The Carbon Neutral Advantage project was officially launched in Invercargill yesterday.
The project, backed by $190,000 of government funding, will result in Southland businesses, councils, and the wider community implementing initiatives to encourage a low-emission future for the region.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority group manager Eddie Christian yesterday said the ''determination and vision'' of the project was something to be proud of.
''You're doing what New Zealand and the world needs, being ambitious, bold and taking action to reduce emissions.
''The change you are aspiring to in Southland has leadership and bold decision-making.''
Ministry of Transport chief science adviser Simon Kingham, who also spoke at the launch, said there were multiple advantages to the region becoming carbon neutral.
Introducing a low-carbon transport system, which would promote a shift to new technologies and cleaner fuels, as well as promoting walking and cycling, would lower obesity rates, improve mental health and reduce congestion in cities, he said.
''If you can get more people walking and cycling because you want to reduce your carbon, you are actually probably increasing people's wellbeing as well.
''You reduce infrastructure costs, because you don't need to spend as much on roads.
''Ultimately, you make happier cities''
Venture Southland business services and strategic projects general manager Steve Canny said the project was the ''first regional project of its kind''.
''Driving change at a local level will not only reduce carbon emissions but also increase the activity, productivity and competitive advantage of our Southland businesses,'' Mr Canny said.
Climate Change Minister James Shaw said the Government's's goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050 would take every part of the country working together.
''The regional approach that Venture Southland is taking is innovative and has the potential to be applied in many other regions across the country.
''Southland produces 15% of New Zealand's tradeable exports, mainly from the primary sector. This project should help future-proof that position.''
