Sustainability & Community

We're committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, seamlessly intertwining them into every facet of our business. 

We’ve established a comprehensive sustainability framework, and measure and report on our emissions each year. We’re also exploring innovative methods of carbon capture and sequestration.

Sustainability is about acting in a way that benefits the environment and the communities we operate in, while at the same time creating value for our investors.

Renewable energy is our core business. Sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship is entrenched in everything we do: with our project partners, our day-to-day operations, our consent requirements, and maintaining our social licence to operate.

We are part of the Climate Leaders Coalition

We approach sustainability with a local, national and international lens, and consider the needs of both current and future generations.

When setting our framework, we referred to the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. Our focus areas are where we as an organisation believe we can support the most positive and meaningful outcomes, including: wellbeing, equality, improved water quality, clean energy, economic growth, industry innovation, sustainable communities and climate action partnerships.

Action plan to reduce emissions

Eastland Generation’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases are our geothermal power plants in Kawerau. Geothermal energy is renewable but not zero carbon. Geothermal plants are considered low carbon, producing 7% of the emissions of a typical coal power plant.

In light of this, we are investigating the implementation of Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) at our Te Ahi O Maui and TOPP1 geothermal power plants, which will significantly reduce our emissions.

The target implementation date is by mid-FY2026.

We’re also planning to include CCS with any new geothermal developments.

With transport, we’re rationalising our vehicle fleet so that all non-operational vehicles are EVs or hybrids.

Meaningful partnerships

We have formed important partnerships with the local community and in particular, land owning Māori trusts. We value the relationships we hold as they underpin sustainable development and mutual prosperity.

We are proud to have awarded Kobe Shilton with a $5000 engineering scholarship.

The inaugural scholarship recognises and celebrates Kobe's exceptional academic achievements, passion for engineering, and commitment to making a positive impact. 

Eastland Generation Chief Executive Officer Alice Pettigrew said, “We are honoured to back Kobe, he is an outstanding young man who is passionate and dedicated to engineering and higher education.

“We received several applications of high calibre but what set Kobe apart is his ambition extends beyond academic pursuits.

Eighteen-year-old Kobe said, “I find geothermal energy and electricity production fascinating, and following completion of my degree, I intend to work in the industry, and eventually start up my own local company.

Kobe envisions himself being involved with local and central government, creating positive change through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, especially when it comes to energy use and production in New Zealand.

Kobe grew up in Edgecumbe and found his love for learning at a young age.

 “I've spent my whole life tinkering, taking things apart, and finding out how things work. This is why I have decided to study engineering where I intend to Major in Mechatronics Engineering,” said Kobe.

 “It is such a privilege to have this support from Eastland Generation which is going to assist me in more ways than one on my academic journey. It will help me achieve my goals and build my career and life out of what I love to do.”