Climate Smart Strategy 2010-2025 - Christchurch City Council Ōtautahi/Christchurch and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū/Banks Peninsula
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Christchurch City Council
Climate Smart
Strategy 2010-2025
Ōtautahi/Christchurch and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū/Banks Peninsula*
Forward
One of the defining aspects of life in One example of our commitment to reducing
Christchurch is our relationship with the climate. greenhouse gas emissions is the new Council
The hot dry summers, cold crisp winters, mild Civic Offices. In addition to its energy efficient
autumns and spring rains have all helped to design, the building is powered using bio-
grow our world renowned Garden City. gas from Burwood Landfill, saving costs and
emissions. This climate smart building is the
Springtime in Hagley Park, when the daffodils first 6 star green building in the South Island,
burst into life and cherry trees cast a canopy of helping to put Christchurch on the map as a
blossom, is a sight that always lifts the spirits. world-class sustainable city.
Winter is over and a summer of family picnics
at the Groynes, making sand castles on New It is initiatives such as this, and others contained
Brighton Beach or walking along the Akaroa within this Climate Smart Strategy that will
foreshore awaits. turn the challenge of climate change into
opportunities to enhance our resilience,
This wonderful lifestyle we enjoy is made prosperity and quality of life, now and for
possible because of our stable climate. generations to come.
However, there are signs that our weather is
becoming more variable as the climate changes. Working together for a Climate Smart
Christchurch is smart thinking indeed.
The Eastern coastline throughout New Zealand
is becoming drier as less rainfall leads to
drought conditions year after year. While
sudden downpours of rain can create floods
and landslides. These extreme weather
events are projected to occur more often and
combined with a rising sea- level can affect Bob Parker
our community and our economic pillars of Mayor
farming and tourism.
That’s why I’m pleased Christchurch takes
climate change and its impacts seriously. The
Council was one of the first in New Zealand to
adopt a Climate Change Policy in 1995. Since
then the Council has been applying that policy
to many of our decisions.
Summary
The Climate Smart Strategy 2010 – 2025 sets to this collective community response to b. a temperature increase of 2 degrees celsius; towards being powered by renewable energy
the direction for community and Council climate change. This Strategy builds on these and such as biomass, wind, hydro, and solar power.
actions that respond to issues and harness positive actions and helps prepare for c. changes in rainfall and extreme weather events. To move away from a reliance on greenhouse
opportunities presented by climate change. future changes. gas emitting oil and coal and to create a
This Strategy helps to deliver on the Council’s more sustainable and secure basis for future
Our community is already responding to In developing this Strategy, the Council is sustainability policy. It sets a vision of a generations to live and prosper.
climate change in many ways. Through following New Zealand Government advice Climate Smart Christchurch that is resilient to
recycling, choosing local produce and by about anticipated changes for Christchurch the impacts of climate change such as coastal VISION
walking and cycling, each person is making a and is meeting legal obligations placed on erosion, floods and droughts and able to make People and communities actively work
difference to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. the Council to consider the impacts of climate the social and economic transformations towards a climate smart Christchurch that
Business and Council actions that improve change. Following this advice, our community necessary in a future carbon-constrained world. reduces its greenhouse gas emissions and is
energy efficiency and investments in cleaner within the next 90 years must prepare for: resilient to the social, cultural, economic and
technologies and renewable energy are adding a. 50 – 80 centimetre rise in sea-level; The vision tasks our community to work environmental effects of climate change.
2 3
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES TARGETS Agriculture
To achieve the vision the Council will implement In 2008 approximately 3.6 million tonnes • No net rise in greenhouse gas emissions from change from what is proposed, though there is a
the following goals and objectives. of greenhouse gases were emitted from agricultural activities from 2008. clear Council commitment to work towards the
Christchurch. This is equivalent to approximately • 15% increase in land area covered in woody outcomes of this Strategy.
10 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per vegetation by 2030 from a 2008 baseline.
Goal 1. Understand the local impacts
person per year. The key sources of emissions
Source: new targets, but consistent with actions within the Christchurch By working with communities and organisations
of climate change. City Council Public Open Space Strategy 2010
are from transport, energy use, waste and identified in this Strategy we can create a
Objective: Understand the social, cultural, resilient community, harness new green business
1 economic and environmental agricultural activities. This Strategy sets the
Actions have been developed to implement the opportunities and efficiently use clean renewable
impacts of climate change on following targets in each of these key areas.
objectives and achieve the targets contained in energy, to build a positive and enduring legacy
Christchurch. this Strategy. The extent to which these actions for our children and grandchildren.
Greenhouse gas emissions
2 Monitor and report changes and are implemented will depend on decisions
• 20% reduction in net greenhouse gas
progress. made in future Long-term Council Community Together we can build a climate smart
emissions from Christchurch by 2020 from a
Plans. Accordingly, timing and funding may Christchurch.
2008 base year, (e.g. no more than 8 tonnes
per person per year).
Goal 2. Provide leadership in addressing • 50% reduction in net greenhouse gas
climate change. emissions from Christchurch by 2050 from a
Objective: Grow Council capacity to respond to 2008 base year, (e.g. no more than 5 tonnes
3 climate change. per person per year).
Source: generally consistent with New Zealand
4 Grow community capacity and
Government climate change policy in 2009
foster partnerships that respond to
climate change.
Transport
• 50% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
Goal 3: Respond to the opportunities and from domestic transport by 2040 from a 2008
challenges presented by climate change in baseline.
ways that promote social, cultural, economic • Increase coastal shipping’s share of inter-
and environmental wellbeing. regional freight.
Objective: Encourage sustainable households • Increase rail’s share of freight.
5 and communities. Source: New Zealand Transport Strategy 2008
6 Support a resilient, low-carbon and
competitive economy. Energy
• At least 25% of total energy used (including
7 Prioritise low-carbon transport.
transport) is from renewable sources by 2018.
8 Encourage green and healthy places • Reduce total energy consumption to no more
and spaces. than 107 Gigajoules per person per year by
9 Enhance local productive landscapes 2018.
and the resilience of habitats and Source: Christchurch City Council Sustainable Energy Strategy 2008 - 2018
ecosystems.
10 Promote energy conservation, Waste
renewable energy and carbon • 65% reduction of waste landfilled by 2020 (no
sequestration. more than 320 kg per person per year) from
1994 levels.
• Zero hazardous waste by 2020.
Source: Christchurch City Council Waste Management Plan 2006
4 5
Contents 1.0 Introduction Christchurch City Council Climate Change Policy (1995)
1. That the Council acknowledge that climate change is
occurring and adopt a precautionary approach when
“CLIMATE CHANGE” planning for future activities and works.
1.0 Introduction 7 2. That the Council when developing new policies and
2.0 Background 8 The two most controversial words of the projects, take into account the effects of climate change
twenty-first century. where this is appropriate. Policies that initiate or support
2.1 Purpose of the Strategy 8
activities that counter the causes and effects of those
2.2 Legal obligations for the Council to address climate change 8 In little over a decade, human induced climate changes, are to be preferred.
2.3 New Zealand Government guidelines for local government 8 3. That the Council’s response to climate change combine
change has gone from being a hotly debated
the limitation and adaptation approaches.
2.4 The effects of climate change on Christchurch 9 scientific theory to being a politically accepted 4. That the Council develop transportation policies which
2.5 Policy Context 9 global issue. Though scientists may continue serve to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
to research and debate whether the impact 5. That the Council support ongoing monitoring of climate
2.6 Christchurch greenhouse gas emissions 11 of climate change is being exaggerated or change indicators such as sea level rise, greenhouse gas
2.7 Christchurch greenhouse emissions 12 under-estimated, nations around the world are emissions and carbon sinks.
3.0 Setting The Direction 13 developing and implementing policies to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and transition to In 2010, the Council continued to take a
3.1 Our Guiding Principles 13
more sustainable economies and societies. New leadership role with the development of this
3.2 Vision, Goals and Objectives 13 Climate Smart Strategy. This Strategy clarifies the
Zealand is one of those nations.
3.2.1 Vision 13 Council’s position on climate change and seeks
3.2.2 Goals and Objectives 13 Even though New Zealand’s contribution to to build on the past and present actions of our
climate change is small (0.2% of global emissions, community and Council, so together we can
3.3 Targets 14
MFE, 2009). we have the fourth highest per create a Climate Smart future.
4.0 Taking Action 28
person greenhouse gas emissions in the world.
4.1 Action Criteria 28 The impact of not reducing our emissions could “CLIMATE SMART“
4.2 Action Plan 28 be significant. As a trading nation, New Zealand’s Two inspirational words for the
4.2.1 Understanding 29 fortunes are linked to our trading partners, who twenty-first century.
are taking the threat of climate change seriously.
4.2.2 Leadership 31
Our two biggest export earners, agriculture and
4.2.3 Awareness and Resilience 32 tourism, with their brand promise of being 100%
5.0 Measuring Success 38 Pure, rely in part on New Zealand being seen as
Appendix 1 References and supporting information available at a world leader in environmental stewardship.
www.climatesmart.govt.nz 39 Responding to climate change has become
Appendix 2 Policy and planning documents related to climate change 40 economically non-negotiable. It is also a
moral imperative.
Appendix 3 Key organisations involved in understanding or responding
to climate change 42
As New Zealanders we take great pride in our
country, its world renowned landscapes, unique
plants and animals and our superb quality of
life. It is part of our national identity to ensure
that our children and grandchildren can also
enjoy life in New Zealand. Taking positive action
on climate change now will help improve our
wellbeing and create a positive and lasting
legacy for future generations.
Fortunately, we have been responding to climate
change for some time.
In 1995 the Christchurch City Council took a
leading position on climate change by adopting
its Climate Change Policy.
6 7
2.0 Background community resilience and preparedness and to
ensure adequate responses and recovery from
2.4 THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON
CHRISTCHURCH
2.5 POLICY CONTEXT
Because of the nature of climate change, this
emergencies. Climate change presents both challenges and Strategy sits within and interacts with a wide
2.1 PURPOSE OF THE STRATEGY
opportunities for Christchurch. variety of national, regional and local policies,
The Christchurch City Council has prepared this Climate Change Response Act 2002 (and strategies and plans (Figure 1). Key documents
strategy to: subsequent versions) Examples of the potential positive effects of that relate to climate change in New Zealand and
a) Respond to New Zealand Government advice Legal obligations have been placed on the climate change include: Christchurch are identified in Appendix 2. Many
received about future changes to our climate Council under the New Zealand emissions • Milder winters resulting in fewer winter deaths of these documents have established targets or
and sea level.; trading scheme to report and account for and less air pollution. goals that will assist in responding to climate
b) Meet legal obligations placed on the Council greenhouse gas emissions resulting from its • A longer growing season and the potential to change.
to consider the effects of climate change operations, including forestry and waste disposal. grow new crops or plant varieties.
on the current and future social, cultural, • More rain in the headwaters of Canterbury An objective of this Climate Smart Strategy
economic and environmental well being of 2.3 NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT rivers and hydro-lake catchments. is to include climate change considerations
Christchurch.; GUIDELINES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT • Greater investment in, and access to, “green” within Council and community decisions
c) Clarify the Council’s role in responding to solutions and technologies. and actions. The Council can not do this
The New Zealand Government has issued
climate change through establishing a vision, • Renewed focus on local production, local alone. A wide variety of organisations will
guidance to local government for responding
goals, objectives and targets.; economy and local jobs. also need to support the direction of this
to the impacts of climate change (MFE 2008,
d) Replace the Climate Change Policy adopted • Renewed interest in building stronger Strategy. Organisations that have important
2009, 2010). Following advice from central
by the Council in 1995.; communities and enhancing support networks. roles to play are listed in Appendix 3 and have
government, the Council is planning for (relative
e) Develop a high level action plan that will form been identified beside specific actions within
to 1990 levels):
the basis of a future detailed implementation Examples of the potential negative effects of Section 4.
a. a 50 cm sea-level rise by 2100 and will
plan to achieve the strategy outcomes. climate change include:
consider the impact of at least an 80 cm sea-
level rise by 2100; • Increased likelihood of droughts, affecting
2.2 LEGAL OBLIGATIONS FOR THE primary production, our garden city and
b. an average temperature increase of around
COUNCIL TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE increasing the demand for limited supplies of
1°C by 2040 and 2°C by 2100; and
Four key Acts of Parliament place obligations c. changes beyond these levels, and to changes water and raising the risk of fire.
on the Council to consider the effects of climate in rainfall and extreme weather events. • More intense periods of rain affecting low-lying
change: areas and increasing the risk of landslides and
The New Zealand Government advice follows a road closures particularly on Banks Peninsula.
Local Government Act 2002 mid-range projection of future changes from the • Erosion and inundation of low-lying coastal
The Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) places Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s areas particularly around the Avon-Heathcote
obligations on the Council to consider climate Fourth Assessment Report (IPPC, 2007). Greater Estuary and Brookland Lagoon areas, affecting
change because of the potential impacts on levels of change are likely if greenhouse gas communities, infrastructure, heritage and
current and future social, cultural, economic and emissions are not successfully managed. cultural sites and biodiversity.
environmental wellbeing. The LGA also requires • Establishment of new pests and diseases
the Council to help achieve the Christchurch If we continue to follow a high emission path affecting human health and biodiversity.
Community Outcomes many of which will be globally, we could expect to see a warming of • Social and economic disruption caused by
affected by climate change. between 4°C and 6°C and a 1 - 2 metre rise in sea natural hazards and rising fossil fuel prices.
level within 90 years (IPPC 2007). When longer • Displaced people from low lying and drought-
Resource Management Act 1991 timeframes are considered the effects become prone nations wanting to live in Christchurch,
Section 7 of the Resource Management Act 1991 even more severe. Consequently, this Council which will place pressure on social services and
(RMA) requires the Council to have particular recognises that continuing on a “business as infrastructure.
regard to the effects of climate change when usual” development path is not acceptable and
carrying out its functions. For example, in that a precautionary approach is required for the Investigations have already been undertaken
considering resource consent applications or reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and in by the Council to understand what many of
considering changes to City and District Plans. our responses to projected changes over time. these changes will mean for Christchurch. These
reports are listed in Appendix 1. This Strategy
Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 aims to continue this work to better understand
The Civil Defence Emergency Management the potential challenges and opportunities and
Act 2002 requires the Council to manage to establish flexible responses that benefit the
risks to people and property, to enhance current and future wellbeing of Christchurch.
8 9
Regional, national and international conventions, policies, strategies and plans and Hydrofluorocarbons, make Industrial Chemicals 1%
up the 15%.
Waste 8%
Stationary
Our residents want Christchurch to be: Emissions from waste and Energy 18%
• A safe city agricultural activities in
• A city of inclusive and diverse communities Christchurch have been Agriculture 6%
• A city of people who value and protect the natural falling because of landfill gas 67%
environment Transport 67%
recovery, community efforts to Road, Air, Sea, Rail
Community
outcomes
• A well governed city reduce waste and changes in
• A prosperous city land use and farming practices,
• A healthy city especially on Banks Peninsula.
• A city of recreation, fun and creativity
• A city of lifeling learning Assuming Christchurch follows
• An attractive well designed city regional trends in energy use Figure 2. Total Christchurch greenhouse gas emissions by source in 2008
(see notes), emissions from (3.6 million tonnes)
the use of energy for transport
CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL POLICY FRAMEWORKS e.g. SUSTAINABILITY POLICY
and in buildings has increased
by 66% since 1990 (Figure 3).
Strategies
Climate
Energy Transport
Urban
Waste
Water Surface Open
Biodiversity Much of this growth is related
Change Development Supply Water Space
to increases in land transport
and air travel (2006, Canterbury
Regional Energy Survey).
Banks Long Annual Asset
Statutory plans City Plan Peninsula Term Council
Plans Management
District Plan Community Plans Plans
Hydro electricity is an
important source of renewable
energy for Canterbury
Opertational Management Personal (Figure 4). In 2008 only 20%
and Delivery
planning Plans
Accountabilities
of the total energy used
in Christchurch was from
renewable sources including
Sustainable Love Your Travel Target Energy Planting Design
Programmes Living Rubbish Smart Waterwise Sustainability Enviroschools Awareness Guides Standards wood fires, hydro and wind
power (Christchurch City
Council Sustainable Energy
Figure 1. Christchurch City Council Planning and Delivery Framework Strategy 2008-18). Carbon
emitting fossil fuels such as
Figure 3. Energy related greenhouse gas emissions in Canterbury
petrol, diesel, liquid petroleum
gas, aviation fuel and coal
and make up 80% of our total
energy supply.
2.6 CHRISTCHURCH GREENHOUSE Zealand average of 17 tonnes per person per
GAS EMISSIONS year because of lower agricultural emissions in
the Christchurch territorial area.
In 2008 approximately 3.6 million tonnes
of greenhouse gases were emitted from Transport fuels and the use of energy in homes
Christchurch (Figure 2). This is equivalent to and buildings (stationary energy) make up 85%
roughly 10 tonnes of greenhouse gas emission of the emissions from Christchurch. Emissions
per person per year. This is lower than the New from waste disposal, agricultural activities and Figure 4. Proportion of renewable and non-renewable energy used in
industrial chemicals such as Perfluorocarbons Canterbury
10 11
2.7 CHRISTCHURCH GREENHOUSE
EMISSIONS 3.0 Setting The Direction
Non-renewable energy used in Council buildings, Christchurch Waste Water Treatment Plant, and
swimming pools, street lights, water pumps and waste vegetable oils and wood for heating.
vehicles is the main source of greenhouse gas The Council proposes the following guiding 3.2.2 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
emissions from the Council. The Council through From its 1994 baseline the Council has reduced principles, vision, goals and objectives to address
its internal energy management programme its energy related carbon emissions by 57% and the risks and maximise the opportunities
Goal 1. Understand the local impacts of
has reduced the total amount of energy used. now generates approximately 10,000 tonnes of presented by climate change.
climate change.
The Council has moved, where possible, to carbon emissions each year. This is expected to Objective: Understand the social, cultural,
renewable forms of energy such as wind energy, fall further as the Council introduces new energy 3.1 OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1 economic and environmental
bio-gas captured from Burwood Landfill and the saving measures and renewable energy solutions. “Local government in New Zealand is required impacts of climate change on
to operate under a range of principles that are Christchurch.
set out in law or that have evolved through
2 Monitor and report changes and
good practice and case law. All must be kept in
progress.
mind when dealing with climate change effects”
(MFE, 2008).
Goal 2. Provide leadership in addressing
climate change.
The Council’s Climate Smart Strategy adopts
the principles established in the Council’s Objective: Grow Council capacity to respond to
Sustainability Policy designed specifically to meet 3 climate change.
these obligations. The principles, which are a 4 Grow community capacity and
package with no principle predominating, are: foster partnerships that respond to
• Stewardship and Kaitiakitanga - each person climate change.
and organisation has a duty of care.
• Anticipation – we must consider the Goal 3. Respond to the opportunities and
foreseeable needs of future generations. challenges presented by climate change
• Holism - have a global perspective, thinking of in ways that promote social, cultural,
whole systems and their interconnections. environmental and economic wellbeing and
Figure 5. Actual and projected total greenhouse gas emissions for
• Precaution - we must deal cautiously with risk resilience.
the Christchurch City Council from 1994 to 2020
and irreversible effects. Objective: Encourage sustainable households
Notes for Canterbury and the Council greenhouse gas emission calculations: • Equity – fairness within and between 5 and communities.
1. It is not currently possible to accurately separate conservative no carbon sequestration from native or exotic generations and cultures, caring for those 6 Support a resilient, low-carbon,
greenhouse gas emissions arising from the Christchurch forest growth has been counted. most affected. competitive economy.
territorial area from Canterbury data. Canterbury figures 4. Stock numbers (e.g. cattle and sheep) in the Christchurch • Justice – doing what is right based on our 7 Prioritise low-carbon transport.
have been used that will be broadly similar to the patterns rural area have fallen over the last 15 years. To be communities strong ethics, morals and laws.
of energy consumption for Christchurch (Source: 2006 conservative no carbon benefit has been attributed to 8 Encourage green and healthy places
• Participation - inclusive and transparent
Canterbury Regional Energy Survey). stock removal. and spaces.
2. Following government advice the Council assumes 28% of 5. In line with greenhouse gas accounting protocols, the decision making and working together
around common goals. 9 Enhance local productive landscapes
the electricity used in Canterbury arises from natural gas Council’s data excludes emissions from Council Controlled
generation and not hydro generation. Organisations and contractors who are encouraged to
and the resilience of habitats and
3. Forest and vegetation cover in the Christchurch rural establish their own environmental management systems 3.2 VISION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ecosystems.
area has increased slightly over the last 15 years. To be (see actions under Leadership Section 4). 10 Promote energy conservation,
The Vision is supported by three goals, each with
renewable energy and carbon
a series of objectives.
sequestration.
3.2.1 VISION
People and communities actively work towards
a climate smart Christchurch that reduces its
greenhouse gas emissions and is resilient to the
social, economic and environmental effects of
climate change.
12 13
Understanding
3.3 TARGETS Agriculture
Through this Strategy the Council is • No net rise in greenhouse gas emissions
establishing targets for the total amount of from agricultural activities from 2008.
greenhouse gas emissions generated from • 15% increase in land area covered in woody
Christchurch. It is also setting targets for vegetation by 2030 from a 2008 baseline.
Source: new targets, but consistent with actions within the GOAL 1. UNDERSTAND THE LOCAL IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE.
each of the key sources of greenhouse gas Christchurch City Council Public Open Space Strategy 2010
emissions. Where possible targets from
existing Council and national policies have INTRODUCTION Examples of the supporting actions of others:
been used, resulting in some differences in Climate change science is complex and evolving. Climate change related science and advice
base years and end points. Understanding the impacts of climate change from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
on New Zealand, and specifically Christchurch Change and the New Zealand Government.
This Strategy sets the following targets for each and Canterbury, is essential for the Council to Research organisations building
key area: develop and implement strategies to manage understanding about climate change issues
the risks and harness opportunities. Monitoring and responses including Universities, Crown
Total greenhouse gas emissions and research needs to be an on-going process Research Institutes, New Zealand Climate
• 20% reduction in net greenhouse gas to ensure the Council and community have the Change Centre, the Royal Society of New
emissions from Christchurch by 2020 from a most accurate information on which to base Zealand and Science New Zealand.
2008 base year (e.g. no more than 8 tonnes decisions for the future. Equally important Monitoring and reporting of physical changes
per person per year). is monitoring and reporting back on the and resource use undertaken by Environment
• 50% reduction in net greenhouse gas implementation of the actions within this Canterbury including monitoring coastal
emissions from Christchurch by 2050 from a Strategy to ensure the results achieved are changes such as beach profile and deep water
2008 base year (e.g. no more than 5 tonnes advancing towards the vision. waves, surface and ground water, freshwater
per person per year). use, energy use, waste, recycling and uptake
Source: generally consistent with New Zealand Government climate
PROGRESS TO DATE of public transport.
change policy in 2009
Regional planning and actions undertaken
The Council and other organisations are
by Environment Canterbury that consider
Transport monitoring, investigating and responding
climate change impacts such as the Proposed
• 50% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to the potential impacts of climate change.
Natural Resources Regional Plan and Regional
from domestic transport by 2040 from a Greater understanding and certainty is required
Coastal Environment Plan, improvements
2008 baseline. of the local social, cultural, economic and
to Waimakariri River stop banks and the
• Increase coastal shipping’s share of inter- environmental impacts before some responses
Community Resilience Unit.
regional freight. can be implemented.
• Increase rail’s share of freight.
Source: New Zealand Transport Strategy 2008 Examples of current Christchurch City
Council actions:
Energy Monitoring, investigations and modelling
• At least 25% of total energy used (including seeking to understand the potential impacts
transport) is from renewable sources by of climate change on coastal and low lying
2018. areas, stormwater management and water
• Reduce total energy consumption of no supplies.
more than 107 Gigajoules per person per Changes to the Christchurch City Plan are
year by 2018. proposed (Variation 48) to place controls on
Source: Christchurch City Council Sustainable Energy Strategy 2008
- 2018 development in areas vulnerable to flooding,
such as raised floor levels and set-backs from
Waste waterways.
• 65% reduction of waste landfilled by 2020 Civil Defence and Emergency Management
(no more than 320 kg per person per year) to provide comprehensive management of
from 1994 levels. major natural hazards.
• Zero hazardous waste by 2020.
Source: Christchurch City Council Waste Management Plan 2006.
14 15
Objective 1 Objective 2
UNDERSTAND THE SOCIAL, CULTURAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF MONITOR AND REPORT CHANGES AND PROGRESS
CLIMATE CHANGE
Develop a programme of monitoring and coastal systems.
Undertake a programme of investigations, Benefits: reporting of key social, cultural, economic and d) Indicators of hazards, public health and bio-
following the latest New Zealand government environmental factors that relate to climate security risks,
• Improve ability to anticipate and proactively
advice and scientific research, to build change. e) Ways to make key indicators of climate
respond to climate change issues and
understanding of the social, cultural, economic change accessible to the public to enhance
opportunities.
and environmental impacts of, and potential This objective involves developing: understanding and motivate appropriate
• Improve ability to avoid and manage risks for
responses to, climate change. a) Systems to measure Christchurch’s changes in behaviour.
the community.
greenhouse gas emissions, use of renewable
• Increase ability to consider the feasibility,
This objective includes understanding impacts energy and understanding of climate change Benefits:
costs and benefits of options for responding
and potential responses to climate change issues impacts and responses. • Enable locally relevant information to be
to climate change.
of particular importance to Christchurch such b) Local indicators to detect physical changes provided to the community about climate
as sea-level rise, natural hazards (e.g. droughts, to our environment and climate, such as change.
floods, and landslides), water supply, surface temperature, frost occurrence, rainfall, sea- • Improve assessments of the effectiveness,
water, public health, equity issues, cultural level and changes in biodiversity, costs and benefits of policies and approaches
heritage and biodiversity. c) Monitoring and research programmes to used to address climate change.
provide more certainty about climate change • Improve certainty about local impacts and
impacts, such as modelling river, aquifer and responses to climate change.
case study
case study
RESPONDING TO A RISING TIDE New Brighton Beach 2008
Many parts of low-lying Christchurch and coastal areas are already vulnerable to extreme
weather events such as floods, storms and high tides. These impacts are expected to get worse WATCHING WATER CHANGES Avon River monitoring station
with climate change. The Council is currently making changes to the City Plan and will consider A network of monitoring stations in local rivers, streams and aquifers, managed by Christchurch
changes to the Banks Peninsula District Plan that will identify and manage development in City Council and Environment Canterbury, gauge changes in water levels. Combined with
vulnerable areas. Examples include requiring new properties to be further away from rivers and weather forecasting they provide warning systems for floods and drought. Data gathered also
the sea, raising the floor level of new buildings and reducing the density of development to forms the basis of models that help build understanding about future changes to our waterways
reduce risks to people and property in vulnerable locations. and flood risks.
16 17Leadership Objective 3
GROW COUNCIL CAPACITY TO RESPOND TO CLIMATE CHANGE
GOAL 2. PROVIDE LEADERSHIP IN ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE
Establish a programme of capacity building Benefits:
within the Council to improve responses to • Improve Council understanding and
INTRODUCTION Examples of current Christchurch City
climate change. response to the issues and opportunities
The Council has a critical role providing Council actions:
presented by climate change.
leadership for the community on responding to Christchurch City Council internal
This objective includes internal education about • Strengthen Council-wide responses to
climate change. While the government manages performance excellence, sustainability and
the impacts and opportunities for responding climate change such as the integration
the international and national responses to energy management programmes provide
to climate change and a review of Council of land-use and transport planning,
climate change, councils can raise awareness leadership in Christchurch and exhibit best
documents and actions to ensure climate infrastructure design and hazard
and encourage behaviour change at the local practice in local government in New Zealand.
change is being adequately and consistently management.
level. The best way to achieve such behaviour Council construction and use of buildings
addressed (e.g. City and District Plans). Decision- • Accelerate uptake of best practise
change is to lead by example. As a major owner that have a high level of sustainability
making tools to better enable climate change approaches that respond to climate change.
of community buildings and places (for example, including the new civic offices, and the South
considerations will be included in Council • Provide leadership in carbon management
offices, libraries, recreation facilities, social Christchurch and Riccarton Libraries.
decisions, and actions will be developed along and environmental performance for the
housing, parks and gardens) the Council has Internal travel demand management activities
with a corporate resource efficiency programme Christchurch community.
significant opportunities to demonstrate how resulting in 40% of Council staff regularly
to manage the Council’s resource use and • Improve management of risks and natural
to manage resources in a more sustainable way, cycling, walking and taking the bus to work.
greenhouse gas emissions. hazards.
reducing carbon emissions and using renewable Heating QEII Pools with landfill gas resulted
• Reduce costs through improved resource
forms of energy. The Council can work with other in carbon credits that have helped pay for
efficiency.
organisations in New Zealand and abroad to the actions contained in the Sustainable
share successes and access expertise for solutions Energy Strategy.
Sand dune and salt marsh restoration projects
to local challenges.
to improve natural coastal defences and allow case study
PROGRESS TO DATE inshore movement of coastal ecosystems.
Construction and management of stop banks,
The Council is working to minimise its carbon
sea walls and coastal defences.
footprint by reducing energy use and shifting
to renewable forms of energy. Collaboration
Examples of the supporting actions of others:
with other organisations is enabling the
Organisations that exchange ideas and
exchange of ideas and growing expertise
provide leadership for addressing climate
within the Council to provide necessary
change in New Zealand and internationally,
leadership for the years ahead.
such as the ICLEI – Local Government for
Sustainability, Australasian Mayors for Climate
Protection and Energie-Cités.
Sharing successes through national awards
and council and community benchmarking,
such as Excellence in Local Government
Awards, Energywise Awards and New Zealand
Quality Of Life assessments.
Local and global initiatives that raise
awareness about climate change or support
positive behaviour changes, for example LEADING BY EXAMPLE New Civic offices
Earth Hour, Walk to Work and the Bike The Council’s new Civic Office is a leading example of an energy efficient, low carbon, green and
Wise Challenge. healthy building. Innovations include a tri-generator to heat and power the building using bio-gas
piped from Burwood Landfill, passive ventilation systems, use of efficient and natural lighting and the
collection of rainwater for flushing toilets. The new Civic Office is a clear and practical example of the
Council’s commitment to sustainability and to providing leadership in addressing climate change.
18 19Objective 4
GROW COMMUNITY CAPACITY AND FOSTER PARTNERSHIPS THAT RESPOND TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Awareness and Resilience
GOAL 3. RESPOND TO THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES PRESENTED
Collaborate on climate change issues and advocacy to regional and central government is
BY CLIMATE CHANGE IN WAYS THAT PROMOTE SOCIAL, CULTURAL,
opportunities locally, in the region and across also an important part of this work in collaboration
New Zealand. with Local Government New Zealand.
ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL WELLBEING
This objective includes working with key local, Benefits: INTRODUCTION Strong community programmes aimed
regional and national partners to advance • Improve the ability to respond to climate at building closer and more caring
In addition to the objectives already discussed,
climate change understanding and responses. change at the local, regional and national level. communities, including activities such
the Council proposes six objectives to raise
Potential partners include, but are not limited to, • Accelerate responses to climate change as neighbourhood week, events and
community awareness and resilience, and
the Greater Christchurch Urban Development through shared learning, implementation, cost community grants and appropriate
encourage innovative responses to the
Strategy partnership, the Canterbury Regional savings and reduced duplication of effort. community facilities.
challenges and opportunities presented by
Energy Forum, Canterbury Civil Defence and • Represent the interests of Christchurch and Council support of community gardens
climate change. These objectives are:
Emergency Management Group, the Regional influence regional and central government in Christchurch.
Encourage sustainable households
Waste Joint Standing Committee, Council climate change related policies and responses. Target Sustainability services that provide
and communities.
Controlled Organisations, Christchurch Agency • Local stakeholders are more active and advice, support and tools for local businesses
Support a resilient, low-carbon and
For Energy, Ngai Tahu and community, business supported in climate change mitigation to reduce waste and improve energy and
competitive economy.
and environmental organisations. Support and and adaptation. water efficiency.
Prioritise low-carbon transport.
Encourage green and healthy places
Examples of the supporting actions of others:
case study
and spaces.
Enhance local productive landscapes and the Central government programmes that raise
resilience of habitats and ecosystems. awareness about climate change, energy
Promote energy conservation, renewable efficiency and promote sustainable behaviours,
energy and carbon sequestration. such as www.sustainability.govt.nz.
Central government climate change, energy,
PROGRESS TO DATE transport and agriculture policies including
an emission trading scheme, forestry grants
The Council is one of many organisations
and warm home subsidies.
already responding to climate change. These
Environment Canterbury activities including
are just a few examples of what is being
Clean Heat advice and financial support,
achieved in Christchurch and around the
promotion of public transport, water
country currently (2010).
management and the Community
Resilience Unit.
Examples of current Christchurch City
Non-government agencies that raise
Council actions:
awareness and promote sustainable
Council programmes to encourage energy, behaviours such as Greenpeace - “Be the
water and waste reduction such as Energy Change”, Transition Towns, Sustainable
Awareness Week, Waterwise and Love Living Education Trust and Sustainable
Your Rubbish. Otautahi-Christchurch.
PARTNERSHIPS TO MANAGE CHANGE Joint planning workshop
Council programmes that promote
sustainable behaviours in schools such as
The Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy (UDS) partnership between Christchurch Learning Through Action, School Travel
City Council, Selwyn and Waimakariri District Councils, Environment Canterbury and the New Plans, Walking School Bus, Safer Routes and
Zealand Transport Agency, aims to manage urban development in ways that create more liveable cycle safety.
and sustainable communities. Considering the impacts of climate change in the UDS is critical.
Christchurch City Council can take a supportive leadership role to ensure all partners have a shared
understanding of climate change and can proactively and consistently respond to the challenges
and opportunities to achieve better outcomes for all our communities.
20 21Objective 5
ENCOURAGE SUSTAINABLE HOUSEHOLDS AND COMMUNITIES
Objective 6
SUPPORT A RESILIENT, LOW-CARBON AND COMPETITIVE ECONOMY
Build understanding and community resilience to transport and the natural environment, Encourage the transition to a resilient low-carbon Benefits:
the impacts of climate change. to households, schools and communities. and competitive economy by working together • Increase understanding about climate
Opportunities to share successes and to celebrate to capture and implement climate smart ideas. change risks and opportunities.
This objective includes actions that build excellence in environmental stewardship will also • Grow the ability to identify and foster good
community understanding about the local be provided. This objective includes developing ways to ideas to meet challenges and opportunities.
impacts of climate change, grow community identify, nurture and fund ideas that respond • Improve the competitiveness and future
preparedness and encourage more sustainable Benefits: to the challenges and opportunities presented proofing of the Christchurch economy by
behaviours and choices. By working in • Improve community understanding and by climate change. A Climate Smart business attracting and nurturing green technologies
partnership with existing behaviour change resilience to the local impacts of climate summit, together with incentives and and solutions to the region.
programmes, opinion leaders, community change. funding tools, will be considered to identify • Reduce the carbon footprint and enhance
organisations and schools, this programme • Increase ability for the community to reduce and develop local business opportunities resource efficiency of the local economy and
will deliver an integrated package of support greenhouse gas emissions. in green technologies and solutions. A an improved ability to export leading edge
on the themes of climate change, energy and • Encourage and inspire others to take positive programme of practical advice and support solutions to the world.
water efficiency, waste minimisation, sustainable action on climate change. will also be developed through the Council’s • Enable greater access to leading edge green
Target Sustainability programme to help local solutions for the Christchurch community.
businesses manage their greenhouse gas
case study emissions and transport.
case study
SMARTER SCHOOLS AND CONNECTED COMMUNITIES Worm farm at Our Lady Fatima School
The Council’s Learning Through Action programme and Enviroschools Canterbury aim to help RESOURCE EFFICIENCY IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS Target Sustainability website
students, parents and whole communities be more sustainable. Enviroschools in Christchurch are
helping their students and communities address real life challenges and explore ideas that reduce Each year Target Sustainability helps over 100 Christchurch businesses reduce waste and improve
rubbish, save energy, conserve water and help make more sustainable transport choices. Growing energy and water efficiency by providing free practical advice and support. Through this resource
these skills helps our community and young people reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare efficiency support businesses can increase their competitiveness, strengthen staff engagement,
for a changing future. enhance customer relationships and improve financial returns.
22 23Objective 7
PRIORITISE LOW-CARBON TRANSPORT
Objective 8
ENCOURAGE GREEN AND HEALTHY PLACES AND SPACES
Prioritise low-carbon transport solutions and Benefits: Encourage best practice developments and heating systems. Provide free, independent and
encourage more sustainable travel choices. • Create more liveable, walkable, safer and buildings that are good for people and the reliable advice to home builders and renovators
healthier communities. environment. through the introduction of an Eco-Design
This objective includes developing ways to • Enable our community to be more resilient Advisory Service.
reduce greenhouse gas emissions arising from to higher energy prices and less reliant on This objective includes developing methods, in
transport. This will involve a combination of fossil fuels. partnership with industry, to encourage best Benefits:
good land-use planning, infrastructure design • Increase access to low-carbon transport practice solutions throughout the lifecycle • Improve public health, wellbeing and cost
and operation and the encouragement of options reducing carbon emissions, changing of the built environment – location, design, savings through better building location,
walking, cycling, public transport and low carbon social norms and help create positive visitor construction, operation, renovation and design, operation and greater consideration
transport technologies. New and existing experiences in Christchurch. deconstruction. In collaboration with key of future needs and natural hazards.
businesses offering low-carbon transport options • Improve uptake of low-carbon solutions industry partners and organisations interested • Improve access to up-to-date and
in Christchurch, such as hybrid taxis, bio-diesel helping to reduce pollution and congestion. in sustainable solutions, build and promote independent advice about building design,
buses, electric vehicles and inner-city bicycle • Increase green business opportunities and best practice examples of sustainable and construction and renovation.
hire, will be encouraged. Electric vehicle charging jobs for Christchurch. carbon neutral homes in Christchurch. Develop • Reduce energy, water, waste and carbon
stations within homes and throughout the city a programme to increase the affordability footprints through more efficient and better
will be investigated. and uptake of efficient and renewable energy building design, performance and material
solutions for buildings, such as solar hot water choices.
case study
case study
SOUND ADVICE BUILDS BETTER HOMES Auckland City Eco-design advisor
THE SHUTTLE – LOW CARBON AND CONVENIENT City Shuttle Bus
Eco-Design Advisors provide free, independent advice to designers, builders and home renovators
about sustainable design and refurbishment. The Council intends to follow the example of other
Every 10 minutes between 7.30 am and 10.30 pm, most days, a rates-funded hybrid-electric bus councils who offer Eco-Design Advisors to provide assistance over the phone or counter, offer
takes locals and visitors on a circuit of central city shops and sights. The Shuttle, manufactured by site visits and public and professional presentations. Supported by the latest science and industry
a local company, Design Line, is a low-carbon transport option that is good for the local economy, knowledge from BRANZ, the Advisors will help to build warm, dry homes that are cheaper to run
kind on the environment and convenient. and better for Christchurch.
24 25Objective 9
ENHANCE LOCAL PRODUCTIVE LANDSCAPES AND THE RESILIENCE OF HABITATS AND ECOSYSTEMS
Objective 10
PROMOTE ENERGY CONSERVATION, RENEWABLE ENERGY AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION
Enhance opportunities to grow and find locally to enhance resilience to the impacts of climate Make it easier to reduce energy use, switch to part of other objectives within this Strategy and
sourced food and enhance the resilience of change, such as new pests, drought, fires and renewable sources of energy and use plants to from actions within the Council’s Sustainable
natural ecosystems to the impacts of climate coastal erosion. absorb greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Strategy.
change.
Benefits: This objective includes identifying areas on Benefits:
This objective includes strengthening policy and • Improve access to locally grown, fresh, Council and private land suitable for the • Enhance the potential to absorb unavoidable
planning measures to protect local productive healthy, low-carbon sources of food. regeneration, or planting of, trees and shrubs to carbon emissions from Christchurch.
land from development that reduces its • Enhance the local economy and self- absorb carbon dioxide or the production of bio- • Improve market opportunities for businesses
productive capacity. The Council encourages sufficiency, increasing community resilience mass energy. Ways to encourage organisations, that become carbon neutral by reducing and
the establishment of new productive land to future price rises. individuals and visitors to offset their emissions, offsetting emissions.
within Christchurch including home gardening, • Strengthen community connections and such as the Kaikoura Trees for Travellers • Enhance biodiversity, catchment flood
community gardens, school gardens and the support public health. programme, will be investigated. Options for protection and surface water quality through
use of appropriate parks for vegetables and fruit • Improve stewardship of our natural heritage. using agricultural and industrial by-products the restoration of native bush and forests.
trees. Habitats and ecosystems will be managed and organic and wastewater residues for • Greater use of organic by-products and waste
biomass energy will also be investigated. Energy for the generation of low-carbon energy.
conservation measures will be undertaken as
case study
case study
GROWING COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBOURHOODS Community garden
A LOW-CARBON FUTURE POWERED FROM WASTE Algae ponds Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant
Christchurch is also known as the ‘Garden City’ and has over 780 parks and gardens. With many
keen gardeners there is an opportunity to encourage local vegetable and fruit production in Breakthrough technology that converts waste into bio-fuel is being trialled at the Christchurch
appropriate places throughout the city. Eating locally produced seasonal food helps reduce Wastewater Treatment Plant. Solray Energy is transforming algae grown by NIWA in the sewage
our carbon emissions. Christchurch also has a growing number of community gardens that ponds into a renewable source of oil. Algae grown on nutrients that would have been flushed into
bring people together from all walks of life to share knowledge and enjoy gardening and food. the sea are harvested and converted into bio-oil to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel. Christchurch,
Community gardens act as social hubs where people can learn skills, such as how to grow, cook and with its numerous sources of agricultural bi-products and organic-rich wastes was an ideal location
preserve fresh and healthy food. to develop this technology that could one day help power the future.
26 274.0 Taking Action
4.1 ACTION CRITERIA indicative only. The actual budget allocation and To deal effectively with climate change we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions to help global
timing will be determined through future Long efforts aimed at reducing the harmful effects of climate change (mitigation) and we must adapt to
The following criteria have been developed to the unavoidable impacts of climate change on our way of life (adaptation). This action plan identifies
assist in the selection of priorities and in the Term Council Community Plans.
whether each action is chiefly a mitigation or adaptation response or both.
evaluation of proposed actions. These criteria
are based on those adopted by the New Zealand Because of the broad nature of this Strategy
the Council intends to work with a wide range 4.2.1 UNDERSTANDING
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment
people and organisations within the community Objective 1. Understand the social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts of climate
in assessing and comparing environmental risks
to advance the objectives of the Strategy. This change on Christchurch
and responses.
includes, but is not limited to, government
Indicative Budget
organisations, tangata whenua, community Action Council plans Time ($ per year)
Criteria The Council will give Priority
organisations, environmental groups, research (Adaptation / Mitigation measure) to work with Period
preference to actions that: Existing New
and educational institutions and business sector
1 Scale and Address the main sources 1. Investigate physical changes (A) High Environment 2013 - 20,000 80,000
organisations. Appendix 3 provides examples
extent of greenhouse gas Investigate the effects and potential responses Canterbury 2020
of the types of organisations that have a role
emissions or address an to physical changes, such as to coastal areas, NIWA,
in understanding and responding to climate
impact that is widespread water supply, surface water and indigenous Canterbury
change in New Zealand.
and significant, over more biodiversity, including the impact these will University
localised impacts. have on people, the economy, land use,
Within this high level action plan, the Council
2 Rate of change Address issues that are has identified key organisations that could infrastructure and the management of natural
rapidly getting worse, over assist in the implementation of specific actions. and physical resources.
those which are less urgent. Throughout the strategy development and 2. Investigate health effects (A) High Community 2016 - 0 20,000
3 Irreversible Address issues before they consultation phases, agreement was sought on Investigate the impacts and potential Public Health, 2018
are potentially irreversible how these organisations can best work with the responses to climate change related health Environment
or that have a tipping point Council. Through the implementation phase issues, such as heat exhaustion, water and food Canterbury,
or threshold beyond which agreement will continue to be sought with these borne diseases, vectors, asthma, skin cancer, Centre for
effective responses are organisations to help achieve the outcomes of equity issues and emergency management. Sustainable
much more difficult. this strategy. Cities
4 Achievable Are readily able to be 3. Investigate impacts on tangata whenua (A) High Ngai Tahu, 2014 - 30,000
implemented - where we Climate Smart Vision Understand, monitor and respond to the impacts Environment 2025
have sufficient knowledge, of climate change on tangata whenua values such Canterbury
resources, acceptance and as mahinga kai, wahi tapu and kaitiakitanga using
Goals and Objectives both western science and matauranga Maori and
that are technologically
feasible. cultural monitoring methods.
5 Benefits Result in multiple and Targets 4. Investigate heritage effects (A) Medium Historic Places 2018 – 0 20,000
widespread benefits for the Review the management of cultural and Trust, NIWA, 2020
community. Climate Smart Implementation Plan
natural heritage sites such as historic buildings, Ngai Tahu,
6 Collaborative Build or strengthen monuments, settlements and outstanding Department of
Criteria to
partnerships and prioritise Actions
Monitoring natural features to ensure that climate change Conservation
and review is taken into account.
community support. actions
5. Scholarship and work placement (A+M) Low Canterbury 2013 – 0 15,000
4.2 ACTION PLAN Establish a climate change related post- and Lincoln 2020
Long-Term Council Stakeholders and
Community Plan Strategy Partners graduate scholarship and encourage summer Universities
This section contains a high level action plan
scholarships at local universities and work
to meet the Strategy Objectives. A subsequent
placement opportunities within the Council.
detailed Climate Smart Implementation Plan Implementation
will be developed with specific actions, timing
and budgets (Figure 5). Therefore, the actions, Figure 5 Climate Smart Strategy Implementation
budget and timing provided in this Strategy are Framework
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