Led by the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum, Mission Zero, and Nelsust, Swap One invites individuals and businesses across the region to join a community effort to cut transport emissions.
Swap One officially launched in September 2025, with a good number of businesses already signed up, including:
Bowater Motors Group, Cawthron Institute, Chia Sisters, Health New Zealand Nelson Marlborough, Kūmānu, Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson, Nelson Airport, Nelson City Council, Port Nelson, SeaDragon Marine Oils Ltd, Sealord, Tasman District Council and Tonkin+Taylor.
Over the next 10 months, Swap One aims to sign up 1,000 active users and log at least 30,000 low-carbon commutes through the Swap One web app. The project is supported by Nelson City Council and private donors.
Why Swap One?
61% of carbon emissions in our region—and 70% of household emissions—are transport-related. Changing commuting habits presents a significant opportunity. To align with the reductions needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C, Swap One aims to reduce emissions from commuting in our region by 10% each year.
Even a single change per week can make a significant impact. If the whole region swapped just one weekly commute, Nelson Tasman could collectively reduce nearly half of its new target for annual carbon emissions reductions.
Why get involved?
Swap One offers businesses a simple, low-cost way to drive carbon reductions. It also provides opportunities for employee engagement and collaboration, demonstrates your commitment to staff health and safety, and aligns with both your organisation’s and the region’s sustainability values.
Individuals, too, can track their swaps and will enjoy the community spirit of the project as reductions in carbon emissions are calculated and celebrated collectively.
How does it work?
- You can find out more information about Swap One on its web portal here.
- Businesses sign up to the initiative through the online form. This activates our team to get in touch and help you with questions and to build your plan for launch to your employees.
- Upon launching the Swap One web app is available for employee sign-up. This allows them to track their weekly swaps in return for acknowledgement and prizes.
- Drop-in clinics organised by the Swap One team and hosted by you help people explore better commuting options, with a strong focus on safety in active transport.
- Business and community leaders are invited to publicly model the shift to low-carbon commuting.
- Neighbourhood collaborations will help make walking and cycling safer.
- Indicators will track carbon savings to celebrate progress and encourage continued change.
