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Quality Assurance and Standards

The following standards apply to carbon emissions measurement and management.

ISO 14064-1 Greenhouse Gases

Carbon Planet's technology 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.

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

The G3MS carbon accounting suite delivers GHG accounting 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.

• 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.

National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS)

The Australian National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS) was announced on 20 January 2010 and came into effect on 1 July 2010. It is administered by Low Carbon Australia Limited (formerly The Australian Carbon Trust) under license from the Australian Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. The NCOS guides consumers and businesses regarding the integrity of voluntary carbon offsetting and provides a clear standard for becoming carbon neutral.

All offsets bought from Carbon Planet's shop comply with the NCOS.

Why do businesses need a National Carbon Offset Standard?

Under the Kyoto Protocol, Australia will soon report on nationwide emission reductions to meet targets. Due to the possibility of double counting, the Australian Government has put in place guidelines to help separate emission reductions that are made by Australia under Kyoto and those made by businesses and individuals that represent reductions over and above the formal commitments.

What types of offsets are eligible under the NCOS?

Eligible

• Australian Emissions Units (AEUs)
• Certified Emissions Reductions (CERs) under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
• Voluntary Emissions Reductions (VERs) issued by the Gold Standard
• Voluntary Carbon Units (VCUs) issued by the Voluntary Carbon Standard including credits issued for agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU) and reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) projects*
• Australian generated offsets, which are not counted toward the Kyoto Protocol target.**

Ineligible

In general, these include offsets that would have been covered by the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS):

• GreenPower*** and other renewable energy purchases (such as Renewable Energy Certificates)
• The Greenhouse Friendly scheme
• NSW GGAS scheme from which NGACs originate.

Becoming Carbon Neutral

Best practice in achieving carbon neutrality (as stated by the NCOS) is to:

1. Measure emissions through the calculation of a carbon footprint
2. Reduce all emissions where possible
3. Offset total residual emissions.

However, an organisation, or product, can be certified as carbon neutral by calculating its carbon footprint, undertaking an independent audit and then purchasing (and retiring), sufficient eligible carbon credits to offset its emissions.

The carbon footprint calculation would need to be based on the existing National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) methodology, with the extra inclusion of selected Scope 3 (indirect) emissions. For products, the NCOS will require a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The NCOS also requires the preparation of an emissions management plan.

Entities that complete an audited carbon footprint calculation (see G3MS) and develop an emissions management plan can apply to use the NCOS carbon neutral logo. Organisations wanting to use the logo must make information publicly available about their carbon footprint, their emissions reduction activities, and the offsets they have bought.

For more information on the NCOS, please contact Carbon Planet.