Auckland Council has been globally recognised by the C40 Cities Awards 2017 as one of the most innovative councils in the world for climate change action.
Auckland Council’s Waste Solutions team launched their zero-waste by 2040 ambition in 2012. It involves developing key environmental and waste management solutions, engaging with diverse communities, as well as driving the largest transformation of waste management services in the Southern Hemisphere.
Mayor Phil Goff said, “It’s great that Auckland’s leadership on waste reduction has been internationally recognised.
“Our ambitious plan for waste minimisation reflects the value we place on our environment and seeks to deliver cost effective services and achieve sustainable growth.
“Reducing household waste is a priority. We have achieved reductions of ten per cent through a combination of pay-as-you-throw pricing, increased recycling capacity, inorganic collection and trialling food waste collection.
“Our community recycling centres divert around 70 per cent of waste from landfill and have created over 50 new jobs,” Mayor Goff said.
Auckland Council’s General Manager for Waste Solutions Parul Sood said the complexity and scope of implementing Auckland’s zero-waste ambition is unique on a global scale.
“By finding new and better ways to reduce, reuse and recycle we’re reducing the volume of Auckland’s waste while creating economic, environmental and social benefits.
“The results we’ve achieved are as a direct result of collaboration with partners and local communities.
“We’re proud to be recognised for our efforts and appreciate the political leadership which has enabled us to work with the private sector and local communities.
“We want to put initiatives in place that empower people to take ownership of their own waste and help build a sustainable future for Auckland.”
Auckland Transport’s expanding cycling network has also been acknowledgement by C40 with the City Centre Cycle Network selected to feature in the Cities100 website.
Cities100 profiles innovative examples of how cities are using climate action to future-proof against challenges such as extreme weather, air pollution and growing populations in areas including transportation, waste and energy.
The C40 Cities Awards winners will be announced at the Climate Summit in Chicago in early December 2017.