Funding for sustainability projects

There are a lot of funding opportunities out there for sustainability and decarbonisation. New Zealand banks are also increasingly offering ‘green loans’ with preferential rates for sustainable business initiatives. 

Sustainable funding directories

Get funding | Ministry for the Environment (external link)

How to fund your sustainable initiative | NZTE (external link)

Co-funding and support | Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority(external link) 

Climate-friendly business networks

  • Sustainable Business Network

    A non-profit organisation empowering businesses to become more sustainable. Get access to useful tools and resources, along with webinars, courses, events and advice.

  • Sustainable Business Council

    Mainstreams sustainability within the New Zealand business community. Members commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and building sustainability into their purchasing decisions. Visit their website for reports, guides, commentaries and more.

  • Climate Leaders Coalition

    The Climate Leaders Coalition is a CEO-led community of close to 100 organisations leading the response to climate change through collective, transparent and meaningful action on mitigation and adaptation.

Sustainable business consultancies

Approximately 72% of businesses that prioritise sustainability collaborate with consultancies to assist them in their efforts.1  

Sustainability certifications

Explore the Sustainable Business Network’s list of certifications most relevant to businesses in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Step-by-step decarbonisation pathways

EECA’s Sector Decarbonisation Programme offers free, tailored decarbonisation support for small-to-medium-sized businesses, while helping them understand how to use their existing equipment and processes as efficiently as possible. 

The pathways are tailored for specific sectors and will guide you, at your own pace, through five steps of decarbonisation.

Tools and calculators

  • Vehicle Total Cost of Ownership Calculator

    Find out how low emission vehicles could reduce your transport costs, and emissions. Compare the cost of buying, running and on-selling new electric vehicles with hybrid, petrol or diesel alternatives.

  • Efficient Appliance Calculator

    Avoid power hungry appliances. Find the most energy efficient and cost-effective appliances for your home or office.

  • Climate Action Toolbox

    Take action to measure and reduce carbon emissions from your business. Use the calculator to measure your business emissions, and then build a climate action plan.

Energy efficiency and management organisations

References

1 Research by Sustainable Business Network, Sustainable Business Council, AUT and Oxygen Consulting: Insights on New Zealand Sustainability Professionals 2022 [PDF, 2.5MB] (external link)