MinterEllisonRuddWatts is proud to announce it is addressing its international business travel emissions through Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with Air New Zealand for the first time, becoming the only law firm in New Zealand to join this pioneering initiative aimed at reducing aviation-related carbon emissions.
SAF is a key lever in Air New Zealand’s journey toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Through a ‘book and claim’ system, corporate partners like MinterEllisonRuddWatts can purchase SAF certificates that contribute to the airline’s use of sustainable fuel, while applying the associated emissions reductions to their own carbon reporting.
“Our involvement reflects our deep commitment to climate leadership and responsible business,” said Janine Stewart, Chair and Partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts.
“As a firm that values sustainability, innovation and accountability, we are proud to support the development of sustainable aviation in Aotearoa New Zealand and to take meaningful action toward our net-zero goals.”
The SAF used in the trial is produced from waste feedstocks and offers a significantly lower carbon footprint over its lifecycle than fossil jet fuel. SAF’s ‘book and claim’ model allows businesses to support SAF use without requiring physical delivery of the fuel on their specific flights – similar to how Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) work in the electricity sector.
“This partnership aligns with Kia toitū te taiao, one of our firm’s three pillars in our Sustainability Strategy and reinforces our commitment to reducing Scope 3 emissions from business travel,” said Holly Hill, Partner and Sustainability Leader.
“By contributing financially towards SAF, we’re not only addressing a portion of our carbon footprint – we’re also helping to stimulate local demand for SAF for the future.”
Air New Zealand has offered emissions reductions through SAF to a group of early adopters to better understand market demand and inform future SAF investment, says Kiri Hannifin, the airline’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer.
"SAF is a complex commodity to understand, and it's a big step for a New Zealand company to buy SAF certificates because they're so new. We are very grateful to MinterEllisonRuddWatts for the leap of faith they have shown and for their leadership," said Kiri Hannifin.
"Customers contributing to SAF like this is meaningful not only for climate reasons, but also because their action helps set up and scale a global SAF system for the future."
MinterEllisonRuddWatts has previously offset its air travel emissions through carbon credits and sees this SAF initiative as a more direct and impactful way to support the transition to low-emissions travel. The firm has committed to ensuring 80% of its travel during the working week is sustainable and continues to explore new ways to reduce its environmental impact.
Kiwibank, Mainfreight and Forsyth Barr are also participating in the trial.
