Business solutions needed to meet tougher target

Business needs should be considered when setting emissions reduction targets, says BusinessNZ.

The Government today committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to five percent below 1990 levels by 2020.

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly says although this is a reasonably modest target, it is a further competitive hurdle for the New Zealand businesses that have already done hard yards reducing emissions over recent years.

“Productive, innovative businesses have helped deliver a growing economy even while reducing emissions, with the result that New Zealand has achieved an emissions intensity reduction of more than a third since 1990.

“Business-led solutions will be the key to achieving new reduction targets through their resources and innovative capacity.

“Target adjustments need to be done with care – and with business input – to unlock positive opportunities,” Mr O’Reilly said.