Are we turning a brighter shade of green? The relationship between household characteristics and greenhouse gas emissions from consumption in New Zealand

Households emit less gas 
But emissions are rising 
Can you reduce yours? 

New Zealand households are emitting 4.6 per cent less greenhouse gas than they used to. This is a fall of approximately one tonne of emissions for a two person household that spends $80,000 per year. That’s the equivalent of the emissions involved in driving from Picton to Bluff five times.

Emissions from the consumption by individual households may be falling, but due to the rise in New Zealand’s population, the amount of greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere from kiwi households’ overall consumption are increasing.

One aim of this research is to help ordinary Kiwis identify their biggest opportunities to reduce climate change. The Household Climate Action Tool is the result.

The Household Climate Action Tool

Motu researchers have worked with ChewyData and the NZ Herald to compile The Household Climate Action Tool, hosted by NZ Herald Insights. This uses averages of annual spending and household purchases to help people figure out their household’s best choices to reduce emissions. As incomes rise, individual household emissions may also go up. For more information about the tool, see our page here.