valuable data for scientific research, potentially inspiring other landowners to establish Kauri plantations.
Ekos are assisting Kauri Trees Ltd with the registration of this project into the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme.
To read more about the awesome work Peter Parsons has been doing on this project, please click the 'Find Out More' button below.
|
|
THE EKOS TEAM
Interview with Josh
|
|
|
This quarter Ekos said goodbye to long-term employee Kent Barrett as he moves on to continue applying and developing his carbon management skills in a new role with ThinkStep-ANZ. We wish him all the best in this next chapter and welcome onboard our newest member Josh Leenhouwers.
|
|
|
Tell us a little about yourself?
Raised in the Netherlands with a kiwi dad, I have spent my adult life in New Zealand. Together with my wife and kids, I live on the outskirts of Motueka. From a very young age I've had a fascination for the world’s wild places and quickly gained a passion for the environment.
What do you do at Ekos?
I've recently joined Ekos as a carbon analyst, to support organisations in collecting the data need to calculate their carbon footprint, advise them on carbon reduction strategies, and facilitate any offsetting and certification they seek.
What do you want to achieve whilst working at Ekos?
I feel very privileged to be able to help tackle climate change in a professional capacity, and look forward to being able to contribute, strengthen and expand the company’s capacity and reach. Prior to this I've worked in education, telehealth, adventure tourism and horticultural consultancy.
What’s your favourite food?
If stranded on a desolate island, I'll be just fine listening to a BBC-grade history podcast whilst munching on feijoas, avocados, and Dutch liquorice.
How do you relax?
Exploring by kayak, mountain bike, sailboat or simply on foot, the great outdoors is where I gain my inspiration, although I have been known to feature on the pickleball court, football field or the dance floor.
|
|
|
|
|
|
