What is the Toitū carbonzero certification?

Toitū Envirocare (Toitū) is a subsidiary of Manaaki Whenua (Landcare Research), a government-owned Crown Research Institute. Since 2001, they have developed environmental programs to assist New Zealand businesses with their sustainability goals. One of many certifications offered by Toitū is the Toitū Net Carbonzero certification.

Toitū uses scientific tools and resources to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions. Their research-based strategies help manage, reduce, and offset carbon emissions and environmental impact. Under the Toitū Net Carbonzero certification, Canon has continually taken action to reduce its emissions each year and then offset the remaining emissions through approved carbon credits; these credits assist businesses in achieving a neutral balance.

Available in 17 countries and recognised globally in over 60, the Toitū Net Carbonzero certification has been developed in collaboration with scientists specialising in greenhouse gas measurement. CNZ, joins many pioneering brands across Aotearoa in maintaining certification to one of Toitū’s carbon certification programs including; Auckland Airport, Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), 2 Degrees Mobile Limited, and NZ Post.

Canon’s certification

Managing our emissions is a crucial part of our environmental story. Our parent company, Canon Inc., has committed to reducing our carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. To fulfil this commitment, every Canon site worldwide undergoes an environmental system audit and a reassessment of their ISO 14001 certifications annually.

Canon New Zealand proudly received Toitū Net Carbonzero certification in December 2019. As part of our certification, we have a formal carbon reduction plan, which Toitū audits to ensure consistent progress.

Our certification covers all emissions related to Scope 1 (fleet fuel), 2 (electricity), and 3 (everything else). Being a Toitū net carbonzero certified business means we are a net-zero carbon organisation. We have measured, managed, and mitigated operational emissions by ISO 14064 and GHG Protocol.

Our CO2 reduction progress

We have made significant progress in our mission to reduce our carbon footprint as an organisation in New Zealand. Some of the positive outcomes achieved so far include:

• 100% conversion of our technician vehicles to hybrid models (as of 2024).
• 41% reduction in fuel consumption in 2022 compared to 2018.
• 64% reduction in flights in 2022 compared to 2018.
• 20% reduction in total emissions in 2022 compared to 2018 (733 tCO2e vs. 920 tCO2e).

Reducing our carbon footprint is one of the most profound ways Canon strives to leave a lasting positive impact on our world. We have thus voluntarily included our office waste in our Toitū Net Carbonzero certification as an additional scope three activity at an additional cost to our business.