Race to 2030 Wellington
The Race to 2030 aims to accelerate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, notably by SMEs, in order to combat climate change. Participants take up the challenge to reduce their emissions by at least 5% every 12 months to 2030. They receive logos to show they have joined the Race and every time they reach emissions reduction milestones. You can find out more about how it works here.
The Wellington Race is organised by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Climate Club, the Greendeals Charitable Trust, and supported by GoZero. It has been made possible by a grant from Wellington City Council's Climate and Susutainability Fund, which allows us to provide FREE workshops, upskilling and support on emissions reduction valued at over NZ$2500 to each of the 10 participating Wellington SMEs!
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What We're Offering
This is a free, fully funded programme designed to help small businesses reduce emissions and build sustainable practices.
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Minimal time commitment: Two short group sessions and one on-site consultation. We’ll be available for support when you need it but won’t get in your way.
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Practical goals: We know change doesn’t happen overnight. This programme is about setting realistic, achievable goals that fit your business. We’ll help you identify the steps that make the most sense for you and support you in working toward them at a manageable pace, ensuring progress without disruption.
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Real impact: Reduce emissions, show your customers you care, and send a strong signal up your supply chain about what businesses value.
Like any good race, this one starts with preparation, strategy, and a clear path forward. Here's how we'll move together:
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Join a hands-on, 3-hour workshop with your fellow business owners.
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Understand how your business fits into our local and the wider climate story
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Map out your key areas for change and opportunities
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Set meaningful goals that work for your business
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Take action at your own pace with our support
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Regular check-ins to keep you on track
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Access to expertise when you need it
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Share wins and challenges with your community
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Celebrate progress as we move forward together
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Quick 1-hour session to set up automated carbon tracking for your business
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We'll visit your space to understand your unique challenges and opportunities
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Create your personalised climate action roadmap
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Get promotional materials to share your journey with customers
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Learn how to track your progress without it becoming a burden
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Sign your business up for the Climate Race to 2030 and select the Bronze, Silver or Gold race category.
Participants will be provided with a Climate Race 2030 participation label and be included in GoZero's Climate Action Business Directory.
Use the label to show your customers and staff that your business is serious about climate action.
1 - Join the Race
Make an emissions reduction plan, based on your emissions estimate or measured footprint.
GoZero's Climate Solutions can help you estimate or measure your emissions, make a plan to reduce them by at least 5% per year, and connect you with strategies or solutions to make it easier to take action. You can also use a plan provided as part of 3rd party auditing and certification you may have.
2 - Make a Plan
Start the clock and get racing. You have 12 months to hit your reduction target. GoZero's Climate Solutions can help you track your progress throughout the year, to make sure you are on target.
Involve your staff in your efforts to reduce emissions, to achieve greater success. Companies that are taking action to become more sustainable are more effective at attracting and retaining staff.
3 - Take Action
To claim your Climate Race Winner label, provide us with your measured or certified results.
GoZero's Climate Solutions can help you estimate or measure your progress for the Bronze or Silver Race. For the Gold Race, you will need to provide emissions intensity reduction information from your emissions audit or certification.
4 - Validate Your Results
You did it! Thanks for doing your bit for the planet by reducing your emissions.
You've earned your Climate Race Winner label for the last 12 months. Celebrate with your staff and customers.
Each year, your victories will stack, so you can continue to show your progress towards the 2030 and 2050 goals.
5 - Celebrate Your Wins
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Be Part of Wellington's Climate Story
Small Business, Big Impact
We're creating something special in Pōneke - a community of local businesses leading the way on climate action. Ready to join us? We're looking for 10 Wellington businesses, connected by industry or neighbourhood to be part of this fully funded journey toward a more sustainable city.
Why This Matters Now
In the fabric of Wellington's business community, it's the small players who create the biggest waves. Think about it: 99% of Aotearoa's businesses are small operations like yours. When independent businesses step up, we don't just reduce emissions - we reshape what's possible for our whole community.
Still on the Fence?
Are these thoughts holding you back….
“My impact doesn’t matter. Big businesses are the ones who need to act.”
Your impact is bigger than you think. Small businesses make up 99% of Aotearoa’s businesses. When you act, you influence your suppliers, customers, and the wider community to do the same. The reality is that currently there isn’t enough action because everyone is waiting for everyone else to change.
“I don’t have the capacity right now.”
We’ve designed this programme to work around your schedule. The reality is, new things often don’t happen unless there’s a push to get started. The first step is always the hardest, but with the right support and guidance, you’ll have what you need to make it manageable and effective.
“I don’t have the budget.”
This programme is fully funded. Opportunities like this won’t always be free – now is the time to take action with the support of our team. Plus, incorporating sustainability into your workplace can lead to cost savings over time, from reduced energy use to more efficient operations.
“I’m still not convinced.”
No problem. If you want to have a chat with one of our team, you can get in touch here: info@raceto2030.org.
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Yes, you're busy. Yes, climate action might feel like one more thing on your endless to-do list. That's exactly why we've created this programme - to make sustainability work for you, not the other way around. Climate action is not a new to-do item, it’s a different way to look at tackling all the areas of your business.
When local businesses lead on sustainability, something powerful happens. Suppliers take notice. Customers get inspired. Other businesses follow. Before you know it, we're not just talking about change - we're creating it. Feeling inspired? Register your interest through the form below we’ll be in touch. No need to have it all figured out - just bring your willingness to try something new.
Not Quite Sure? Let's kōrero. No pressure, just a conversation about what's possible for your business. You can contact us here to book a chat: info@raceto2030.org. If you're ready to start doing your bit in the fight against climate change, click the Sign Up button below.