The Environmental Protection Authority’s commitment to reducing its own carbon footprint has been affirmed by its being certified as a CEMARS (Certified Emissions Measurement and Reduction Scheme) organisation.

Protecting the environment is at the heart of everything the EPA does, says chief executive Dr Allan Freeth.

“It’s only right that we strive for this in every way, including the way we manage our own organisation, and that we’re open and transparent about doing that,” he says.

“And in our case, committing to reducing our carbon emissions is entirely in keeping with our responsibility for administering New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme.

“Getting CEMARS certification is the start of a journey for us, to identify, measure and reduce our own carbon emissions.”

The EPA and the public could have confidence in the fact its progress was audited and verified by an independent body, Enviro-Mark Solutions, to internationally recognised standards, Dr Freeth says.

The EPA is determined to reduce the three main causes of its greenhouse gas emissions.

By 1 July 2021, its target is to reduce emissions per FTE from electricity use by 8%, reducing paper usage and the volume of waste going to landfill by 15%, and reduce emissions due to staff business travel by 8%. 

The EPA has joined the Ministry for the Environment and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) in being CEMARS certified. 

It was presented with its framed CEMARS certificate earlier this week.

The summary disclosure statement about EPA’s CEMARS certification and goals can be read HERE.  

Source:  Environmental Protection Authority