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
12 January 2024QLDC has joined the global network of cities and organisations who have committed to the UNFCC Race to Zero campaign. Opportunities are being investigated to share information and learnings from other cities and local government organisations to help accelerate the district's climate action progress. Opportunities to join other global networks such as C40, ICLEI and Race to Resilience are also being investigated.
2022-20251.1b
Council will join a certified carbon reduction programme which includes 2030 emissions reduction targets.
UPDATEUpdate
3 April 2023QLDC has signed up to the Toitū Envirocare Carbon Reduce Programme. Toitu has completed verification audits for FY18-19 (base year), FY19-20, FY20-21 and FY21-22. FY22-23 preparation is currently underway with audit planned for February 2024. Emission reduction targets for 2030 are outlined in the organisational Emission Reduction Plan (see Action 1.14).
COMPLETE1.1c
The District Emissions Reduction Roadmap will be updated to align with the National Emissions Reduction Plan and latest sector transition strategies.
UPDATEUpdate
19 November 2023QLDC is collaborating with ORC on a regional emissions project modelling and a sequestration study. This is a work in progress and outputs will be shared along the way.
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
20 November 2023QLDC have supported KiwiHarvest, Wānaka Wastebusters, WAO, Sustainable Queenstown, Southern Lakes Sanctuary, WAI, Mana Tāhuna, Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, Whakatipu Reforestation Trust and Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group to deliver specific CBP actions.
2024-20251.2
Ensure climate change and biodiversity considerations are integral to all new Council business cases.
UPDATEUpdate
12 January 2024An organisational improvement programme called 'Project Taiao' has been initiated which includes a workstream for this action. The first phase of the project has been completed with the development of a recommendation report that focusses on how to embed climate and biodiversity considerations into Council decision making. Project Taiao will include the following CBP actions in its scope: 1.2, 1.3, 1.5b, 1.6, 1.7, 1.11, 1.14, 1.15c and 1.18.
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
12 January 2024An organisational improvement programme called 'Project Taiao' has been initiated which includes a workstream for this action. The first phase of the project has been completed with the development of a recommendation report that focusses on how to embed climate and biodiversity considerations into Council decision making. Project Taiao will include the following CBP actions in its scope: 1.2, 1.3, 1.5b, 1.6, 1.7, 1.11, 1.14, 1.15c and 1.18.
COMPLETE1.2b
Consider the recommendations and improve the business case process where necessary.
UPDATEUpdate
12 January 2024An organisational improvement programme called 'Project Taiao' has been initiated which includes a workstream for this action. The first phase of the project has been completed with the development of a recommendation report that focusses on how to embed climate and biodiversity considerations into Council decision making. Project Taiao will include the following CBP actions in its scope: 1.2, 1.3, 1.5b, 1.6, 1.7, 1.11, 1.14, 1.15c and 1.18.
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.
See Action 1.2 for update
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).
See Action 1.2 for update
2022-20241.5
Embed climate accounting into our long-term investment planning.
2022-20241.5a
Conduct a carbon baseline of the 2021-2031 Ten Year Plan.
UPDATEUpdate
17 December 2023The 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
12 January 2024Investigations are underway to implement the learnings from the Carbon Baseline project (action 1.5) and to evaluate the opportunities for including embodied carbon assessments for the recommended capital investment programme within the draft 2024-34 Long Term Plan.
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
12 January 2024> A review of the best practice local government procurement guidelines for sustainability and emissions reduction has begun.
> Opportunities for the adoption of new requirements as part of QLDC procurement framework will be investigated further in 2024.
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
12 January 2024An organisational improvement programme called 'Project Taiao' has been initiated which includes a workstream for this action. The first phase of the project has been completed with the development of a recommendation report that focusses on how to embed climate and biodiversity considerations into Council decision making. Project Taiao will include the following CBP actions in its scope: 1.2, 1.3, 1.5b, 1.6, 1.7, 1.11, 1.14, 1.15c and 1.18.
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
17 December 2023The 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 the 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.
UPDATEUpdate
17 December 2023The 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 the district’s Future Development Strategy as per the requirement of the National Policy Statement – Urban Development.
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
8 December 2023The 2023 Quality of Life Survey results will help to inform next steps in informing and supporting households to reduce their emissions and improve their climate resilience. Our 'How you can help' section (under development) on our website will help people to get started on their journey.
2022-20241.10
Embed climate mitigation and adaptation, waste minimisation and indigenous biodiversity protection into the Planning and Development Policy work programme.
UPDATEUpdate
20 November 2023The 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).
COMPLETE1.11
Develop and implement a standard method of assessment of climate and biodiversity impacts and opportunities in the review of policies and bylaws.
See Action 1.2 for update
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
12 January 2024QLDC is supporting the ORC with a regional natural hazards risk assessment programme that is intended to provide a comprehensive, regional-scale, spatial 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 please see item 7.2 in the 10/3/2023 ORC Safety & Resilience Committee agenda: https://www.orc.govt.nz/media/14219/agenda-src-20230510.pdf
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
12 January 2024An assessment of climate action and biodiversity restoration considerations was included in the Stage 3 review of the QLDC Land Development and Subdivision Code of Practice. Consultation on the stage 3 draft of the LD&SCOP has been completed and a review of final decisions is underway. See following for further details: https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/land-development-and-subdivision-code-of-practice
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
12 January 2024An assessment of climate action and biodiversity restoration considerations was included in the Stage 3 review of the QLDC Land Development and Subdivision Code of Practice. Consultation on the stage 3 draft of the LD&SCOP has been completed and a review of final decisions is underway. See following for further details: https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/land-development-and-subdivision-code-of-practice
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
20 November 2023The final version of an Organisation Emissions Reduction Plan for Council’s operational carbon emission was signed off in September 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.
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
12 January 2024The next 30 Year Infrastructure Strategy is under development with support from the Climate Action team. Considerations around embodied carbon and resilience planning are being factored into the development of the draft.
COMPLETE1.15b
Embedding a Dynamic Adaptive Planning Pathways approach to infrastructure investment and renewal planning.
UPDATEUpdate
26 February 2024Investigations around the use of DAPP planning are in progress with information being shared across Councils through forums such as the Aotearoa Climate Adaptation Network (ACAN).
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
12 January 2024An organisational improvement programme called 'Project Taiao' has been initiated which includes a workstream for this action. The first phase of the project has been completed with the development of a recommendation report that focusses on how to embed climate and biodiversity considerations into Council decision making. Project Taiao will include the following CBP actions in its scope: 1.2, 1.3, 1.5b, 1.6, 1.7, 1.11, 1.14, 1.15c and 1.18.
2022-20251.16
Convert the water heating at Alpine Aqualand, Wānaka Recreation Centre and Arrowtown Pools from LPG to cleaner energy sources.
UPDATEUpdate
12 January 2024Investment planning options for the conversion of the LPG boilers at Council swimming pools is in progress. A range of options to fund the projects is being investigated, with a formal expression of interest request planned for release early in the new year.
2024-20251.17
Manage all Council properties with a commitment to emissions reduction and sustainability:
Update in progress
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.
See Action 1.2 for update
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
15 January 2024> Whare Mahana (Luggate Memorial Centre), built to Passive House standards has won the 2023 Southern Architecture Awards in the Public Architecture category.
> Ongoing replacement of lighting with energy efficient alternatives. Occupation sensors planned to be installed in all offices.
> Building management system to track energy use and remotely control lighting and ventilation is in the design phase. This will be rolled out to Gorge Rd office, Memorial Hall, Lake Hayes Pavillion, Luggate, QEC, WRC and Lake Wānaka Centre next quarter.
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
15 January 2024QLDC has provided support for the 'resilience' and 'circular economy' themed events within the recent WAO summit. This included funding for the 'Resilience Village' which showcases the considerations and opportunities for our community to be better prepared for disruptive events and the long-term stresses of climate change.
Funding has also provided in 2023 for the Clued up Kids education programme, a wide range of circular economy activation programmes and the 'Green Drinks' education programme. QLDC has also provided project grant funding to WAI Wanaka's Urban Catchment Project which aims to improve the health of urban streams in Wānaka through education and community-led action.
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
8 December 2023QLDC has provided funding to WAO, Lightfoot Initiative, Wastebusters, Sustainable Queenstown and Community Networks/Link Upper Cluthat for a wide range of waste minimisation, circular economy and active travel campaigns across the district. Work to increases this funding, particularly around active travel mode shift will be ramped up in 2024.
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
8 December 2023If you're reading this then our website is live!
More information is coming soon under the 'How You Can Help' section.
2022-2024We 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
17 December 2023In March 2023, MfE released that they are mandating council food scrap collection services to urban areas by 2030. Councils will be required to meet a performance standard for the amount of household kerbside waste diverted from landfill. The performance standard will increase over time. More info is available at www.enivronment.govt.nz.
In line with the mandate QLDC are working on a Detailed Business Case for food and green waste collection and processing.
2024-20251.24
Increase funding for the Waste Minimisation Community Fund and
continue to support local waste minimisation projects.Update in progress
2023-2025 -
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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