Council calls for feedback on draft Emissions Reduction Strategy

Kāpiti Coast District Council invites residents, businesses, community groups, environmental organisations and partners to provide feedback on its draft Emissions Reduction Strategy.

Councillor Sophie Handford, Chair of Council’s Strategy, Operations and Finance Committee and Deputy Chair of the Climate and Environment Committee, says the proposed Emissions Reduction Strategy outlines the principles and pathways to help achieve the Council’s aspirational goal of ‘net zero’ emissions across Kāpiti by 2040.

“This is not just about meeting targets – we want to maximise the economic, social and community benefits of a low carbon economy for everyone who lives and works in Kāpiti, such as healthier homes, and lower energy costs,” Cr Handford says.

“We want to strengthen Council’s existing climate action and make it easier for residents and businesses to reduce emissions. We’re already making great progress. People and businesses across Kāpiti are taking action to reduce their emissions – and reaping the benefits.

“Kāpiti Coast’s emissions have reduced 6% since the first regional emissions inventory was undertaken in 2018/19, even though our population has increased.

“We need to identify the systems change that is required so we can coordinate and accelerate our efforts,” Cr Handford says.

Councillor Jocelyn Prvanov, Climate and Environment Committee Chair, says that it is important for Council to show leadership in this field.

“We’re proud of the fact that, as an organisation, Council has reduced its corporate carbon footprint by 72% since 2010 and we are looking at ways we can support our community to follow suit.

“We know that climate change is an important issue to many people in Kāpiti, and many households and businesses are already finding ways to reduce their emissions and make more sustainable choices.

“We also know it’s tough out there. We know there are recessionary pressures, and so it’s even more important to look at ways we can help our residents and businesses reduce their carbon footprint where they can, and even potentially make savings,” Cr Prvanov says.

“While reaching our targets is a combined effort, it’s not just about individual action. We want to build a community where everyone has access to low carbon transport, efficient energy, and all the benefits that it brings.

“So, we’re asking what are the areas that people think we should focus on to achieve these goals, where are the gaps, and what are the obstacles we can remove.

“It’s a big challenge that requires collective effort, so we are creating a strategy that unites our energies. As a first step we’re asking: are these the right principles and is this the right focus for us to achieve our goals?” Cr Prvanov says.

Feedback closes at midnight on Sunday 22 June. Go to: haveyoursay.kapiticoast.govt.nz/EmissionsReductionStrategy to review the draft Emissions Reduction Strategy and to submit feedback. Council is hosting webinar on 5.30–6.30pm on Wednesday 4 June to talk through the draft Emissions Reduction Strategy and have planned drop-in sessions for anyone who would like to know more. Registration details for the webinar and dates for drop-in sessions are available at: https://haveyoursay.kapiticoast.govt.nz/emissionsreductionstrategy.