Quality Assurance & Standards

Greenhouse Friendly™

PDF of the Letter from the Department of Climate Change approving certification of Carbon Planet's services and operations

In 2008, following a stringent analysis and verification process by an independent panel appointed by the Department of Climate Change, Carbon Planet became the first carbon management company in Australia to be certified Greenhouse Friendly™. Certification is an endorsement by the Australian Government of Carbon Planet's core business: providing clients with emissions audit and advisory services, strategic carbon management planning, origination projects and education.

ISO 14064-1 Greenhouse Gases

Carbon Planet complies with international standards for the quantitative measurement, verification and reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removal. The standard was established to verify that GHG reporting and reduction projects are valid, credible and consistent.

Carbon Planet maintains a transparent corporate identity, thereby ensuring that, in the course of developing GHG management strategies, any risks and opportunities are clearly discernible to our clients.

GreenPower™

GreenPower™ is Australian Government-accredited renewable energy sourced from the sun, the wind, water and waste. GreenPower™ is a trademark owned by The Australian Greenhouse Office.

Carbon Planet is accredited by the Australian Greenhouse Office to supply GreenPower™, which consists of Australian Renewable Energy Certificates™ (RECs).

Green Power (without the ™) is a generic term for carbon credits created from renewable energy sources.

World Business Council for Sustainable Development's GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standards

Carbon Planet prepares GHG reporting and planning based on protocols as defined by the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard.

As stipulated in the Kyoto Protocol, the Standard establishes the greenhouse gases—carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O). hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF8)—for measurement and reporting so organisations may accurately identify and disclose their GHG emissions.

A GHG audit separates emissions into three levels: Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3; and all are covered in the present assessment. The separation of Scopes ensures that no double accounting occurs. Further details are provided in Carbon Planet's Methodology & References and only a brief summary is included here.

  • Scope 1 emissions are those over which a company has direct control via ownership of activities
  • Scope 2 is purchased electricity, heat or steam
  • Scope 3 indirect emissions are from activities or services purchased from other third party companies and include indirect emissions associated with Scope 1 and 2 sources.

Australian Energy Audits Standard AS/NZ 3598:2000

The Standard identifies three levels of energy audits to enable consumers to choose the level that best meets their emission reduction needs:

  • Level 1: Assessment of the net energy consumption of a given site to identify the degree, if any, of excess. This overall analysis yields a rudimentary summary of operating cost in relation to energy expenditure.
  • Level 2: Identification of onsite emission sources and the energy consumption related to operations. Recommendations are given for emissions reduction and cost savings based on a more detailed analysis than a Level 1 audit.
  • Level 3: A comprehensive inspection and evaluation of the site's energy expenditure, the fiscal and environmental cost associated with it and the plan to impose a limitation on both. A detailed report is presented from the compilation of auditors' data for review by the client and a management plan is developed from the conclusions disclosed in the report.

Carbon Planet offers Level 1 Energy Audits.