Environment
Consumers are starting to make purchasing decisions based on environmental considerations. This section covers resource consent and compliance and looks at other ways of doing business in an environmentally friendly way.
Resource consents for new businesses
If you are starting or changing a business you may need to apply for resource consent. This is a good place to find out if you need resource consent and how to go about getting it.
Resource Management Act guide
If your business involves natural resources such as land or water, you should read 'Your guide to the Resource Management Act'. It is a simple explanation of the legislation, the processes it has established, and how you can pursue your interests under the act.
Get help with resource consents
You may need some help to work out if you need resource consent or to make sure you understand what rules and standards you have to meet. Here are a number of options to help you through these processes.
Getting professional advice on resource consents
Applications for larger and more complex proposals are likely to benefit from the input of professional advisers. Involving them early in the process can save you time and cost later.
Applying for a resource consent
Applying for a resource consent does not have to be complicated. Every day, people apply to their local council for a resource consent to do something such as build a new house or garage, subdivide their property, discharge waste water into a stream, move earth, or discharge pollution into the air. This guide is written for resource consent applicants.
Assess your environmental performance with Envirostep
Making your business environmentally friendly could give you an edge over your competitors. Envirostep is a free online tool for assessing and improving the environmental performance of your business.
Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme
The Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) covers a range of residential, commercial and industrial water using products. WELS regulations specify product testing and labelling requirements and how water consumption, efficiency and star rating used on the WELS label is to be calculated.
National environmental standards
Products that use water, or discharge chemicals and other substances that could present a risk to the environment, are covered by the national environmental standards under the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.
Understanding ecolabels and sustainability claims
An authentic ecolabel is one of the best ways to tell the world your business uses environmentally friendly practices. This article explains the various options and requirements.
