Overview

The Climate Leaders Coalition Annual Snapshot is a benchmark series that tracks the climate-related commitments, governance, transparency and actions of participating New Zealand organisations. The series was initiated in 2018 following the establishment of the Climate Leaders Coalition in 2017 and provides an annual assessment of how signatories are progressing in addressing climate change through business leadership and collective action.

Purpose of the series

The purpose of the series is to promote accountability, transparency and collaboration among participating organisations. It documents how signatories are implementing climate commitments, managing emissions, assessing climate-related risks and opportunities, engaging with suppliers and value chains, and contributing to New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions and climate-resilient economy.

The series has evolved over time to reflect updated statements of ambition, climate reporting expectations and business practices, providing a consistent framework for monitoring organisational climate action and progress.

Methodology

The benchmark is based primarily on annual survey responses submitted by Climate Leaders Coalition signatories. The information is analysed by supporting organisations, including the Sustainable Business Council and, in later editions, thinkstep-anz.

Reporting covers topics such as emissions management, emissions reduction targets, climate risk assessment, adaptation planning, value-chain engagement, employee initiatives and organisational climate action. Results are reported both collectively and, where applicable, at the individual organisation level.

Reporting periods may differ between organisations, and the benchmark is designed to demonstrate progress and accountability rather than provide direct comparisons between participants.

Relevance for finance professionals

Finance professionals can use this series to understand how organisations are incorporating climate considerations into governance, strategy, risk management and operational decision-making.

The benchmark provides insight into evolving corporate climate disclosure practices, approaches to emissions management, climate adaptation planning, supply-chain engagement and organisational accountability. It can also help investors, lenders, analysts and stewardship teams identify trends in climate-related business practices and assess how organisations are preparing for the transition to a low-emissions economy.

Benchmark scope

The series covers Climate Leaders Coalition signatories across a range of sectors and reports on their collective and individual progress against the Coalition’s climate commitments and statements of ambition. It serves as an annual record of business-led climate action, transparency and collaboration in New Zealand.