Are You a Carbon Zero Business?
Or a Carbon Reduce Business?
Or Neither?

Potentially controversial view: as a business that’s CarbonZero certified, I favour CarbonReduce. Why? Because the road to a sustainable future demands more than glossy certifications—it calls for tangible, visible reductions in emissions. And in a world that’s seen big businesses simply throw money at carbon offsets, I believe the transparency of CarbonReduce is what resonates.

Let’s be real… We’ve all read the headlines: businesses sinking cash into carbon offsets, claiming eco-credit without changing a thing. But here’s the kicker: those headlines stick. You can adjust your policies, tweak your processes, but once it’s out there, it’s engraved in the public’s perception.

That’s why reduction is different. Reduction is real. It’s proof of ongoing improvement, warts and all, showing that sustainability is more than a badge—it’s a commitment to transparency and betterment. It’s a process that shows you’re in this for the long game, continuously looking at ways to genuinely improve.

Of course, there will be those who say, “You can’t be CarbonZero without reduction.” And, absolutely—Spaceworks has been down that path and knows the value of the certification. But in a climate of scepticism, I’m here to advocate for the authenticity and transparency that CarbonReduce brings to the table.

Ben Eitelberg’s Perspective on Carbon Reduction

We couldn’t discuss the importance of carbon reduction without highlighting an insightful comment from Ben Eitelberg, an experienced project manager and a passionate advocate for long term sustainable solutions. Ben says’ “Net zero is a dangerous illusion, as it provides us with the misbelief that we can continue with our current ways simply by offsetting, such as planting trees. The potential pitfall with energy efficiency is the idea of Jevon’s Paradox, whereby we achieve efficiency with the use of a resource but then increase the rate of consumption of that very resource.

A tangible action is to reduce wasteful behaviour through design, build, and extended usage. Behavioural change is key in achieving this by focusing on long-term value and workmanship”.

Ben’s comment strikes at the heart of the issue: achieving real sustainability requires not just certifications but meaningful behavioural change. By focusing on long-term value, design, and quality workmanship, we can ensure sustainability efforts are impactful and enduring.

How Spacework’s Taking Carbon Reduction Further

At Spaceworks Interior Architecture, we’ve gone a step further by developing our own carbon calculator—an online tool tailored to help construction projects reduce their carbon footprint. We’re not just looking for offsets; we’re achieving an average of 40% carbon reduction, without compromising on budget or timelines. It’s about more than meeting standards—it’s about setting them.

CarbonZero may be our certification, but CarbonReduce is our practice. It’s the active path we walk every day to ensure that our commitment to sustainability isn’t just seen but truly felt. In saying all that, if you want to certify your Fitout as CarbonZero or CarbonReduce- we can do that.

Take Action: Make Carbon Reduction Part of Your Legacy

Ready to go beyond the badge and make a real impact? Whether you’re looking to certify your fit-out as CarbonZero or CarbonReduce, or you’re ready to take bold steps toward tangible emission reductions, we’re here to guide you.

Let’s create a future where sustainability is more than a statement—it’s a measurable commitment. Contact Jana Stringer today at jana@spaceworks.co.nz or 021 153 3408 to start reducing your carbon footprint, one project at a time.