Outcome One: Leadership
Hautūtanga
QLDC demonstrates ambitious climate and biodiversity leadership | Ka whakaatu a QLDC i ngā hautūtanga mō te āhuarangi me te rereka rauropi
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Key
2022-2025Year of deliveryAdaptationMitigationBiodiversity and sequestrationClimate action is in our organisational DNA1.1
Pledge our commitment to the international effort to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Actions include:
1.1a
The district will join the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Race to Zero campaign to accelerate the district-wide focus on emissions reduction.
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024QLDC has joined the global network of cities and organisations who have committed to the UNFCC Race to Zero campaign (https://climatechampions.unfccc.int/whos-in/).
Opportunities are being continually explored to share information and learnings from other cities and local government organisations to help accelerate the district's climate action progress. QLDC Staff have also taken part in workshops to assist with developing guidelines for setting Science-Based Targets for Nature in cities.
COMPLETE1.1b
Council will join a certified carbon reduction programme which includes 2030 emissions reduction targets.
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024- In July 2023 QLDC successfully achieved Toitū carbonreduce certification after a retrospective audit of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting and emissions reduction performance for FY2018-19 and FY2019-20.
- In March 2024 recertification was achieved based on a successful verification audit of GHG data from FY2020-21 and FY2021-22.
- In July 2024 recertification was again achieved for a successful verification audit of GHG data from FY2022-23. This result brough the organisation up to date with its annual certification process.
- Council has recently completed its FY2023-2024 Toitū carbonreduce verification audit (audit undertaken in the middle of November).COMPLETE1.1c
The District Emissions Reduction Roadmap will be updated to align with the National Emissions Reduction Plan and latest sector transition strategies.
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024The second National Emissions Reduction Plan was released for consultation on 17th July 2024. QLDC staff and the Climate Reference Group have reviewed and submitted a submission that outlines the key considerations for our district and these will feed into a review of the district Emissions Reduction Roadmap that can be found here: https://climateaction.qldc.govt.nz/district-emissions-reduction-roadmap/
QLDC is also supporting several cross-sector working groups that are evaluating future decarbonisation pathways for the district. This includes working with partners to support Project 9 within the Destination Management Plan, working with Transpower and key energy sector stakeholders to forecast the future peak energy demand for the district, working with regional council to support decarbonisation of public transport, supporting QAC with their decarbonisation planning and investigation of alternate transport solutions for the district.
2023-20241.1d
Council will partner with local organisations that are leading climate action and sector transformation e.g. Wao, WAI Wānaka, Wastebusters, Sustainable Queenstown, Destination Queenstown, Lake Wānaka Tourism.
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024Council has partnered with a number of local organisations to support Climate and Biodiversity action across the district who are leading the way with climate action, biodiversity restoration, and building community resilience. These key partners include:
- WAO – Sustainability education and Community Behaviour Change
- Lightfoot Initiative – Mode shift and Travel Demand Management
- Wastebusters – waste minimisation, education and Enviroschools
- Mana Tāhuna - social investment/biodiversity and conservation
- Southern Lakes Sanctuary – biodiversity and conservation
- WAI – biodiversity and conservation
- Sustainable Queenstown
- Te Kākano
- Whakatipu Wildlife Trust
- Community Networks/Link Upper Clutha
Council has increased its funding commitment to local organisations during the recent 2024-2027 Community Fund. As part of the Community Grants process, QLDC provided an additional $200,000 in funding from the Climate & Biodiversity budget towards a wide range of organisations that support biodiversity, food resilience, zero waste, and sustainability initiatives across the district. The allocation of this funding was aligned with actions 4.11 and 6.9 within the CBP.COMPLETE1.2
Ensure climate change and biodiversity considerations are integral to all new Council business cases.
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024Council is taking steps to review and improve its operational processes in support of climate and biodiversity action. An independent review of the current state of climate change and biodiversity decision-making across the organisation has been completed, alongside an analysis of global leading practice. This investigation has identified a number of areas of opportunity for new tools, frameworks, templates and information that will help ensure that climate and biodiversity considerations are factored into Council processes and decision-making.
Work is now underway to assess the change management process for how these tools, guidance resources and sustainable project management methodologies can be embedded into business as usual.
2022-20241.2a
Conduct an independent review on how effectively climate adaptation, mitigation and biodiversity are considered in business cases and construction programmes across all Council departments. Provide recommendations on how to improve our business case processes to align with our climate and biodiversity goals.
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024Council is taking steps to review and improve its operational processes in support of climate and biodiversity action. An independent review of the current state of climate change and biodiversity decision-making across the organisation has been completed, alongside an analysis of global leading practice. This investigation has identified a number of areas of opportunity for new tools, frameworks, templates and information that will help ensure that climate and biodiversity considerations are factored into Council processes and decision-making.
Work is now underway to assess the change management process for how these tools, guidance resources and sustainable project management methodologies can be embedded into business as usual.
COMPLETE1.2b
Consider the recommendations and improve the business case process where necessary.
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024Council is taking steps to review and improve its operational processes in support of climate and biodiversity action. An independent review of the current state of climate change and biodiversity decision-making across the organisation has been completed, alongside an analysis of global leading practice. This investigation has identified a number of areas of opportunity for new tools, frameworks, templates and information that will help ensure that climate and biodiversity considerations are factored into Council processes and decision-making.
Work is now underway to assess the change management process for how these tools, guidance resources and sustainable project management methodologies can be embedded into business as usual.
2023-20251.3
Develop new frameworks, guidance and reporting templates to ensure that climate change and biodiversity considerations are embedded into all Council reports and decision-making processes.
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024Council is taking steps to review and improve its operational processes in support of climate and biodiversity action. An independent review of the current state of climate change and biodiversity decision-making across the organisation has been completed, alongside an analysis of global leading practice. This investigation has identified a number of areas of opportunity for new tools, frameworks, templates and information that will help ensure that climate and biodiversity considerations are factored into Council processes and decision-making. Work is underway to assess how these recommendations can be implemented in alignment with the change management plan for sustainable project management practices (Action 1.15c).
2022-20241.4
Establish an internal Climate Action Group with the purpose of supporting significant organisational culture change. Design and deliver a work programme for the group to lead. Example projects include:
- Staff travel (e.g. encouraging public transport, walking or cycling).
- Energy saving programmes (e.g. staff behaviour change campaign).
- Awareness raising and campaigns (e.g. Plastic Free July).
- Waste minimisation and circular economy (e.g. reusables).
- Sustainable catering and purchasing (e.g. sustainable stationary).
- Staff volunteering activities (e.g. tree planting).
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024Council is coordinating a staff-led approach to culture change through the volunteer group Rauhī. This group of committed staff are supporting and leading a range of internal sustainability and climate action themed campaigns such as Aotearoa Bike Challenge, Plastic Free July and implementation of the Workplace Travel Plan (currently being reviewed). The group focuses on delivering fun activities that enhance our values and culture, build awareness of wellbeing and sustainability issues and drive change.
COMPLETE1.5
Embed climate accounting into our long-term investment planning.
2022-20241.5a
Conduct a carbon baseline of the 2021-2031 Ten Year Plan.
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024The assessment of the embodied carbon from the capital infrastructure programme within Council’s 2021-31 Long Term Plan (LTP) has been completed. The final report has been peer reviewed and is available for download here: https://www.qldc.govt.nz/media/vmrnffx3/4-a-attachment-a-qldc-carbon-basedline-report.pdf
COMPLETE1.5b
Develop and agree an approach to carbon accounting across key statutory plans. Include guidance for assessing the relative climate impact of proposed initiatives in the 2023-2024 Annual Plan and 2024- 2034 Ten Year Plan.
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024The importance of robust greenhouse gas reporting is a key area of focus for local government. In their last “Insights into Local Government” report, the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) provided commentary and guidance to the growing number of councils voluntarily reporting on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate-related activities. The OAG found that councils are incorporating climate-related performance targets and measures in their long-term plans, which enables them to track progress, report on achievements, and demonstrate accountability to their communities.
The OAG acknowledged the complexity of measuring and reporting GHG emissions and highlighted the importance of robust reporting methodologies and the need for clear disclosures around any uncertainties in data measurement. These recommendations from the OAG have been reflected in the increased level of auditing focus from Deloitte’s on QLDC's greenhouse gas reporting within the Long term Plan and Annual Report. The results of this auditing have been positive with QLDC receiving non findings from the LTP 2024-34 audit. The results for the Annual Report audit are still under review.
2023-20251.6
Regularly review the Procurement Guidelines to ensure they align with best practice public sector requirements for sustainability, carbon emissions reduction, waste reduction, biodiversity restoration and environmental protection. Focus areas will include:
- Minimum supplier requirements for climate impact, biodiversity protection and waste avoidance/mitigation.
- Proposal/tender assessment criteria for climate impact, biodiversity protection and waste avoidance/mitigation.
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024A review of the best practice local government procurement guidelines for sustainability and emissions reduction is underway. This has included a review of ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement Standard
Examples of procurement guidelines and templates from other Councils have been reviewed.
Opportunities for the adoption of new requirements or standards as part of QLDC procurement framework update are currently being investigated.2022-20241.7
Develop a QLDC internship pathway for students to support their career progression into the field of sustainability, biodiversity, or climate action.
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024Options for student internships within the 2024/2025 summer period are being explored along with an investigation of opportunities for post graduate research projects.
2022-2024We provide a springboard for district-wide climate & biodiversity action1.8
Deliver integrated spatial planning decisions on land use, urban development, transport planning and natural corridor networks which help to reduce emissions, restore indigenous biodiversity, and improve climate change resilience across the district. The below is a focus of the joint priority initiatives:
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024The Queenstown Lakes Spatial Plan was developed in 2021 by the Whaiora Grow Well Partnership between QLDC, Kāi Tahu, Otago Regional Council and Central Government in consultation with communities. Council, as part of the Partnership has been progressing the joint work programme to deliver the plan outcomes.
The Spatial Plan is currently under review and will also be district’s Future Development Strategy as per the requirement of the National Policy Statement – Urban Development.
2022-20251.8a
Higher density dwellings which generally require less energy to heat.
COMPLETE1.8b
Creating live-work-play neighbourhoods reducing the distance people need to travel.
2022-20251.8c
Locating more houses near quality public transport and active transport, providing an attractive alternative to travelling by car.
2023-20241.8d
Enabling active travel through provision of active travel networks and associated infrastructure.
2024-20251.8e
Designing compact settlements that reduce the requirement for new infrastructure, and the associated embodied carbon in construction. Encouraging mode shift to public transport to reduce emissions.
2022-20251.8f
Develop an interconnected network of open spaces, reserves, and natural corridors to support improved biodiversity outcomes that honour the mauri of our district.
2022-20251.9
Assess potential obstacles to low impact living in QLDC’s District Plan, Housing Strategy and policy framework. Utilise this assessment to inform and support households to reduce their emissions and improve their climate resilience.
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024This action is currently on hold while we organise resourcing to support an internal information gathering process to inform next steps.
2022-20241.10
Embed climate mitigation and adaptation, waste minimisation and indigenous biodiversity protection into the Planning and Development Policy work programme.
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024The Section 32 report template was updated to include climate mitigation, adaptation, waste minimisation and biodiversity considerations in the Planning & Development Policy work programme.
A wider body of work regarding embedding climate change and biodiversity considerations into all Council reports and decision-making processes is currently underway (see Action 1.3).
2022-20251.11
Develop and implement a standard method of assessment of climate and biodiversity impacts and opportunities in the review of policies and bylaws.
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024This action is currently on hold while we await the outcomes of a project that is reviewing the current state of sustainable project management practices across the capital works programme. The outputs from this review will help us assess what the best options are for adopting a standardised approach to the assessment of climate and biodiversity impacts.
2022-20241.12
Partner with Otago Regional Council on a programme of climate change risk assessments, adaptation plans and natural hazard risk assessment studies to support community resilience projects and the implementation of a risk-based land use planning framework.
UPDATEUpdate
4 December 2024QLDC is supporting the ORC with the rollout of a regional natural hazards risk assessment framework that is intended to provide a comprehensive, regional-scale understanding of Otago’s natural hazards and risks. This programme will enable a consistent assessment and prioritisation of risk management and adaptation responses across the Otago region.
For more information on this programme see Agenda item 7.2 in this ORC Safety & Resilience Committee meeting: https://www.orc.govt.nz/get-involved/events/2023/may/safety-and-resilience-committee-10-may/
2023-20251.13
Continue to integrate climate mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity protection requirements into any future update of the QLDC Land Development and Subdivision Code of Practice. Include a review of:
UPDATEUpdate
4 December 2024Consultation on QLDC's Land Development and Subdivision Code of Practice closed on 6 October 2024, and staff are currently considering all submissions. Final draft amendments will be presented to Council's Infrastructure Committee for endorsement and then Full Council for adoption. The focus of the latest amendments was on stormwater management to lessen environmental effects and ensure stormwater systems are suitable for future climatic conditions.
2022-20241.13a
the Approved Materials, with a view to encouraging developers to use lower carbon construction materials and shift to circular economy options.
COMPLETE1.13b
requirements relating to managing the effects of climate change to ensure they reflect current climate change projections.
2023-20251.13c
ensure requirements are consistent with the ANZBS3 and current Implementation Plan4.
UPDATEUpdate
4 December 2024Consultation on QLDC's Land Development and Subdivision Code of Practice closed on 6 October 2024, and staff are currently considering all submissions. Final draft amendments will be presented to Council's Infrastructure Committee for endorsement and then Full Council for adoption. The focus of the latest amendments was on stormwater management to lessen environmental effects and ensure stormwater systems are suitable for future climatic conditions.
2023-2025We have our house in order1.14
Develop an Emissions Reduction Plan for QLDC operations. Establish the scope of the plan with the boundaries outlined in QLDC’s 18/19 Carbon Footprint Report. Align targets with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.
UPDATEUpdate
27 November 2024The final version of an Organisation Emissions Reduction Plan for Council’s operational carbon emission was signed off in September 2023 and was made public through the Audit Finance and Risk Committee in December 2023. The ERP evaluates the potential reduction pathways for scope 1 and scope 2 emissions that would allow Council to achieve its target of a 44% reduction against our 2019 baseline. Investment in clean energy upgrades for Council's aquatic facilities was presented as a consultation topic in the draft 2024-2034 Long Term Plan.
COMPLETE1.14a
Develop an Emissions Reduction Plan for QLDC operations. Establish the scope of the plan with the boundaries outlined in QLDC’s 18/19 Carbon Footprint Report. Align targets with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.
UPDATEUpdate
27 November 2024The final version of an Organisation Emissions Reduction Plan for Council’s operational carbon emission was signed off in September 2023 and was made public through the Audit Finance and Risk Committee in December 2023. The ERP evaluates the potential reduction pathways for scope 1 and scope 2 emissions that would allow Council to achieve its target of a 44% reduction against our 2019 baseline. Investment in clean energy upgrades for Council's aquatic facilities was presented as a consultation topic in the draft 2024-2034 Long Term Plan.
COMPLETE1.14b
Organisational GHG emissions measurement and reporting (FY 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22)
UPDATEUpdate
27 November 2024QLDC has completed organisational GHG emissions inventories for FY2019-20 through to FY2023-24 with the last financial year audited by Toitū in November 2024. Annual GHG emissions inventories will be prepared and reported annually ongoing.
COMPLETE1.15
Integrate climate action into all levels of infrastructure delivery from planning through to completion of the projects. This will include:
2022-20241.15a
The Climate Action Team being a key partner in the development of the next 30 Year Infrastructure Strategy (which is aligned with the national infrastructure strategy5).
UPDATEUpdate
27 November 2024The Resilience & Climate Action team have supported the development of the 30 Year Infrastructure Strategy. This has ensured there is a strong focus on climate action and biodiversity considerations the strategy and the investment planning. This is exemplified by the first two significant decision areas of the 30 Year Infrastructure Strategy being:
1) Responding to natural hazard risks and the effects of climate change, and
2) Reducing infrastructure’s impact on the environment.
COMPLETE1.15b
Embedding a Dynamic Adaptive Planning Pathways approach to infrastructure investment and renewal planning.
UPDATEUpdate
27 November 2024The DAPP model is currently being utilised as part of the Glenorchy Head of the Lake Natural Hazards programme. This programme will lead to the development of an Adaptation Strategy for the area which will include adaptation pathway options and an identification of potential trigger events. The learnings from this will help inform how the DAPP model can be applied further.
2023-20251.15c
Requiring projects with moderate or high climate impact to value and assess the relative ‘whole of life’ emissions impact of shortlisted options, include sustainability in design, emissions-related tolerances for construction and ongoing operation of assets/services.
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024Council has initiated a Sustainable Project Management initiative which aims to embed sustainability into QLDC's existing project management framework (PMF), processes, and practices. Implementing a robust and standardised sustainable PM framework will improve consistency of practice, offer greater support to decision-makers, and ensure that all project teams are actively contributing to QLDC's climate, biodiversty and waste minimisation goals. The first phase of the initiative has involved a current state assessment and scope report that examines the positive wins that have been achieved to date, along with the barriers that are faced. From this a report has been developed which outlines a potential roadmap and change management plan for the initiative.
2022-20251.16
Convert the water heating at Alpine Aqualand, Wānaka Recreation Centre and Arrowtown Pools from LPG to cleaner energy sources.
UPDATEUpdate
27 November 2024The conversion of the Alpine Aqualand, Arrowtown and Wanaka swimming pool LPG boilers is a specific action within the CBP (Action 1.16). The timelines for these projects have been pulled forward to 2025/27 through the recently adopted LTP. Over $6M in funding has been allocated to progress these decarbonization projects. These projects will save approx. 1160 tCO2e per year in Scope 1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The delivery of these projects will allow the 2030 emissions reduction targets for the organisation to be achieved.
2024-20251.17
Manage all Council properties with a commitment to emissions reduction and sustainability:
UPDATEUpdate
25 November 2024The Resilience & Climate Action and Sustainability teams work across Council to ensure that climate, biodiversity, and other sustainability considerations are included in property and facilities maintenance contracts, leases and other contract renewals.
2023-20251.17a
Develop a sustainability policy to require all QLDC commercial and community properties to develop and deliver waste minimisation, energy efficiency and water efficiency plans.
2023-20251.17b
Require commercial operators entering new leases on QLDC property to provide emissions reduction and waste minimisation plans.
2023-20251.18
Deliver the actions in the QLDC Organisational Travel Plan. Review and update the plan annually or more frequently as required.
UPDATEUpdate
4 December 2024The latest QLDC Employee Community Survey ran from 11-22 November with the data from this survey used to calculate greenhouse gas emissions from employee commuting, track the progress and impact of our Active Travel Programme and implementation of our Workplace Travel Plan. The November 2024 survey showed that the percentage of staff using active travel to get to work had increased from 15 to 20% and average annual commuting emissions per employee had decreased since the organisation's previous survey in April 2024.
2022-20241.19
Apply eco-design and low impact principles to all QLDC build and refurbishment property projects, including thorough consideration of timber and sustainable construction methods and renewable energy technology.
UPDATEUpdate
4 December 2024> Whare Mahana (Luggate Memorial Centre), built to Passive House standards won the 2023 Southern Architecture Awards in the Public Architecture category.
> The roll out of Building Management Systems to track energy use and remotely control lighting and ventilation has been completed for key council buildings including Queenstown Events Centre, Memorial Hall, Lake Hayes Pavilion, Wānaka Recreation Centre and Lake Wānaka Centre.
2022-2024We enable and accelerate community behaviour change1.20
Communicate and engage with the public on the climate impacts we can expect in the district and the actions required to mitigate, adapt, and build resilience. Activities may include community workshops and displays about climate science, climate action, impacts on indigenous biodiversity, waste minimisation and the circular economy. Share and celebrate positive action and case studies across the district, promoting the good work of community groups, businesses, and others.
UPDATEUpdate
27 November 2024QLDC has continued to provide support for a wide range of education and public awareness initiatives relating to climate adaptation and community resilience building. This has included funding for the Clued up Kids education programme, a wide range of circular economy activation programmes, support for Community Resilience Group networking events, and support for the "Green Drinks" education programme.
2022-20251.21
Design and deliver campaigns for the public that encourage emissions reduction, underpinned by behaviour change science. Use campaigns to inform and educate, enabling behaviour change through design (e.g., wayfinding on active travel routes) and incentives/disincentives. This may include active travel, waste minimisation, and recycling. Encourage others to share our campaign materials.
UPDATEUpdate
27 November 2024QLDC has provided funding to a wide range of groups including WAO, Lightfoot Initiative, Wastebusters, Sustainable Queenstown and Community Networks/Link Upper Clutha to help support community initiatives relating to waste minimisation, circular economy and active travel campaigns across the district. Additional funding has been allocated in the 2024-24 budget to to support these partnerships through the Community Grant process.
2022-20251.22
Develop a new website to improve our ability to communicate the progress of our Climate & Biodiversity action plan, celebrate the successes that are occurring across the district and share resources to support and accelerate change. Features may include:
- A local evidence base for climate action and adaptation.
- A household emissions calculator and reduction tool.
- Resources for new builds and home improvement initiatives such as insulation, heating, and solar panels.
- Links to biodiversity protection and restoration initiatives across the district.
- Information about grants, subsidies, and funding information for community initiatives and case studies.
UPDATEUpdate
27 November 2024The new Climate & Biodiversity website was launched in March 2024. It includes quarterly updates on the progress of all actions within the CBP, celebrates stories from across the district, shares new research and information, and profiles our partnerships with Kāi Tahu, local climate-oriented organisations, and the independent Climate Reference Group.
COMPLETEWe are committed to zero waste1.23
Divert organic material from landfill. This includes:
- Food scraps.
- Garden waste.
- Timber (construction waste).
- Fats, oils and grease (trade waste).
- Cardboard and paper.
- Biosolids.
UPDATEUpdate
27 November 2024QLDC has developed a Detailed Business Case for food and green waste collection and processing which was presented at the Council meeting on 15 February 2024. The preferred option is to implement a weekly combined food scraps and greenwaste (FOGO) 80L kerbside collection service for eligible properties, with the collected material transported to an organic waste processing facility being developed by Central Otago District Council, which is anticipated to be operational in 2026-2027.
2024-20251.24
Increase funding for the Waste Minimisation Community Fund and
continue to support local waste minimisation projects.UPDATEUpdate
28 November 2024Additional funding has been allocated to the 2024 Community Grant fund from the Climate & Biodiversity Plan budget to help support local organisations who are supporting waste minimisation efforts across the distict.
COMPLETE -
More Outcomes
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2. Transport
Our transport system is low-emission and better connected
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3. Built
Our built environment is low-emission and resilient
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4. Communities
Our communities are low-emission and climate resilient
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5. Business
Low emission businesses thrive
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6. Environment
A flourishing natural environment
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