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At the time of writing this report TrustPower is in the final stages of receiving carboNZero certification for its activities.
It is expected that a formal announcement will be made about the same time as this report is published. At that time a disclosure statement summarising TrustPower’s certification will be available on the carboNZero website.
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WHAT WILL IT MEAN?
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carboNZero certification means that the New Zealand based business activities of generating and retailing electricity do not contribute to the build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The carboNZero certificate is issued by Landcare Research and independently audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
The carboNZero certification sought is in respect of TrustPower’s generation activities and corporate operations. The certification does not extend to the sale of carbon neutral electricity.
carboNZero certification is not just about measuring emissions and offsetting any shortfall with carbon credits. What makes the difference is that carboNZero certification requires organisations to reduce their emissions as much as possible before offsetting the unavoidable remainder. It requires an emissions reduction plan signed off by the Chief Executive, Board and senior management who have responsibility for ensuring the planned reductions are achieved.
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WHAT WAS MEASURED?
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TrustPower followed international protocols in determining what was accounted for in terms of its carbon emissions. All of the Company’s emissions were measured for the following:
- Energy use in buildings
- Transport and fuel use, including air travel
- Waste to landfill generated from operations
- Fuel and travel for most contractors
The life cycle emissions for the construction of the Tararua Wind Farm Stage III expansion have also been measured. These emissions will be offset outside of the carboNZero project in association with the Government’s Project to Reduce Emissions.
Significant exclusions include:
- Hydro generation construction at Waipori
- Land holdings – some of which have associated agricultural operations
- Electricity purchased from the national grid over and above generation
Many of the exclusions will be included in future reporting when more reliable data is available.
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WHY DO IT?
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TrustPower is a strong supporter of carbon trading and has been actively supporting a robust carbon trading system in New Zealand. TrustPower has sold carbon credits from its generation schemes to others, including our competitors, to help them reduce their carbon footprint.
Given its leadership role in the development of carbon policy and practice in New Zealand TrustPower felt it important that its own operations were carbon neutral.
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NEXT STEPS
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As long standing totally renewable generator TrustPower sees gaining carboNZero certification as an important first step. The challenge now is to take each of the areas measured and further reduce the impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
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