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A review of COP28: charting the path to a sustainable future

The recently concluded COP28 in Dubai stands as a testament to the collective global efforts and challenges faced in the management of climate change. Over the course of 11 days, the gathering of representatives from 197 countries brought together minds from various sectors, offering a panoramic view of both the positive developments and lingering frustrations in the quest for a sustainable future.


COP refers to the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference and is the world’s only multilateral decision-making forum on climate change. It’s a meeting of minds for business leaders, climate scientists, young people, Indigenous people, sustainability experts and stakeholders; an opportunity for countries to debate topics, negotiate and agree ways to tackle the climate crisis.


·      Ambition and adaption

The pivotal theme of ambition showcased each nation’s commitment to addressing climate change – an opportunity for countries to set more robust targets and accelerate an economy-wide net zero transition. Ambition hinges on adaption. Adaptation is crucial to mitigate future challenges, with adjustments needed in ecological, social, and economic systems. Adaptation encompasses diverse strategies to deliver tangible, on-the-ground transformation at a local level, from building defences against floods to redesigning communication systems. The final text calls for doubling adaptation finance, with explicit 2030 targets for water security, ecosystem restoration, and health.


·      Energy and fossil fuels

Fast-tracking the energy transition and slashing emissions before 2030 was one of COP28’s priorities. Parties vary in their stance on fossil fuel policies, with some advocating for a complete phaseout, others emphasizing the elimination of "unabated" fossil fuels, and some rejecting the idea. However, agreement was made by some to triple the world's renewable energy capacity by 2030 while doubling global energy-saving efforts over the same period to achieve the goals set out in the Paris Agreement.



a row of solar panels with the sun shining through them

·      Finance

Finance took centre stage as a critical enabler for climate projects, yet progress has been unequal and largely concentrated in richer countries where private investment in green technology is more attracted. Progress was made regarding the new collective quantified goal (NCQG), expanding upon the committed $100 billion from developed nations to fund climate mitigation and adaptation projects in developing countries. The fund will be initially managed by the World Bank.


·      Global Stocktake

This year was the first ever global stocktake - an audit of everything to do with climate change to identify the gaps and chart a path to accelerate climate action. It found that the world is not on track to achieve the goals set out in Paris in 2015. Despite resistance to diluted emissions and fossil fuel language, the final text was improved to include the projection of peak global emissions between 2020-2025, and more assertively urge nations to take diverse actions to reduce emissions and significantly cut non-CO2 emissions, particularly methane, by 2030.


·      Land use and forests

With growing recognition that climate goals demand nature-positivity, new measures to tackle deforestation were announced including the Brazilian ‘Tropical Forests Forever’ fund. The urgent issue of food systems was only briefly touched on which felt like a missed opportunity to tackle a sector responsible for nearly one-third of global emissions.



a foggy forest with lots of trees and plants

·      Loss and damage fund

Agreed at the opening of the first day of COP28 a pledge of financial support from the wealthy countries most responsible for the climate emergency. The $700m pledged covers less than 0.2% needed. The Parties agreed a structural and functional link between the Santiago Network and the Loss & Damage Fund. The Santiago Network supports developing countries to avoid, minimise and address loss and damage caused by climate change. This includes the sharing of knowledge, resources and technical assistance.


Positive developments - NZ and AUS leading the way

Contrary to common perceptions of Europe and the rest of the world being ahead of tackling climate issues, it was exciting to see Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific region sharing cutting-edge projects from our region, notably in mitigation efforts.


  • Aotearoa New Zealand announced in 2021 an increased climate finance commitment of $1.3 billion for 2022-2025, with at least 50 percent targeting adaptation.
  • Sessions hosted by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) provided insights into plans for a 300% increase in renewables by 2030 and strategies for faster deployment of renewables across the world, which perfectly aligned to Australia's presentation in the Australian Pavilion which outlined a vision of becoming an energy exporting powerhouse. With plans for large super solar sites equivalent in size to Tasmania, exporting electricity, green hydrogen, and green iron ore to Asia and the world, this is a bold step toward transforming not just energy, but the entire economy.
  • Melbourne has appointed a Chief Heat Officer to oversee infrastructure resilience against extreme heat stress and enhance health outcomes with the aim to lower the city's average temperature by 4 degrees, signalling significant potential for impactful, yet straightforward, initiatives.



a sign that says ' dubai expo 2020 ' on it

The middle ground - easing financial barriers

One of the groundbreaking moments of COP28 occurred on Day 1 with the agreement to create the Loss and Damage Fund, signalling a collective commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change. This fund's potential for growth was acknowledged, reflecting optimism for meaningful movement in the subsequent days as more countries confirmed their pledges. This is a huge step forward for the availability of capital for essential projects.


Challenges - building a sustainable business case

While positive intent was evident on the supply side, there remains a universal challenge: building a sustainable business case and obtaining the social mandate for a transformative shift in the world's economy. We have the knowledge, technologies, the intent and the need, so what’s the problem?

The crux of the issue lies in the affordability of change on the demand side. The optimism garnered from the finance sector, needs to translate into real life improvements and financial benefits, rather than creating theoretical reports to align with the ambitious 2030 and 2050 climate targets. Does there need to be a shift toward calculated risk-taking to expedite progress?


Additionally, the complexities and prevalence of political nuances suggested that, at times, political considerations overshadow practical solutions: the prioritisation of politics over the pursuit of tangible solutions. It’s a delicate line we tread.


Whether COP28 will be judged as a success remains to be seen, but what it does do is highlight the importance of collaboration, transparency, knowledge sharing and discussions that transcend geographical boundaries. With continued alliances, innovation and a focussed approach it is the only way to address the urgent climate crisis.


If you would like to learn more about the steps you can take in pursuit of a sustainable future for your business, contact DETA. As leading energy and sustainability consultants in NZ/Australia, we deliver carbon footprint management, energy efficiency services and sustainability consulting services to help businesses achieve their green ambitions. 

Proactive Solutions for New Zealand’s Gas Challenges

by Anne-Maree Ward • 13 December 2024
Energy Efficiency and Conservation: Navigating New Zealand's Gas Challenges New Zealand’s energy market is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Rising gas prices, a steady decline in local gas production, and the country’s ambitious decarbonisation targets are creating significant pressure for businesses to adapt. The era of cheap, reliable gas is fading, and for industries that rely on it, the time to act is now. Businesses need to move beyond merely coping with the changes and start embracing practical, forward-thinking solutions that drive efficiency, reduce costs, and align with New Zealand’s sustainability objectives. While the pressure to reduce fossil fuel dependency grows, there’s an opportunity for businesses to innovate. By adopting energy-efficient technologies and lower carbon alternatives, companies can gain a competitive edge while managing the immediate impacts of the gas crisis and preparing for a future with more sustainable energy sources. The evolving gas landscape: what’s driving the change? New Zealand’s gas sector is in a state of flux, with local production dwindling and no imported natural gas available. On top of this, the government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is placing additional pressure on businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. For many businesses, continuing to rely on gas is no longer a sustainable long-term strategy. Now is the time to take a step back and consider alternative energy solutions that provide greater stability and long-term value. The path forward involves shifting away from traditional fossil fuels, investing in energy-efficient technologies, and exploring lower carbon energy alternatives. Energy efficiency: the key to resilience While facing such uncertainty in the energy market, energy efficiency is more than just a cost-saving measure—it’s key to building resilience. By reducing energy consumption, businesses can mitigate the financial impact of rising gas prices, all while contributing to New Zealand’s decarbonisation goals. Achieving energy efficiency means not only cutting down on costs but it also positions businesses as leaders in sustainability, supports the uptake of a continuous improvement mindset across the business, and reduces environmental impact. But considering energy efficiency alone isn’t enough. The real challenge lies in the broader energy supply-demand balance across New Zealand. As businesses look to transition away from gas, the energy must still come from somewhere and the market has to react. This is a massive challenge for NZ Inc but many businesses are looking at ways to be innovative and creative with their energy usage and procurement utilising tools like storage, flexible operation and long term contracts to not only create maximise value for their organisations but also to support New Zealand's energy transition.

Measuring up: the importance of energy audits in business

12 December 2024
Historically, auditing has been seen as an undesirable expense with little perceived value for businesses. With organisations failing to see the benefit of examining the finer details of their operations, and with staff assigned to prepare for the audit feeling like they've drawn the short straw, audits have never been fun. Until now. This is when energy audits enter the room to great fanfare. The shift towards sustainability , driven by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, is reshaping how businesses approach energy consumption, waste management, and carbon footprint, and crucially, their relationship with audits. Energy audits are the one type of audit that delivers positivity; they are one of the most effective tools to help businesses reduce their environmental impact while boosting their bottom line through optimised processes and reducing costs. For organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific , understanding the significance of energy audits and how they lead to long-term cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced sustainability is fundamental to business success. Unpacking energy audits: the key to unlocking sustainability An energy audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a business's energy use and efficiency. Its primary goal is to uncover areas where energy is being wasted and identify opportunities for energy savings. This process is essential for any business aiming to improve its sustainability, reduce operating costs, and meet carbon reduction targets. Whether you are operating a small enterprise or managing a large industrial site, an energy audit provides actionable insights to reduce the environmental impact of the business and improve energy management. There are different types of energy audits, from Lite Audits offering a quick, low-risk assessment, to Detailed Energy Audits, which provide a more thorough and long-term analysis of energy use across the facilities. Both types of audits help you understand current energy consumption patterns and reveal the potential areas for energy efficiency improvements. From insight to action: why energy audits are a business game-changer Energy audits are not just about identifying problems; they are about identifying opportunities for improvement. By performing regular energy audits, businesses can benefit in the following ways: Cost savings One of the most immediate, attractive and tangible benefits of an energy audit is the potential for significant cost savings through the identification of inefficiencies that are costing the business or organisation money. For example, a company may be using outdated lighting or HVAC systems that consume excessive energy. Through equipment upgrades and optimisations , these inefficiencies can be corrected, leading to significant savings on utility bills. Energy audits are also adept at identifying unexpected bottlenecks in industrial processes and are often the first to highlight the potential for process optimisation, improving a business’s overall efficiency and profitability. 
Two construction workers are looking at a blueprint on a construction site.

From concept to completion: achieving industrial projects with sustainable agendas

12 December 2024
In today’s world, the intersection of industrial progress and sustainability has become a critical focus. As businesses and industries expand their reach, the importance of embedding sustainable practices into project management is no longer optional - it’s essential. By integrating sustainability principles from the early stages of a project through to completion, organisations can achieve not only economic gains but also valuable long-term environmental and societal benefits. The role of sustainability in industrial project management Sustainability in project management involves adopting practices that address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations throughout the project lifecycle. This shift reflects a growing recognition that industrial success isn’t just about profitability; it’s about creating enduring value for communities and the ecosystems on which we rely. Industries across New Zealand and Australia are increasingly collaborating with sustainability consultants and ESG consultants to align their projects with global sustainability standards. These professionals guide organisations in setting and achieving ambitious goals, whether it’s reducing carbon footprints, improving resource efficiency, or enhancing social responsibility. For instance, energy consultants in NZ play a pivotal role in industrial projects by conducting energy audits and offering insights into energy-efficient designs, ultimately lowering operational costs and environmental impact. Key strategies for embedding sustainability in industrial projects Implementing sustainability isn’t just about compliance - it’s about innovation. Here’s how industrial project teams incorporate sustainability into their processes: 1. Defining clear sustainability goals Every successful project begins with a clear roadmap. Sustainability goals should align with both organisational values and broader environmental targets, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Collaborating with energy efficiency consultants and process engineering consultants helps businesses define measurable objectives, such as achieving specific reductions in energy consumption or waste. For example, organisations in the manufacturing sector can work with energy management services in NZ or Australia to develop energy audit services to pinpoint inefficiencies and identify greener alternatives. 
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