In the absence of a clear national response to reducing greenhouse gas emissions businesses are seeing the opportunity to position themselves as leaders ahead of their competitors through becoming accredited as Carbon Neutral. The recent announcement of a Federal Government initiative provides a mechanism for formal accreditation of Carbon Neutrality for organisations and/or products.

Over $75 million has been provided by the Australian Government to establish the Australian Carbon Trust to further support energy efficiency action by businesses. Two key initiatives that will be managed by the Carbon Trust are the Energy Efficiency Trust which will provide information and tools for businesses to effectively participate in Australia’s climate change response; and the National Carbon Offset Standard Carbon Neutral Program. The Energy Efficiency Trust sought Expressions of Interest from businesses and other organisations to enter into strategic relationships and co-invest to deliver energy efficiency improvements in existing non-residential buildings across Australia. Those EoI’s closed on the 6th of August 2010.

The Carbon Neutral Program commenced on 1 July 2010 and is a voluntary scheme that certifies products or business operations as carbon neutral, utilising the National Carbon Offset Standard. This Program is the successor to the Australian Government’s Greenhouse Friendly™ initiative (2001 – 2010). For more details about the Australian Carbon Trust and the programs click here.