Business support

Businesses across Ōtepoti Dunedin play an important role in reducing emissions and shaping a low-carbon future for the city.

Support for businesses to reduce emissions

The Zero Carbon Business Support Programme, delivered by the Dunedin City Council, supports local businesses to understand their emissions and identify practical opportunities to reduce them.

Participating organisations receive guidance, tools, and connections that can help them begin, or accelerate, their emissions reduction journey.

Reducing emissions helps businesses improve efficiency, manage future risks, and respond to growing expectations from customers and investors.

Interested in participating?

If your organisation would like to take part in the programme, register your interest for:

What the programme offers

The programme is designed to build confidence and capability in reducing emissions.

Participants may receive support with:

Understanding emissions

Learning how to measure your organisation’s carbon footprint and identify the biggest sources of emissions.

Identifying reduction opportunities

Exploring practical actions such as improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and reviewing transport and procurement choices.

Accessing tools and resources

Connecting with national programmes, calculators, and guidance that can support emissions measurement and reduction.

Learning alongside other organisations

The programme also provides opportunities for organisations to share experiences, learn from one another, and showcase emerging success stories, building a local network of businesses taking climate action.

Programme intakes

The programme is offered through periodic intakes.

Businesses and organisations interested in participating can register their interest by filling out an expression of interest form.

Current intake

May 2026 programme intake will primarily focus on visitor sector businesses and organisations.

Future intakes

If the current intake is full, you can register your interest to be notified about future opportunities to participate.

Tools and resources for businesses

Businesses beginning their emissions reduction journey outside of the programme do not need to start from scratch. A range of organisations across Aotearoa provide guidance, tools, and support. It might help to think about action in four steps:

1. Measure your emissions: Understanding your carbon footprint helps identify where to focus efforts.
   • Read the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) guide: Measuring emissions guide 2025.
2. Focus on the biggest opportunities: For many businesses, this includes energy use, transport, waste, and procurement.
   • The Climate Action Toolbox provides guidance on key areas where you can reduce emissions.
3. Set achievable goals: Start with realistic targets and build momentum over time.
   • Find a step-by-step guide on building climate action into your strategy from MBIE.
   • The Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority also has a simple explanation of how to set emissions reduction targets.
4. Connect with support: There are a range of organisations offering tools, funding, and advice.

• Find guidance on assessing energy use, improving performance and resilience, and access support from the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority.

Why reducing emissions makes business sense

Taking action on emissions can deliver real benefits for businesses.

Lower operating costs

Improving energy efficiency and reducing waste can lower ongoing costs.

Future-ready operations

Many industries are transitioning to lower-emissions practices and supply chains.

Customer expectations

Consumers and clients increasingly expect businesses to demonstrate environmental responsibility.

Staff attraction and retention

Sustainability is an important factor for many employees when choosing where to work.

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