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Advising NZ business on transitioning from fossil fuels

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Trish Sunga Trish Sunga Australasia Press Office,Sydney
19 June 2020

Arup has been selected by the New Zealand Government as a key adviser to local businesses to help cut their use of fossil fuels and become more energy efficient.

The Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority has selected a panel of experts, including Arup, to work with large energy users under its Energy Transition Accelerator (ETA) programme. 

The programme is incentivising private sector firms and government agencies with more than 10,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year to develop a clean energy roadmap with an expert firm such as Arup.

 

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We’re very pleased to be part of the national transition from fossil fuels and look forward to working with some of NZ’s largest energy users on their decarbonisation journeys. ”

Elizabeth Halsted Liz Halsted Arup Interim Group Leader in New Zealand

“As a locally-based consultancy, our focus is on solutions which fit NZ circumstances and create value through short and long-term opportunities,” said Liz.

“We can also call in our colleagues working in the global energy sector to advise about innovations, trends, technologies and exemplar projects.”

According to the EECA, businesses use 51% of NZ’s energy – excluding transport – and generate 42% of its energy-related emissions. EECA research in 2019 revealed 74% of businesses think they have a moral duty to minimise their impact on the environment and 88% of New Zealanders want business to do more about it.

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Having our largest energy users take a leadership role in this space will provide lessons that can be applied by other organisations, large or small. ”

Eddie Christian, Group Manager, Investment and Engagement, EECA Eddie Christian Group Manager, Investment and Engagement, EECA

“We expect ETA outcomes to reach well beyond carbon reduction. Businesses making tangible progress towards significant emissions reduction will win a competitive advantage, improve brand perceptions and productivity, reduce energy-related costs, and become more resilient to market changes,” Eddie said.

The New Zealand Government has committed to the country being carbon neutral by 2050. Last year Arup co-authored A Vision for hydrogen in New Zealand which outlined the potential of green hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions, create jobs and become a new export industry.