Ecotricity is ‘Climate Action Leader’ at 21st Sustainable Business Awards

Auckland-based Ecotricity is the first and only climate positive electricity provider in New Zealand, says the Sustainable Business Network (SBN) in announcing winners of its 2023 awards.

Ecotricity received the “Climate Action Leader” award sponsored by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

The awards – dominated by Pathfinder Asset Management (Pathfinder) – recognise a raft of values-led, determined Kiwis working towards a sustainable future innovating while addressing climate change, rebuilding resilient natural systems, designing out waste and building greener supply chains, says SBN.

Ecotricity is educating Kiwis about EVs, it adds.

“This work is fundamental to its company mission, given that carbon emissions from vehicles make up around half of our energy emissions. Its EV content had 1.3 million views in just 12 months.”

Ecotricity says it is confident that by supplying Kiwis with 100% renewable, climate positive certified electricity and by becoming a leading voice on EVs it is playing a vital role in decarbonising the electricity sector.

Started 10 years ago, Toitu certified Ecotricity’s mission has been to provide solutions for commercial and residential customers to reduce emissions from carbon-emitting energy sources, providing customers with 100% renewable electricity from wind, solar and hydro generation.

It’s committed to making New Zealand’s electricity grid 100% renewable by actively promoting the development of clean energy technologies to replace fossil fuels and lower the cost of electricity, says SBN.

Ecotricity’s climate positive electricity product is suitable for all customers and it has innovative energy solutions helping consumers keep their energy costs down, shift their energy usage away from peak periods, and reduce their carbon footprint.

Lowering demand during peak periods also reduces the need for fossil fuel generation and helps stabilise the national grid, SBN explains.

In the year to June 2023, electricity provided by Ecotricity avoided 33,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, says SBN, adding the business has the highest penetration of solar customers in the country.

“More than 70% of its residential and small business customers have rooftop solar. Excess solar power from those systems supplies about one-quarter of the electricity demands of Ecotricity customers during summer.”

Click here for more information on the awards and finalists.