Cogo partners with Terra Nova to launch carbon tracking

Cogo, an expert in carbon footprint tracking, has partnered with the Terra Nova Foundation to launch the pioneering Earth Positive (Earth+) programme, aimed at bolstering resilience and environmental impact for not-for-profit organisations in New Zealand.

The initiative is particularly focused on the Canterbury and Nelson/Tasman areas and is designed to offer planet-friendly guidance to the Rātā Foundation’s portfolio of community partners and other participating organisations.

The Earth+ programme is a free initiative that aims to equip community partners with the knowledge and tools needed to embark on their climate journey. This includes comprehensive guidelines on measuring and reducing organisational emissions and building resilience. The programme's toolkit and workshop series reflect a shared passion for fostering a regenerative future.

Ben Gleisner, Founder and CEO of Cogo, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “It’s a fantastic opportunity to show our collective commitment to empowering not-for-profit organisations to play their part in turning the tide on climate change.” The Terra Nova Foundation specialises in delivering impactful programmes focusing on lasting change and resilience for a changing world. The Rātā Foundation remains dedicated to reducing carbon emissions while supporting its charitable partners in becoming more resilient and thriving.

The Earth+ Programme offers step-by-step guidance, assessing an organisation's current status on its climate journey. It assists decision-makers in making meaningful commitments to change, building actionable plans, and establishing frameworks for measuring impact. Organisations will have access to top experts and a community of like-minded peers all working towards an aligned goal of an earth-first approach, promoting behavioural shifts for the greater good.

Rose Challies, CEO of the Terra Nova Foundation, emphasised the natural fit with Cogo: “Cogo was a natural partner for this initiative. The Earth+ Programme will help organisations make crucial first steps towards resilience and emissions reduction.”

Leighton Evans, Chief Executive of Rātā Foundation, noted the importance of preparing organisations for the impacts of climate change to build resilient and thriving communities. He stated, “Through our funding, we aim to help reduce adverse environmental impacts for future generations by investing in opportunities that strengthen community organisations. We support them to be sustainable and confident in meeting environmental challenges. The Earth+ programme enables community organisations to learn together, share knowledge, adapt, and become more resilient as well as reduce emissions.”

Cogo’s Carbon Manager plays a vital role in the toolkit by guiding participants on accurately measuring their emissions. Participants in the programme will have access to Carbon Manager, enabling them to calculate their carbon footprints using business spend data directly within their accounting platforms, currently available for Xero users. Additionally, Cogo provides personalised recommendations for lowering carbon footprints, sharing progress, and accurately reporting emissions in line with GHG protocols.

Supporting the initiative, My Native Forest will be integrally involved in workshop facilitation and providing consultation and support to participants. Challies concluded, “Our partnership aims to foster resilience and emissions reduction. It encourages organisations to take their first critical steps and provides a community to support them on their journey, building a resilient, earth-positive not-for-profit sector in our regions.”