Carbon neutral NSW Government
The NSW Government is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2020, with the operations of the NSW Cabinet becoming carbon neutral from mid-2009.
What is carbon neutral?
The term 'carbon neutral' is a net balance of zero carbon emissions and other significant greenhouse gases resulting from an organisation's operations.
CO2-e emissions + CO2-e reductions = zero emissions
| Actions that increase emissions | Actions that decrease emissions |
|---|
| Building Energy Use | Behavioural changes |
| Car Fleets | Implementing energy efficiency measures |
| Air Travel | Purchasing Green Power |
| Waste | Offsetting remaining emissions |
Why become carbon neutral?
The benefits of implementing low carbon initiatives include:
identifying opportunities to reduce emissions
generating cost savings from improved operational efficiencies and reduced energy consumption
promoting environmental awareness within the organisation
reducing your agencies impact on climate change.
What does it mean to government agencies?
The NSW Government's commitment to carbon neutrality applies to the greenhouse gas emissions of all budget dependent NSW Government agencies. Other agencies are encouraged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
The NSW Government's Sustainability Policy provides the framework for reporting agencies to achieve carbon neutrality.
The NSW Government Sustainability Policy sets greenhouse gas emission targets for building energy use and Government fleet and identifies actions to will help Government work towards achieving carbon neutrality.
Offsetting of emissions will be considered in 2014, after all other means of reducing emissions have been put in place, and if recommended and agreed, will commence from 2020.How do I reduce emissions?
In the NSW Government Sustainability Policy the actions identified to reduce emissions include:
achieving
NABERS ratings targets for energy, water and waste
- including Green Lease schedule in new or negotiated leases where practical
- achieving environment performance score target for government fleet
- increasing recycling and reducing waste to landfill
- implementing sustainable procurement
- monitoring and reporting under the NSW Government Sustainability Policy
- Health facilities and Educational facilities achieving their specified targets.
Other actions agencies can do to reduce emissions include:
Support for agencies to become carbon neutral
The Office of Environment and Heritage can assist agencies to prepare greenhouse gas inventories and carbon management plans.
For more information about carbon neutral government please contact the Environment Line on 1300 361 967 or email government@environment.nsw.gov.au.
Page last updated: 05 July 2011
