EPA emissions reduction on track

With the support of Toitū Envirocare, EPA has successfully reduced their total greenhouse gas emissions by ten percent, a recent audit reveals.

Following certification under the internationally recognised Toitū carbonreduce scheme (formerly CEMARS) in December 2018, EPA has worked to drive down their emissions.

Chief Executive, Dr Allan Freeth, says “Given that our work as New Zealand’s environmental regulator is centred on environmental protection, it makes sense that we do our utmost as an organisation to reduce our carbon footprint.”

“Only ten government organisations are Toitū carbonreduce certified. We are very pleased to stand with EECA, the Ministry for the Environment, Antarctica NZ, and six district health boards in committing to managing our organisation responsibly, and being open and transparent along this journey.”

EPA has committed to reduce emissions per full-time equivalent employee by 1 July 2021 over three target areas - eight percent from electricity use, fifteen percent reduction in waste to landfill, and eight percent from emissions related to staff travel.