Wellington City Council has committed to becoming a carbon zero city by 2050, a move welcomed by the Wellington Chamber.

According to chief executive John Milford, the organisation has been certified carbon zero for three years now, and he encourages others to follow suit.

Milford said it is critical that the council works closely with local business to ensure the city’s goals are met. This means businesses being involved in the decision-making process and their initiatives being supported by the council.

For its part, the council needs to think strategically about the challenges facing the city. For example, achieving a densely compact and walkable city requires council leadership on building earthquake regulations and insurance concerns, he noted.

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“Wellington businesses are up for the challenge of reducing emissions and being kinder to the planet,” Milford said. “We look forward to representing businesses’ views to council as they develop their plans to achieve this ambitious goal.

“The council needs to champion the vision for central city development and create the right environment for building owners to make the most of their properties.

“The pathway to zero carbon emissions requires economically sustainable decisions to encourage further investment and innovation,” he added.