Wellington coastline
Under the Local Government Act 2002, New Zealand's local councils are required to protect the natural environment and ensure community well-being.
Wellington City Council is implementing measures designed to reduce its own carbon-footprint, as well as that of the wider city. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to managing climate change impacts and to leading by example.
Initial work has focused on asset management, hazard management and regulatory processes. This includes:
- the capacity and design of the city's stormwater system
- decisions controlling housing and infrastructure development in places susceptible to river and sea flooding, and areas prone to slips or coastal erosion
- land-use decisions, such as forestry or farming, including management options for native ecosystems.
Long-term Vision
In December 2007, the Council agreed on targets, timing and a draft programme of work aiming to reduce emissions for its own activities and for the community. Implementation began in early 2008.
Council Initiatives
Bus lane - Lambton Quay
Wellington City Council's in-house initiatives over recent years have been in response to commonsense economic, social and environmental drivers.
Measures include strategies around transport, energy, sustainable buildings, and water conservation. The Council is also working to make sure that infrastructure will cope with the impacts of climate change expected this century.
The Council has introduced a number of community initiatives, and many businesses and residents are taking action.
- Annual Report 2007/08 - Monitoring Information (75Kb PDF)
- Resident Satisfaction Survey (February 2007) results (71Kb PDF)
Personal Initiatives
Energy Advice
To reduce emissions, we all need to work together collectively and individually. One way to reduce emissions is by properly insulating and heating your home. The Government's new Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme provides subsidies to help residents with the costs of insulation and energy-efficient heating retrofits.
Funding for Insulation and Clean, Efficient Heating - Energywise website
Learning to live sustainably is a personal challenge for everyone. By rethinking how we do things on an everyday basis, we can reduce our impact on the environment and save money.
The New Zealand government website on sustainability has ideas on how to reduce your personal carbon footprint:
sustainability.govt.nz website
The Council also supports the Sustainability Trust in delivering free home energy advice on ways to reduce your power bills, make your home warmer and link you with subsidy schemes for retrofits. Reducing energy usage in your home is one of the easiest ways to reduce emissions and take action individually.
The Council welcomes your comments and suggestions - use the online form below:
Department Details:
Policy
