Figure 1: The Arawera Permanent Carbon Sink Forest in South Taranaki, New Zealand
We are thrilled to announce that Morphum Environmental has achieved carbon neutral status for the 10th consecutive year!
This is no small feat and has inspired us to continue striving for excellence and holding ourselves to account. Too often economic gain comes at the environment’s expense. But our efforts prove it is absolutely possible to achieve business growth while upholding environmental values.
We believe sustainability doesn’t compromise the way we do business, or our transport choices, but instead provides us with a different lens through which we can discover greater efficiencies and positive business outcomes.
We’re extremely proud to report we’ve reduced our carbon emissions by 44% compared to 2019, and 4% compared to 2018. That smaller figure is due to a one-off long-haul trip to Denmark which caused a spike in our annual emissions and doesn’t reflect our typical business operations.
The trip, undertaken by two of our directors, was to investigate Danish expertise on water management and climate mitigation and we have since used that knowledge to improve the sustainability of Morphum Environmental’s own projects here at home.
While our carbon footprint has increased since our base year of 2016, this is to be expected given our expansion and involvement in exciting projects throughout New Zealand and Victoria, Australia.
What our results show is we are now more efficient than ever, having reduced our emissions per dollar of revenue by 33% since our base year.
“These results just demonstrate how committed our team are to making effective decisions in their day-to-day activities,” says Dean Watts, Morphum Environmental Director.
“But it doesn’t just stop at the office. It’s lifestyle, it’s instinctive, it’s integral. It’s just who we are! Sure it’s 10 years of telling the world how we are doing but it’s also 20 years of thought leadership to prove we can, and will, make a difference. We aren’t just joining the wave of environmental consciousness; we are the ocean of change.”
Carbon emissions can be offset by companies in different ways and we have chosen to support the New Zealand Permanent Forest Sink Initiative.
The Arawera Forest in South Taranaki was once used for pastoral farming but has now been set aside as a carbon sink. Native vegetation has been planted and wildlife has returned, restoring indigenous biodiversity, removing atmospheric carbon, and restoring water health in local rivers and streams. We are very excited to be involved in such a worthwhile effort.
Morphum Environmental’s carbon management commitments are audited each year through Toitū Envirocare’s ISO 14064-1 aligned carbonzero certification programme.
Josephine Rudkin-Binks, the GM Commercial of Toitū Envirocare, has congratulated Morphum Environmental on reaching this 10 year certification milestone.
“Over the last decade, Morphum have demonstrated their ongoing commitment to robust measurement of their carbon emissions and meaningful climate action. They have also taken a leadership role in their local business community by proving the value of sustainability, and made it a priority to involve their staff and customers in their journey.” says Josephine Rudkin-Binks, Toitū Envirocare GM of Commercial.
We expect to continue reducing our carbon emissions in 2021 and beyond thanks to improved efficiencies within our new head office and more remote working methods. We are excited to be entering a new era where we can work with greater innovation and flexibility - which can then provide enhanced environmental outcomes.
If your business is interested in becoming carbon neutral, we’d love to help support you on your journey. Our sustainability consultants can help with any advice you may need. Get in touch to find out more on 09 377 9779 or send us an email .