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Understanding changes in industrial process heat consents

Join our on-demand webinar to find out how changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) will affect your business

Let’s be honest — keeping up with regulatory changes can feel like a full-time job, especially when they could impact the way your business runs. If your operations rely on industrial process heat devices, then the recent changes to New Zealand’s Resource Management Act (RMA) are something you’ll want to pay attention to. The consenting process can be challenging, but understanding what’s happening and how it affects you doesn’t have to be overwhelming.


We’ve got your back with an on-demand webinar - Industrial Process Heat Consents. This isn’t just another compliance talk — it’s a practical, down-to-earth guide to help you get to grips with the latest updates to the RMA. We’ve brought together a panel of experts from the consenting and engineering fields who break down the changes in a way that’s easy to digest. They cover everything from the nitty-gritty details of what’s new to how you can streamline your consenting process and avoid any pitfalls along the way.


But the best part is that it’s not just about ticking boxes. The changes to the RMA actually present a golden opportunity for your business to step up, cut emissions, and even save on energy costs. Our webinar is here to show you how to turn these challenges into wins for your business.


Understanding the RMA and its impact on your business

The RMA has been shaping New Zealand’s environmental policies since 1991, and it’s a big deal — especially if your business relies on natural resources like land, water, or air. Think of the RMA as New Zealand’s playbook for sustainable management. It’s the legislation that makes sure we’re looking after our environment while balancing economic activities, and that’s no small task.


But here’s where it gets tricky - the RMA isn’t just a one-size-fits-all law. It’s a living document that’s constantly being updated to meet new environmental challenges. And right now, it’s undergoing some significant changes, particularly around how we manage industrial process heat devices. If your business uses boilers or other fossil fuel-powered systems, these updates are something you definitely need to stay on top of.


So, what’s changing? For starters, the government is cracking down on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from industrial process heat. The changes mean that new low-medium temperature coal boilers are completely banned, and existing ones will need to be phased out by 2037. Plus, if your boiler emits more than 500 tons of CO₂ per year, you’re going to need a resource consent — and that’s not just a tick-the-box exercise. Your consent application will now need to include an emissions reduction plan, with clear, actionable targets. This includes all boilers – natural gas, LPG, diesel as well as coal.


These changes are happening fast. The new rules already apply to any new boilers, and for existing systems, the deadline to have your consents in place is January 26, 2025. Meeting these deadlines is essential for compliance, but it also opens the door to future-proofing your business, lowering emissions, and uncovering potential cost and energy savings.


Top takeaways from our expert panel

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When you register for our free on-demand webinar, Industrial Process Heat Consents, you'll gain a better understanding of the changes to the RMA and some valuable insights.


What does it all mean?
The changes to the RMA are a shift in how businesses must approach their process heat devices. Our panel unpacked the implications of these changes, emphasising the importance of understanding the new requirements and how they impact both new and existing operations.


What do you need to know?
Being informed is crucial whether you’re managing consent internally or relying on external experts. Our experts highlighted the essential details you need to grasp, from the necessity of emissions reduction plans to the importance of considering long-term fuel supply options. The panel provided actionable advice on navigating these requirements effectively to ensure your business stays compliant and operates efficiently.


Who needs to be involved?
Successfully adapting to these changes isn’t a solo effort. It requires collaboration across different areas of your business, from environmental compliance teams to operational managers. The panel discussed the roles that need to be engaged and when to bring in external expertise to optimise the consenting process and ensure your business is prepared for the future.


With gas availability in New Zealand facing challenges and prices expected to rise, it's also important to consider future fuel supply forecasts when selecting and consenting process heat devices. Planning ahead now can help mitigate risks and ensure long-term sustainability.


Preparing for the future - take action now

The recent changes to the RMA bring new challenges, but they also offer opportunities to enhance your business’s compliance, efficiency, and sustainability services.

Our expert panel broke down the key changes, highlighted what you need to know, and discussed who should be involved in your compliance strategy. They also touched on the broader implications, like the future of fuel supply in New Zealand and how it could impact your choices.


Don’t miss out on this valuable information. The insights shared in our on-demand webinar, Industrial Process Heat Consents, are essential for anyone navigating these changes. 


Register for our FREE on-demand webinar.


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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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