Frequently asked questions
- carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning fossil fuels for transport, manufacturing, construction and energy
- methane (CH4) from livestock and waste.
- bring a range of benefits and opportunities for Kāpiti
- mean our district is no longer contributing to climate change.
- Underway and budgeted for under current Annual Plans and Long-term Plans; or
- Subject to future funding decisions, such as the Council’s next Long-term Plan
What are emissions?
We use ‘emissions’ as shorthand for greenhouse gases (GHGs) which trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. GHG emissions include:
What does it mean to be ‘net zero’ emissions?
Our aspirational goal is a ‘net zero’ Kāpiti by 2040.
Net zero means we're removing as much carbon from the atmosphere as we put into it. Reducing our emissions to net zero would:
To achieve ‘net zero’, our strategy is to focus on reducing ‘gross’ emissions to as close to zero as possible, then offsetting any difficult remaining emissions, such as by planting trees. This focus on ‘gross’ emissions is because we think this is the best way to maximise the benefits of decarbonisation.
Are we on track to achieve our emission reduction goals?
Emissions from the Kāpiti Coast district reduced by 6% between 2018/19 and 2023/24, even as the Kāpiti population increased over this period. However, achieving our aspirational goal of ‘net zero’ by 2040 will mean reducing our emissions by 6.3% every year (relative to 2018/19).
Our strategy is to work together to accelerate our emission reduction efforts in ways that bring wider benefits.
How are emissions measured?
It's important to measure our emissions so we can track progress over time.
Emissions for the Kāpiti Coast district are currently measured as part of Greater Wellington Regional Council’s regional emissions inventory.
What is the difference between the Emissions Reduction Strategy and the Emissions Reduction Plan?
The Emissions Reduction Strategy, published in 2025, sets out the key shifts we need to make to achieve our aspirational goal of a net zero Kāpiti by 2040.
The Emissions Reduction Plan focuses on near-term action. It sets out what the Council will do over the next 3-4 years to make progress towards our long-term goal.
How often will this plan be updated?
The Emissions Reduction Plan 2026-30 will be updated in mid-2027 to reflect decisions made in the Council’s next Long-term Plan. From 2030 onwards, new Emission Reduction Plans will be published every 3 years alongside each new Long-term Plan.
How much will be spent on what is outlined in the plan?
No budget has been assigned to developing this Emissions Reduction Plan. The actions in the plan are either:
Long-term Plans lay out what the Council plans to do over the next 10 years and how we’ll pay for it. The next Long-term Plan is due to be published in mid-2027. The Council will formally consult on the Long-term Plan in early-2027.
What is the Council’s position on climate change?
The Kāpiti Coast District Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and is committed to being a strong and effective leader on climate change.
Councils have a legal duty under the Resource Management Act to consider the effects of a changing climate on their communities.
What is the Council doing about the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events?
The Council is doing a range of work to prepare Kāpiti for a changing climate. This includes maintaining and protecting essential public assets like the infrastructure and services that support our community, including our water network and transport assets.
More information on what the Council is doing on climate change.