ZEALANDIA has proven itself as a leader in conservation, and now it’s turning it’s eye to sustainable business as well. The Wellington sanctuary was awarded its carboNZero certification last night, to join other recent endorsements from Conscious Consumers, Qualmark, and Sustainable Business Network.

carboNZero certified organisations have measured their organisations greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions so they understand what their impact is on the global climate. They then make a commitment to managing and reducing their GHG emissions by creating an emissions management and reduction plan. Any remaining emissions that the organisation cannot avoid are then offset by purchasing verified carbon credits.

^{ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary was presented with the carboNZero certificate at an event 15 October 2015}

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"Our ultimate goal is long-term restoration, so shifting to an environmentally-conscious business model was a no-brainer, really", said Acting Chief Executive Russ Drewry. "We are a conservation project with a tourist component, and we have a responsibility to ensure that general business practises reduce any negative impacts or consumption as best as possible."

ZEALANDIA has also been announced as a finalist in Restorative Impact category of the Sustainable Business Network’s Awards, as recognition of their continued conservation work and implementation of new sustainable initiatives. These initiatives include shifting to renewable energy, and reducing energy consumption.

Rata Café has also jumped on board, bringing an organic kitchen garden, composting, and beehives to their already environmentally conscious processes. Initiatives like these have helped Rata become the first business in the country to obtain all 12 Conscious Consumers Badges.