About the programme
Climate Action 20/25 is the Sustainable Business Network's five-year programme to make it easier for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to take action to reduce their carbon emissions and become climate resilient.
The programme has been designed to help SMEs take advantage of the opportunities from taking climate action, such as reducing costs and engaging staff and customers. It also looks at how they can overcome the barriers to taking climate action.
We welcome the support of our project partners in helping us with this mahi!
The components of the programme include:
Climate Action Toolbox
The Climate Action Toolbox is a fundamental pillar of the programme. A simple two-minute assessment enables users to identify priority action areas based on business type and core activities. They can develop an action plan or go one step further and measure their carbon footprint to identify the most relevant actions to help cut emissions. The toolbox provides tailored advice and support, including specific guidance for the construction sector. It helps businesses set a reduction target to track progress over time. It showcases smaller businesses leading the way with climate action.
Upskilling & support
SBN is delivering a suite of training and resources and events. We hold regular climate action workshops for SMEs to provide additional support and guidance that is based around the Climate Action Toolbox.
Showcasing to inspire others
Engaging communications is a critical part of the programme. The Toolbox features over 40 case studies of smaller businesses. We are continually growing our library of case studies as more businesses take climate action with the Toolbox.
Promotions
SBN, business.govt.nz and and the programme partners are working together to promote the Toolbox and reach more of our target audience - 'mainstream' smaller businesses who know they need to play their part in climate action. Our promotions are multi-channel, including partner websites, electronic direct mail, social channels and search engines.
Impact reporting
The impact of the programme is reported regularly. SBN and business.govt.nz have access to a real-time dashboard which shows the usage of the Toolbox. The insights from this data is used to evaluate the Toolbox and programme, and provide input on future developments.
Governance
The programme is overseen by a governance group comprising of representatives from SBN, business.govt.nz, and each of the funding partners. It meets monthly.
Refer to the Business & Climate Action page for background on smaller businesses and climate action.
Who's involved
The Climate Action 20/25 Programme was established by the Sustainable Business Network in 2020. The programme is a collaboration of organisations from the public and private sectors that recognise climate action needs to be integrated into the way we do business in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Initiated by the Sustainable Business Network and co-led with business.govt.nz (Ministry for Business, Innovation & Employment), the partner group currently includes BNZ, EECA, Spark, and Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency). All have been partners since the programme's inception in mid-2020, except Spark which joined the group in January 2022. Meridian Energy were also a valued partner until July 2022, and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise until July 2023. The programme is funded by this group. DNA provides the design and development expertise for the Climate Action Toolbox.
The project is led by SBN and co-managed by SBN and business.govt.nz. The funding partners provide oversight and strategic direction through a governance group. The partners are also involved in the design group and communications group.
How you can get involved
Everyone has a role to play in moving to a net zero carbon economy. There are many opportunities to get involved. Whether you are a large business, a smaller business, lead a business group, or have a role in supporting businesses with climate action, we have ideas for your involvement. Take a look and contact us to find out more!
If you are a larger business
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- Join us as a programme partner for the next stages of our Climate Action programme. Play a part in uniting businesses around climate action, show your support for our smaller business community, and leverage the positive brand association.
- Major partners will work together to shape the success of the programme and the Climate Action Toolbox, bringing their unique perspectives to the steering group, and leading as champions for business climate action.
- Partners will work with us to champion change and promote the Climate Action Toolbox, building stronger connections and helping more SMEs find the support they need to take climate action.
- Supporters will show their belief in united action, fund our work to make climate action accessible, and build awareness and momentum through their association.
- Sector partners will support the development of a tailored pathway on the Climate Action Toolbox, with specific guidance for a certain sector.
- Partner with SBN on a workshop or webinar specifically for your customers, suppliers, or staff. Our range of Climate Action trainings for SMEs, and the people who work with them, help businesses overcome the barriers to climate action and reap the benefits. Learn more.
- Join us as a programme partner for the next stages of our Climate Action programme. Play a part in uniting businesses around climate action, show your support for our smaller business community, and leverage the positive brand association.
If you lead a business network
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- Partner with us to deliver events for the SMEs in your network. We can deliver stand alone workshops or a comprehensive six month programme that includes learn, share and progress elements.
- Promote the Climate Action Toolbox to your network.
- Let us know if you have any climate action leaders within your network - we might feature them as case studies.
If you are a smaller business
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- Use the Climate Action Toolbox. Complete the simple self-assessment. Browse the actions and create an action plan to get started!
- Let us know about your climate action and we may feature your business as a case study.
- Keep an eye out for climate action workshops for SME's on our events page for further support. There are a number happening this year as a part of our Starting out in Sustainability series.
- Share your experiences and feedback with us. We are continually updating the Climate Action Toolbox. Hearing from users about what is working well, what needs to be changed, and what you would like to see next will help us make it even better.
Get in touch to find out more on how you can get involved or share your suggestions.
Contact us to find out more
Future direction
The programme has made good progress in its first 3 years. But this is just the start!
In mid-2023 we implemented the next major Climate Action Toolbox release, including a new target setting module and tailored advice, starting with the construction sector.
We are currently exploring a range of new Toolbox features to further simplify the tool and enhance the user experience. We are also looking to introduce new sector-specific information beyond the construction sector. We will continue to introduce new case studies, showcasing businesses taking action.
In addition to these Toolbox enhancements, we'll keep on improving the range of additional support we provide to our SME users, including a wider range of workshops and other upskilling activities.
If you are interested in partnering with us for the future of the Climate Action Programme, or giving feedback to inform the development of the Toolbox, please get in touch!
Get in touch
Get in touch with Kimberley to share your feedback or suggestions, or discuss how you can help Kiwi businesses through the Climate Action 20/25 Programme.
Kimberley Savill
Programme Manager - ClimateKimberley leads the Climate Action programme at SBN, supporting smaller businesses across Aotearoa to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and be part of a low-emissions future.
Kimberley has previously worked in sustainability within a corporate context and completed a PhD researching materials for solar panels. Kimberley loves learning and is passionate about tackling climate change and leaving a positive impact on our planet. Outside work, Kimberley enjoys running, reading fantasy and science fiction, and getting immersed in the bush on tramping trips.
Phil Crawford
Communications AdvisorPhil’s career in media and communications has involved him as a writer, photographer and video producer. Over the past decade he has been raising awareness of environmental issues and promoting their solutions at both local and global levels. Phil credits a rural upbringing for his connection to the land and ongoing dedication to sustainability.