Community Charter —
Ashburton, New Zealand

I. Statement of Purpose

IORA believes that good governance is transparent, directive, and dynamic. Our Community Charter embodies these principles, aiming to balance the needs of the present with the demands of the future.

Recognizing the ever-changing landscape of sustainability, this Charter provides a living framework that is adaptable and open to continual improvement.

Through this Charter, IORA commits to fostering a resilient and innovative community. We thrive on collaboration, continuous learning, and a steadfast dedication to achieving our ambitious vision of a carbon-negative, people-positive eco-industrial campus.

By adhering to and evolving this Charter, we aim to create a sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative environment that serves as a model for global climate action.

II. Vision

The world’s first carbon negative, people positive eco-industrial manufacturing hub. A beacon for change that will transform Ashburton, in Aotearoa,
New Zealand into a global model for sustainable manufacturing and climate action.

III. Core Objectives

At IORA, our core objectives are to:

1. Achieve Carbon Negativity

Implement immediate carbon-neutral solutions and develop future-focused carbon-negative procurement, processes, and policies, achieving carbon negativity over the phased life cycle of the project.

2. Foster a People-Positive Environment

Design and maintain facilities that adhere to biophilic design principles and achieve the Living Building Challenge CORE certification, ensuring a healthy, inclusive, and regenerative space for all.

3. Promote Industrial Symbiosis

Optimize resource flows by facilitating the exchange of materials, energy, water, and by products among park members to maximize efficiency, minimize waste, and create shared value.

4. Encourage Innovation, Collaboration and Trust

Support innovative solutions and cross-company collaboration to achieve sustainable and efficient practices, while building a foundation of trust through transparent communication, robust governance structures, and equitable contracts.

5. Engage with the Community.

Actively involve community stakeholders, respecting and integrating the knowledge and values of indigenous populations, to ensure transparency, mutual benefit, and foster thriving, sustainable communities.

Through these commitments, IORA aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative environment that serves as a model for global climate action and sustainable development.

Download Full Charter here