"Businesses need to provide leadership — on climate change — so that we set an example for the communities we serve," says Wellington Electricity's Greg Skelton.
Skelton was among the two-thirds of this year's 154 survey respondents who weighed in with comments on an open-ended question: "What is the role of business in a 'just transition' to a low carbon economy?"
Members of the business-led Climate Leaders Coalition, who "take climate change seriously in their businesses", were suitably to the fore.
Businesses should "show leadership by addressing their own emissions and working together in the Climate Leaders Coalition to develop a movement for change," said Spark's Simon Moutter.
"Investing in R&D that creates options for new forms of employment and wealth creation for New Zealanders," responded Z Energy's Mike Bennetts (also Coalition convenor).
"Developing employees to better manage the change for themselves and their organisations."
Waste Management's Tom Nickels pointed out that 60 of the largest companies, representing 50 per cent of GDP, have already taken action ahead of Government by making the coalition's Climate Change Commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The rallying call for business to play a part in the "just transition to a low carbon economy" was made by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in May. A dedicated Just Transitions Unit with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Development has been set-up to focus on working with partners to develop plans and manage the transition.
Among the 97 respondents to the Herald's question there were warnings that business must be robust and scepticism that some business grand-standing on climate change amounted to greenwashing.
An energy chief, whose company sits outside of the coalition's 70-plus membership, was explicit.
"Stop greenwashing. Report accurately, and make good long-term commercial decisions when they come up."
A company chair echoed businesses would assist the transition by "addressing the real issues within their area of responsibility and not just greenwashing."
The transition also has to be measurable.
Volker Kuntzch.
Sanford's Volker Kuntzch identified businesses role was "setting ambitious targets for itself, identifying shortcomings, seeking support and engaging with peers."
Others warned to take it very seriously and do whatever was possible to accurately calculate own footprint and reduce it as fast as possible and ahead of the Paris requirements.
"Measure carbon emissions and set and achieve a targeted reduction in emissions," said Port of Tauranga's Mark Cairns.
An Auckland lawyer and professional director said businesses need to take the steps they can to adapt to reduce emissions without being forced to become unviable.
An insurance CEO countered, "think long term and be courageous — it might mean returns to shareholder have to adapt!"
This latter view was reinforced by those advocating a reset of reporting expectations and removing focus on short term profitability reporting.
The investment community had a big role to drive capital towards long term, sustainable investments.
Others called for an informed debate with fact-based insights on the consequences of proposed initiatives, and skills pathway development for those industries that will be impacted, eg oil and gas, through investment in communities to source new industries for job growth.
The "big end of town" are not the only CEOs with views on this issue.
"All business must take responsibility for our future world," said Organic Initiative's Helen Robinson. "This includes low or reduced carbon, water quality and quantity usage, and the removal of fossil fuels and toxic chemicals. There should be a 'carrot' not a 'stick' approach by the Government to encourage such behaviour."
