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Cop28 & the Path to Sustainable Global Energy Management: DETA on Tour

As the urgency to address climate change continues to escalate, the global community is gearing up for the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). Against the backdrop of the critical need for sustainable energy solutions, organisations from around the world are uniting to champion effective energy management, sustainability strategies, and decarbonisation initiatives.

 

What is COP28?

Hosted by the United Arab Emirates, COP28 is a prestigious event with over 70,000 delegates from 197 countries attending: it’s the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It’s hugely important as it focuses on facilitating critical negotiations and actions to combat climate change. COP28 is an opportunity for collaboration between nations and industries to drive progress to achieve the targets of the Paris Agreement. At the core of the COP28 UAE agenda lies the priority of seeking feasible solutions and implement sustainable practices to address environmental challenges.


COP28 UAE is split into two distinct zones, each a hub for different types of stakeholders:


The Blue Zone: this is managed by the UNFCCC and hosts formal negotiations among the nations’ leaders, accredited parties and observer delegates (including NGOs, IGOs and UN Agencies). A wealth of knowledge is shared through panel discussions and speaking events. The Blue Zone serves as a platform for critical discussions on climate policies and agreements.


The Green Zone: this zone is spearheaded by the COP28 UAE Presidency and delivers a dynamic space for non-accredited delegates (such as businesses who deliver energy efficiency services). The Green Zone is where the private sector has the platform to share and advocate for climate action and showcase their innovative sustainable practices through technical conferences, panels, and activities with a focus on existing and future solutions to climate change.


COP28 is focused on accelerating transformative climate action on a large scale through cross sector collaborations, partnerships, capacity building and problem solving. By developing a robust ecosystem of innovative technology and solution seekers, investors, governments, and industries, COP28 has the drive and determination to make impactful change. 


Effects of climate change on a tree

What’s on the agenda for COP28?

Here are some topics DETA expect to be discussed in COP28:


  • Phasing out fossil fuels: although 80% of the world's energy comes from non-renewable fossil fuels, there is nothing in the Paris Agreement about restricting their use. COP28 could be when it is formalised.


  • Protecting biodiversity and nature: protecting biodiversity is a huge issue and holds as much environmental weight as carbon reduction management.


  • The loss and damage fund: established in COP27 to reallocate funds from richer countries into aid for poorer countries impacted by climate change, COP28 will formalise how to collect and share it where it is needed. 


  • Creating a framework dispersing funds for climate adaptation: the COP15 funding goal of $100 billion a year has yet to be met. Once in place it will help mitigate the substantial financial losses to individuals and organisations caused by climate change.


  • Calling for the World Bank to go green: calls may be made to the World Bank to be more proactive in encouraging countries to make more sustainable decisions. COP28 may see the World Bank directing finance into renewable energy projects.


  • Final figures of the Global Stocktake (GST): COP28 has a Global Stocktake (GST) every year. Every country in attendance must declare how they are performing in relation to their goals set in the Paris Agreement.

 

model world surrounded by plants

Why is DETA’s attendance at COP28 important?

The COP28 UAE Presidency recognises the need for governments and the private sector to work closely together to address climate change and seek feasible solutions. With a commitment to fostering a greener future, and as a prominent energy & engineering consultancy firm operating in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, DETA stands as a beacon of expertise in energy management, sustainability consulting, and ESG strategies. We work with some of Australasia’s largest companies, helping them to achieve significant energy, water savings and carbon emission reductions.


Attending COP28 enables us to participate and contribute to the global climate dialogue, but also to benefit from the sharing of information and innovative approaches. We cannot stress enough how exciting this opportunity is in terms of the evolution of our internal processes and the advice we give clients to foster and optimise sustainable best practices and mitigate the adverse effects of global warming.


How can your organisation play a part in protecting the climate?

New Zealand committed to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 by 50 per cent below gross emission levels in 2005. To meet that target, New Zealand’s emissions between 2021 and 2030 must not exceed 571 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent gases (Mt C02e). For context, in the year to June 2021, New Zealand emitted 84 Mt CO2e (just under one-sixth of the entire budget).


If emissions continue to be produced at the rate they currently are, carbon credits will have to be purchased to offset the difference.


It’s the old familiar story: while individual actions may feel small, cumulatively they can make a huge difference – and everyone has a responsibility. If you feel inspired by COP28 and want to be a changemaker for a sustainable future, it’s time to act.


A net zero plan is a carbon management strategy to reduce emissions. An energy audit and management go hand in hand to understand your organisation’s carbon footprint and environmental impact. DETA have an experienced team of energy and sustainability consultants in NZ/Australia to make the journey to net zero both seamless and effective.


DETA's role in driving sustainable energy management

DETA stands at the forefront of energy management and sustainability consulting services. Leveraging our expertise in energy efficiency, carbon management, water management, and process optimisation, DETA plays a crucial role in guiding organisations towards adopting sustainable practices and reducing their environmental footprint.


Our comprehensive services include energy audits, carbon reduction management, and wastewater management, which are tailored to each business to help them achieve their sustainability goals while optimising operational processes. DETA’s input enables organisations to develop and implement effective strategies that not only reduce carbon emissions but also contribute to the global efforts in combatting climate change.


By integrating sustainable energy solutions and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, businesses significantly contribute to the global commitment to limit the rise in global temperatures and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.


If you’d like to learn more about how to take steps to becoming a net zero organisation and explore more about the benefits DETA’s sustainability consultants can bring to your business, contact our sustainability services today.


Visit our Thinking and Doing sustainability blog for COP28 outcomes.

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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