Emissions Reduction Strategy 2025
This strategy sets out how we can work together to achieve our aspirational goal of a 'net zero' Kāpiti by 2040. It sets out the principles, pathways and partnerships model we will follow to realise our collective goals and build a more prosperous, healthier and low carbon Kāpiti for everyone who lives and works in the district.
Moving towards a prosperous, healthier, low-carbon Kāpiti, together
This is a community strategy based on the feedback about what is most important for people in our district. Our residents have indicated that reducing emissions is an important way to contribute to reducing the impacts of climate change in an affordable and balanced way. Reducing emissions comes with many benefits, such as healthier homes and lower energy bills. In 2023, we consulted with community and agreed an aspirational goal of net zero emissions for the district by 2040. Our Emissions Reduction Strategy to achieve this aspirational goal is built on a model of working together and maximising the benefits of reducing emissions for everyone who lives and works in Kāpiti.
Here’s what we know
Our aspirational 2040 goal will take commitment from our communities. The reality is that if we work together, our collective efforts will make a difference.
If we all do what we can every day, we can shift the emissions 'dial' and reap the benefits. Start small, be innovative, and where it makes sense to: be bold.
Council supports the community and our partners to take practical actions to reduce emissions in their day-to-day life. We help create the conditions for success by:
- Working in partnership with iwi, business, central government, and community groups.
- Coordinating delivery of the Emissions Reduction Strategy and associated action plans through our Climate Action and Connected Communities Team.
- Advocating to regional and central government on climate concerns and needs of local communities.
- Providing leadership, including through reducing our corporate emissions.
- Facilitating access to funding opportunities for grassroots initiatives.
- Helping build capability and connections across our communities and industries.
Climate strategies
The Emissions Reduction Strategy will be one of three climate related strategies progressed to improve the resilience of our community. To deliver on the strategy Council will consider the priority for the existing work programme, and options for any additional activities or initiatives, through the future Annual and Long-term Plan process, in consultation with the community. We will also work with those interested in contributing to district wide change, and showcase and report on action in the community
We're building on action already underway
Kāpiti already has a strong foundation of climate action and sustainability. The district has set a target of net zero emissions by 2040 and Council has cut its own emissions by 72% since 2010.
We know that there is strong support for a district emissions target and that transport is our districts largest source of emissions.
We are challenged in reaching net zero by a reliance on central government changes and the need to ensure the transition to low carbon living is fair. However we have the tools to do it and our community is engaged and motivated.
Key pathways for change
We’re supporting the shift to a low-carbon Kāpiti by focusing on reducing emissions where the biggest opportunities lie.
We will focus on reducing emissions from transport, buildings and energy and waste.
We will support the shifts necessary to achieve this such as increasing public transport and electric vehicle uptake, diverting organic waste from landfill and improving building performance.
To help us get to net zero, we'll explore the role of forestry and other nature-based options to offset our districts remaining emissions.
Seizing the benefits of reducing emissions
Kāpiti is building a healthy, low-carbon future where the benefits of emissions reduction are realised.
Low carbon transport will be the new normal.
Homes will be healthier and energy bills lower.
Innovation, technology and smarter resource use will reduce emissions and waste.
Forest cover will increase and will be well-managed to sequester carbon.
Getting there will take everyone’s effort and together, we’re making it happen.
Driving a Low Carbon Future
Watch how our Emissions Reduction Strategy sets the course for a low carbon Kāpiti Coast.
This video outlines our focus and how strong partnerships will help us build a prosperous and healthy community.
Get Involved
We know many people are already getting involved – there are plenty of opportunities if you aren't yet!
Business are already doing work in this space - it helps with the bottom line as well as contributing to resilience – see Sustainable Business Network.
Reducing emissions is something we all have a role in. The success of this strategy depends on shared ownership and ongoing partnerships. There are plenty of ways to learn more or support this work - see climate grants and funding.
Find out how you can get involved and read success stories from across our district.
What else do you want to know to get started on your emissions reduction journey, or take it to the next level? Drop us a line for more advice and information!
Pathways for change and actions
Our residents have shared they want Kāpiti to be a healthy low carbon place that people can live, work and play in. This Strategy marks the next step in this journey and identifies pathways to net zero. Together, we’ll support positive change that enables the shifts we need to make happen in a way that benefits everyone. For each pathway, we will use the levers at our disposal to support the wider community to achieve our vision.
Pathway 1 Transport
Key shifts
How we move around:
- Increase uptake of walking, cycling and public transport.
- Reduce travel demand through smart town planning,
- Enable more people to work locally or from home.
Low emission vehicles:
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Increase the uptake of electric/low emission cars, trucks and buses and alternative means for getting around.
Council levers
- District planning.
- Infrastructure provision.
- Enable community action through information, education and funding.
- Advocate to central and regional government.
- Reduce Council emissions, including supplier emissions.
Council actions underway
- Working with communities to develop town centre plans that include a low carbon focus.
- Enabling active transport through safe and connected footpaths, shared paths and cycle lanes.
- Delivering transport safety education programmes such as Pedal Ready.
- Advocating with NZTA, MoT, KiwiRail and GWRC for low emission transport improvements.
- Electrifying Council’s vehicle fleet.
Pathway 2 Energy and Buildings
Key shifts
Building performance:
- Design and upgrade buildings to be warm, dry and more energy efficient.
Local renewable energy:
- Increased uptake of residential/community alternate energy solutions, particularly solar panels and batteries.
Move on from fossil fuels:
- Substitute coal, oil and gas with efficient electric or low emission options.
Council levers
- Partner with business and the energy sector to support and encourage development and innovation of renewable energy.
- Administer building regulations.
- Infrastructure provision.
- Enable community action through information, education and funding.
- Advocate to central and regional government.
- Reduce Council emissions, including supplier emissions.
Council actions underway
- Supporting local businesses to reduce emissions through Pakihi Toitū o Kāpiti, Council’s sustainable business network.
- Providing Healthy Home kits through our local libraries.
- Maintaining and upgrading Council property to improve energy efficiency and lower costs. ·
- Committing to the Civic Centre solar hub project in the Long-Term Plan 2024.
Pathway 3 Waste
Key shifts
Minimise waste:
- Refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, recover.
Landfill:
- Divert organic waste from landfill and improve gas capture.
Council levers
- Administer waste bylaws.
- Enable community action through information, education and funding.
- Advocate to central and regional government and working with neighbouring councils. that help to manage waste from Kāpiti.
- Reduce Council waste and include waste targets in Council procurement contracts.
Council actions underway
- Establishing Otaihanga Zero Waste.
- Developing a regional waste calculator tool to help Multi Unit Development applicants undertake waste management and minimisation plans.
- Awarding Waste Levy Grants to community-led projects.
- Establishing nationwide regulated product stewardship in Kāpiti, such as Tyrewise.
- Supporting the delivery of waste education programmes, such as Love Your Compost, Zero Waste Education and Enviroschools.
Pathway 4 Sequestration
Key shifts
Increase carbon sequestration across the district:
- Alongside our mana whenua partners, and in line with community values
Council levers
- District planning (ensuring mitigation of risk and opportunity of forestry and wetland restoration remains balanced).
- Land use decisions about Council-owned land.
- Support private landowners with their land use decisions.
- Enable community action through information, education and funding.
- Advocate to central and regional government.
Council actions underway
- The Council has planted 20ha of trees at the Waikanae Dam. Native bush is emerging and weed / pest control is ongoing.
- The Council provides labour and technical support for approximately thirty community conservation groups across the district, many of which are planting trees or maintaining existing natural areas with sequestration potential.