DCC to consider updated approach to emissions targets

A report to be considered by Council on Tuesday, 22 July 2026 recommends elected members consider whether the existing target, adopted in 2019, should be retained or replaced with a refreshed target framework that better reflects current evidence and best practice.

This follows earlier advice to Council, in May 2025, that the 2030 net zero target was no longer considered achievable.

Despite that, the report also confirms Dunedin continues to make steady progress in reducing emissions, with gross greenhouse gas emissions falling 13% since 2018/19.

The report also confirms the Zero Carbon Plan remains fit for purpose, with the actions needed to reduce emissions across transport, waste, energy, industry and land use unchanged.

Dunedin City Council’s Zero Carbon Acting Manager Rory McLean says the report is about ensuring the city's emissions targets remain credible and evidence-based.

"We have made progress. Dunedin's emissions are coming down, and we're on track to meet our methane reduction target. But the evidence shows the current 2030 net zero target for other greenhouse gases is now highly unlikely to be achieved.

"Council now needs to consider whether retaining a target we know is unlikely to be met is the right approach, or whether a refreshed target would better support long-term action."

The report notes Dunedin's gross emissions have reduced from around 1.62 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2018/19 to 1.42 million tonnes in 2024/25.

Reductions have been achieved through lower emissions from waste, reduced coal use, cleaner electricity, improvements in industrial processes, and changes in agriculture. Transport was the city's largest source of emissions in 2025 and continues to represent one of the biggest opportunities for future reductions.

Updated modelling indicates Dunedin is unlikely to achieve net zero emissions for greenhouse gases other than biogenic methane by 2030 under any currently modelled scenario. However, all scenarios show Dunedin reaching net zero for those gases before New Zealand's national 2050 target.

The report also confirms Dunedin is on track to meet its separate biogenic methane reduction target, with methane emissions already reducing faster than required for 2030.

Options to be considered by Councillors at their meeting include retaining the existing target, adopting a revised net zero target with a later date, setting a gross emissions reduction target, introducing a carbon budget approach, or adopting a two-stage target focused on near-term emissions reductions alongside a longer-term net zero goal.

If Council decides to refresh the city's emissions target framework, a further report later this year will present options for the level of ambition and timing of any new target.

Mr McLean says the focus remains on continuing to reduce emissions across the city.

"Every tonne of emissions we avoid makes a difference.

"The Zero Carbon Plan continues to provide the roadmap for reducing emissions while supporting a resilient and healthy future for Dunedin."

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