SBC 2019 Submission on the Zero Carbon Bill

SBC Submission

Action on climate change is a top priority for SBC members.

There is a growing sense of urgency and ambition amongst SBC members to act, as a better understanding of the science emerges, and they anticipate the risks and opportunities for their business; and as they hear from their own staff and customers about how important it is.

SBC members are already taking steps to lead the transition to a low emissions economy and significant action is already underway A sub-set of SBC members established the Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC), which has now grown to include non-SBC members. A key feature of the CLC is sharing knowledge and learning from each other about how best to transition. Members have invested in research and development, created long term decarbonisation plans, invested in novel technologies or partnered to help each other reduce emissions.

Much of this activity is voluntary and is based on businesses taking a long-term view. However, voluntary action can only ever advance the transition so far. Ultimately, a framework of policies, legislation, incentives, financing mechanisms and market initiatives will be needed, and our members want to be part of shaping what that framework might look like.

SBC members support the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill (the Zero Carbon Amendment Bill) and agree with the purpose ‘to provide a framework by which New Zealand can develop and implement clear and stable climate change policies that contribute to the global effort under the Paris Agreement to limit the global average temperature increase to 1.5° Celsius above pre-industrial levels.’

SBC members also support the guiding objectives for the framework and decision-making about the Zero Carbon Amendment Bill, namely:

• leadership at home and abroad;
• a productive, sustainable and climate-resilient economy; and
• creating a just and inclusive society.