The new Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) (Audit Thresholds) Instrument 2025 was registered on 19 March 2025 and is now in effect. This Instrument replaces the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) (Audit Thresholds) Instrument 2015, which has been repealed.
This paper describes how projects registered under the HIR method earn carbon credits based on the sequestration of carbon in native vegetation. It provides an overview of the robust framework for large-scale sequestration throughout Australia. It also highlights the uncertainty and risks associated with running a HIR project and outlines the key compliance and crediting controls in place to mitigate these risks.
We are seeking feedback on the draft Audit Thresholds Instrument 2025 for the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme. The draft instrument was developed based on submissions from an initial consultation held in late 2024.
Associate Professor (Honorary) Cris Brack, a forestry expert from the Australian National University, has completed his latest review of the processes and outcomes of human-induced regeneration (HIR) project gateway checks.
Associate Professor (Honorary) Cris Brack from the Australian National University conducts regular independent reviews of human-induced regeneration (HIR) gateway checks. This is the December 2024 review report.
Associate Professor (Honorary) Cris Brack has completed his second report for 2024. This is his third report, overall.
The report analysed 33 human-induced regeneration projects, including 18 projects reported on in August 2024.
We have updated the key risk areas for auditors guideline, which outlines what risks it expects greenhouse and energy auditors to focus on when conducting audits under our schemes.
Read this consultation paper to learn more about the Audit Thresholds Instrument consultation.