MEASURE AND REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Rebecca Dearden is on a mission to inspire sustainable change, one insight at a time.

The founder of Emission Insights NZ, she is using her expertise to help businesses understand and reduce their carbon footprints.

“I want to tailor my services to small and medium-sized businesses who aren’t in a position to have someone with my skillset on staff,” she says.

Rebecca has spent years analysing environmental impacts, working with corporates to assess sustainability risks. Now, she’s bringing that knowledge to businesses that need it most.

With a master’s degree in physical geography from Victoria University of Wellington, Rebecca’s background is deeply rooted in environmental management. She started out assessing the environmental impacts of construction projects before shifting towards climate change, helping companies measure and reduce their carbon footprints.

Rebecca’s passion for the environment began long before her academic career. Growing up in South Canterbury, she spent hours exploring the countryside on horseback.

“I’d disappear with a backpack for the day – riding through reserves, crossing streams, just adventuring,” she says.

Originally, she enrolled in a double degree in law and science. But after a year, she realised her heart lay with environmental science and physical geography. Her studies took her into the field – literally. On weeklong trips she worked in diverse landscapes, first as a student, then as a teaching assistant during her master’s degree. Her career eventually led her to Taranaki.

“I moved into a flat full of Taranaki people and through them met my now husband,” she says.

Leighton, her husband, works at Taranaki Diocesan School in Stratford in a range of roles, and they have a six-year-old daughter, Florence.

Balancing work and family is a priority for Rebecca, who works from their country home beneath the gaze of Taranaki Maunga, her beloved horses close by. As the principal of Emission Insights NZ, she is able to choose her own hours and share her knowledge. She saw an opportunity – many businesses were being asked for carbon data but had no idea where to start.

“There’s a big focus on supply chains right now, especially for companies supplying the European Union,” she says.

Publicly listed companies in New Zealand are also under pressure to disclose emissions data.

“Their suppliers need accurate information – but often don’t understand what they’re being asked for.”

Rebecca’s role is to bridge that gap.

“There are lots of different tools available. My job is to find the best fit for a business based on its goals and budget.”

Some companies need detailed, auditready data. Others just need a simple way to track emissions. Either way, understanding carbon footprints isn’t just a compliance issue.

“It can lead to efficiency improvements –often saving businesses money,” she says.

For Rebecca, the bigger picture is clear.

“Climate change is happening. We have a responsibility to reduce our impact.”

She drives an electric vehicle as part of her own commitment to reducing emissions.

“If we don’t act, the world won’t be the same for our children and grandchildren.”

She hopes businesses aren’t just thinking financially but are focused on the future.

“Yes, some do it because they have to. But ideally, they’re also thinking long-term.”

Certification is becoming a selling point. Labels like “carbon zero’” or “carbon positive” are gaining momentum from consumers looking for products with a lower environmental impact.

Getting started with Emission Insights NZ is simple.

“A business can contact me via my website, email, or phone,” she says.

She begins by understanding a company’s operations and emission sources.

“We look at company size, number of employees, and revenue – then match the right tool to their needs.”

Sustainability is more than just carbon emissions. Rebecca also helps businesses develop full sustainability strategies.

“That means looking at environmental, social, and governance impacts,” she says.

She leads by example. Rebecca has organised multiple clean-up events, bringing volunteers together to remove rubbish from reserves, lakes, and parks.

Her commitment to environmental causes led her to raise $10,000 for Keep New Zealand Beautiful and participate in the charity television show Adventure All-Stars, which highlighted conservation efforts while showcasing outdoor experiences in the Marlborough Sounds.

She is also a board member of the New Zealand Pony Club Association.

Alongside her love of the environment, Rebecca’s world revolves around her family – humans and horses. Rebecca has four horses, including a retired thoroughbred and a miniature pony for Florence.

“She’s still learning to steer, but she’s getting there,” she says.

“Horses are a fantastic kind of stress release. They don’t judge.”

But they do mirror human emotions.

“If you’re anxious, they feel it. They can sense your heartbeat from 20 metres away,” says Rebecca, who started riding at eight years old and has never stopped.

Riding is part of her routine – usually three or four times a week. Working for herself from home means she can ride in the mornings, attend Florence’s school events, and enjoy country life.

Rebecca is creating her own sustainable lifestyle.

Contact Rebecca 021 151 6981 emission_insights_nz@outlook.com