For the first time, a snapshot has been published of the progress being made by some of the biggest companies in Australia towards their climate ambitions.
The Corporate Emissions Reduction Transparency (CERT) report is a new way for eligible companies to present their climate-related commitments, progress and net emissions position all in one place.
In this first year, the CERT report is operating as a pilot, with 23 companies participating from across the energy, manufacturing, mining, retail, financial, construction and research sectors. The intent of the pilot was to test the reporting framework and guidelines, and to evaluate how it could evolve over time.
The companies participating in the pilot represent almost one quarter of Australia's emissions that were reported to the Clean Energy Regulator for 2020-21. A significant number of other companies engaged in the CERT design with a view to potentially participating in the first full year.
The pilot CERT report shows 90% of participating companies have committed to reaching net zero emissions or 100% renewable electricity consumption, and many have a target year of 2030 for their commitments.The report includes information and data on scope 1 (direct combustion) and scope 2 (electricity) emissions.
Clean Energy Regulator Chair David Parker said the flexibility of the report enables companies to also provide detail on their commitments to reduce scope 3 (supply chain) emissions, as well as international operations.
“Key elements of the CERT report draw on and are verified using data held by the Clean Energy Regulator. This is clearly identified in the reports for individual companies,” Mr Parker said.
“Readers can see each company's net and gross emissions, the use of carbon offsets, the level of renewable electricity consumption and progress towards certain commitments.
“Updates on progress for some other commitments is assured by the participating company, rather than the Clean Energy Regulator.
“As the sustainability reporting environment changes over the coming years, the CERT report may evolve alongside global carbon accounting frameworks and government policy intentions.
“The pilot was developed through an extensive consultation process, including co-design with industry and other stakeholders.
“I want to particularly thank the 23 companies for taking part in this pilot. I also thank other stakeholders who provided valuable input in the co-design process. I encourage all companies that must have their greenhouse emissions and energy use data published to consider opting-in from November this year for the 2023 CERT report.”
See the Corporate Emissions Reduction Transparency report 2022 for more information.