LoCarb initiative ensures sustainable future for tourism and hospitality

WellingtonNZ and Hospitality New Zealand launched the LoCarb sustainability initiative today, with an ambitious target to register at least 250 Wellington region tourism and hospitality businesses by the end of 2026.

The target of 250 businesses is approximately 50% of the Wellington region’s tourism and hospitality sector, spanning hotels, motels, restaurants, cafes, bars, tour companies, recreational businesses and more in Wellington, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kāpiti and Wairarapa.

Chris Sperring, Destination Development Project Manager at WellingtonNZ, says: “We're happy to announce our partnership with Hospitality New Zealand to deliver LoCarb, a sustainability programme designed specifically for the visitor economy. LoCarb brings tools and real-time insights from Cogo and Vistr, helping businesses take practical, achievable steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

“By making sustainability accessible and action-driven, we’re supporting tourism and hospitality operators to improve their environmental impact and save money through smarter energy and waste management.

“The collaboration with Hospitality New Zealand will strengthen the resilience and community focus of Wellington’s tourism and hospitality sector, ensuring it continues to grow sustainably well into the future.”

LoCarb is a proven programme that has already supported over 100 businesses across Aotearoa over the past four years in their decarbonisation efforts.

The initiative uses Cogo, a carbon management solution that enables businesses to measure, understand and reduce their impact on the climate. It provides no and low-cost tools and practical advice regarding operational cost efficiencies, waste management, energy efficiency, and circular economy strategies to lower carbon emissions.

It also incorporates Vistr, a destination intelligence platform which provides anonymised data securely aggregated, providing a comprehensive view of tourism’s carbon footprint. LoCarb also integrates with Xero and MYOB, enabling smooth onboarding for the many businesses already using those platforms.

Steve Armitage, CEO at Hospitality New Zealand, says: "The new partnership between WellingtonNZ and Hospitality New Zealand allows us to continue to support and empower our hospitality sector to thrive in a more sustainable future.

“Through LoCarb, we’re giving businesses practical tools to cut carbon, reduce costs, and meet the growing expectations of their customers. It’s a smart investment in the long-term resilience of our industry and the vibrancy of the Wellington region."

Participating in the LoCarb pilot programme was The Village Accommodation Group, which has improved energy and water efficiency, introduced a carefully managed waste audit system, installed EV and bicycle parking spaces, and engaged with NZ made eco-friendly suppliers for their guest amenities and cleaning products.

Karaka Café on Wellington’s waterfront has also valued the advice provided by the LoCarb programme. Their actions included reducing single use products and plastics in the business by focusing on circular systems, the introduction of a milk tap which utilises refillable 10 litre milk containers, serving unwrapped butter, and reducing packaging from suppliers.

The initiative aligns with WellingtonNZ’s Regional Economic Development Plan (REDP), which supports the transition to a low emissions economy and responsible use of natural resources for future generations.

To register for the LoCarb programme, businesses can visit the WellingtonNZ booth at the Hospitality New Zealand conference at Tākina, or visit the Hospitality NZ website. 

Date published: 4 June 2025