Clean energy that helps businesses and communities thrive.

In the global race towards a sustainable future, the journey to net-zero carbon emissions is more than just a numbers game. Climate change can’t be solved by one company, one person or one community – and the real challenge lies in businesses going beyond reporting zero emissions in an annual report.

Companies like Meridian Energy are helping make corporate responsibility more meaningful by partnering with business customers to decarbonise communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. Since 2022, Meridian and its Certified Renewable Energy customers have contributed almost $3 million towards community electrification projects, such as solar panels and electric vehicles.

The power of RECs

Aotearoa generally has around 85% renewable energy circulating through the grid, but there’s no way of knowing if the electricity you’re using comes from renewable sources. That’s where Certified comes in. 

Meridian is the country’s largest generator of renewable electricity. Its Certified Renewable Energy programme allows business customers to match their electricity consumption with an equivalent amount of renewable energy generated by one of Meridian’s hydro stations or wind farms.

As part of the Certified programme, Meridian provides Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), which allow customers to report their market-based Scope 2 emissions* – the ones linked to electricity usage – as zero.

While using RECs this way isn’t new, what makes Certified stand out is that 100% of the net proceeds are reinvested into Meridian’s Decarbonisation Fund to help businesses and community groups actively reduce their carbon emissions. 

Where the fund supports community groups, Certified allows businesses to contribute to real, grassroots projects and make a meaningful difference in communities across the country. 


Real projects, real people, real impact

More than 40 community projects have received almost $3 million in funding through the Community Decarbonisation Fund. From installing solar panels, to purchasing EVs and electrifying boilers, the fund is helping communities move toward a more sustainable future.

High Country Medical Trust was one of 24 community groups to receive funding in the latest funding round, for a solar power project. The Trust owns and operates the Twizel Medical Centre – an essential rural medical practice that provides GP services and 24/7 emergency care for the wider region.

“We’re one of the most remote communities in the South Island and to live here you need to have the confidence that you’ve got that medical care,” says Martin Kelly, Deputy Chair of the High Country Medical Trust.

While this rural community is home to just under 2000 residents, the town has grown significantly in the past few years and continues to see a huge influx of tourists during the peak seasons. Visitors spent more than 740,000 nights in the Mackenzie District from September 2023 to September 2024. 

With more people, come more emergencies and Nurse Practitioner Gemma Hutton says having reliable power is a literal lifesaver.

“We’re seeing patients 24 hours a day,” says Hutton. “We’ll be a service that’s involved in any civil defence emergency and if there’s ever an event where we have a power cut, we still need to be able to provide adequate healthcare.”

The medical centre received $197,672 from the Community Decarbonisation Fund for its solar and battery project – the most funding ever distributed by the fund to a community group. 

The funding allowed the Trust to install 120 580W solar panels to the centre’s roof, as well as a robust battery system to provide back-up power in an emergency. Kelly says the centre is proud to be much more sustainable and know that no matter what happens, people can get the care they need.

“Whether your kid falls off a motorbike or there’s a natural disaster – you can pick up the phone or get in the car and the lights will always be on at Twizel Medical Centre,” says Kelly.


Twizel Medical Centre received $197,672 from the Community Decarbonisation Fund for its solar and battery project.


Empowering communities 

Decarbonising Aotearoa is not just about funding. It’s about empowering community groups to take action. Despite their desire to invest in reducing carbon emissions, many of these groups have to prioritise their limited resources to where it’s needed most. The Community Decarbonisation Fund helps bridge this gap by providing financial support so they can reduce carbon emissions and become more sustainable.

A 2023 funding recipient, the Northern Southland Community Pool Trust, received $115,000 to replace the pool’s diesel boiler with an electric one. The project not only reduced the pool’s carbon emissions but also lowered its operating costs, allowing the facility to invest more in maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for the community.

A call to action

The journey to net-zero carbon emissions is a significant challenge with many hurdles. But by joining forces, businesses and community groups can make real progress towards a cleaner, greener Aotearoa. Meridian’s Certified Renewable Energy programme offers a practical and effective way for businesses to meet their climate goals, while also making a real difference in their communities.

This is about going beyond reporting zero emissions – it’s about making a tangible difference in the fight against climate change and creating a fairer and healthier world with clean energy.

To learn more about Certified and how to get involved visit meridianenergy.co.nz/certified.

 

* Using the market-based methodology as per the GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance.