A low-emissions Ōtepoti Dunedin means better, more efficient local infrastructure, improved public health, and a more liveable city. In some areas, the DCC has direct responsibilities, and we are improving waste services and transport infrastructure to unlock low emissions choices for everyone.
But when it comes to tackling climate change, everyone has a unique role to play. Becoming a Zero Carbon city will take all of us!
There are lots of things we can do as individuals, whānau, businesses and communities. Everyone’s contribution will look a little bit different, and every little bit counts! But which actions make the biggest difference? We’ve put together a list based on the latest research.
Travel
For most of us, changing how we get around is the single most impactful step we can take to tackle climate change.
The highest impact emissions-reducing actions include:
- Living car-free
- Shifting to an electric vehicle
- Taking fewer flights
- Shifting to public and active transport
- Downsizing to a smaller vehicle
Home
The way we heat and power our homes also has a big impact on our carbon footprint.
High-impact ways to cut emissions include:
- Producing and/or using renewable energy (e.g. solar)
- Shifting to heat pumps or renewable-based heating
- Renovating or refurbishing to improve efficiency and reduce emissions
- Swapping out cooking equipment for lower emissions options (e.g. gas to electric)
Food
Shifting to a more plant-based diet is the highest impact way to reduce emissions associated with growing, processing, transporting, distributing and preparing food.
Other steps you can take include:
- Choosing seasonal, locally produced and organic foods
- Choosing food with less packaging
- Choosing lower carbon meats
- Producing your own food
- Minimising food waste
Ready to take action?
Want to learn more or take the next step? Explore resources to find practical ways to lower emissions at home, at work, and in your community.
Travel choices
https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/roads-and-footpaths/getting-around-dunedin
Sustainable travel events
A schedule of events in Dunedin that support alternative travel modes.
https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/roads-and-footpaths/getting-around-dunedin/events
School travel
Programmes aimed to improve road safety, encourage active travel modes and develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.
School travel plans: https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/roads-and-footpaths/getting-around-dunedin/getting-to-school/school-travel-plans
Move It! Schools programme: https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/roads-and-footpaths/getting-around-dunedin/getting-to-school/move-it-schools-programme
Getting to school: https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/roads-and-footpaths/getting-around-dunedin/getting-to-school
Eco-design advisor service
A free eco-design consultation to help you create a warm, dry and energy-efficient home, whether you’re building new or want to improve your existing home.
https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/eco-house-design
Recycling and rubbish
Main page: https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/rubbish-and-recycling
Sustainability education: https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/rubbish-and-recycling/waste-minimisation/community-household-and-event-waste-minimisation/waste-minimisation-and-sustainable-education
Reducing waste at events: https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/news-and-events/whats-on/festivals-and-events-in-dunedin/waste-minimisation
E-waste and batteries: https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/rubbish-and-recycling/e-waste