Business Welcomes State of the Environment Report

Media Release
31 January 2008

Business Welcomes State of the Environment Report

The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the release of the Ministry for the Environment’s report on the State of the Environment.

“It is important for policy makers to have good information when making decisions. As well as providing information that will assist that process, this document will also provide the public and interest groups with a good basis to judge the effectiveness of government environmental policies,” said Chamber CEO Charles Finny.

“We will continue to monitor government policies with a view to ensuring the right balance is struck between economic growth and environmental sustainability.

“The document shows that economic growth and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive. The fact that our economy has been growing faster than our energy consumption is one example of that.

“Business recognises the importance of the environment and sustainability to the long term prosperity of the economy. New Zealand is unique amongst developed countries in the level of dependence its economy has on the environment.

“It is pleasing to see that many aspects of our environment are improving and that is due in no small part to the efforts of business which has become increasingly environmentally aware over recent decades.

“Recycling, reduced use of consumables and energy efficient practices are all commonplace in today’s workplaces. Businesses are also taking advantage of growing environmental awareness amongst consumers and using environmentally friendly practices to brand their businesses,” Mr Finny concluded.

ENDS

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