Net Zero Newsletter – NSW Passes Climate Change Bill

Hi,

As we approach the end of 2023, we take a moment to reflect on a year filled with growth, collaboration, and meaningful connections. Serving you throughout this period has been fulfilling, and we're excited about the prospect of continuing our collaboration in 2024.?

Sharing some of the milestones that underpin our commitment to support organisations in their journey towards carbon neutrality and decarbonisation:?

• Our team have assisted several organisations in achieving Climate Active Carbon Neutral Certification, among them Astron Environmental Services, Qudos Bank, Forza Capital, Floating Solutions Consulting, Summit Fleet, Western Sydney University and the City of Parramatta for both Council operations and – an Australia first – Council’s Public Domain services for Parramatta Square. ?
• Our team actively participated in various industry-related events and conferences throughout the year and here are some of our notable collaborations: ?- March 2023 - I was one of the panellists at the "Net Zero: Investing in the Future" event of the World Science Festival in Brisbane. I shared the stage with esteemed panellists Graeme Wood (Climate philanthropist and founder of Wotif.com), Simon Holmes à Court (Entrepreneur), and Prof Bronwyn Harch (Interim Queensland Chief Scientist) on the transition to net zero and the importance of climate literacy. ?- September 2023 – Our team, with input from BHP and Harmony Gold, developed a 3-part interactive, online workshop series titled “The Competitive Edge: Getting Started with Decarbonisation” for Austmine, the METS sector industry association. ?- October 2023 – Our team developed an online e-learning program "Road to Decarbonisation”, sponsored by Bridgestone for NATROAD (The National Road Transport Association) members, which could be the world’s first decarbonisation training program for the trucking industry! ?- October and December 2023 – We ran a webinar on? "Unlocking Low Carbon Procurement and Supply Chain Decarbonisation”. ?- November 2023 – We ran a webinar on "How to confidently buy high-integrity carbon offsets” in partnership with Tasman Environmental Markets (TEM).? ?
• For our Driving Net Profit with Zero Emission Podcast, I’ve engaged with two great speakers - Simon Holmes à Court, an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist who founded Climate 200 and Dr. Roger Attwater, Senior Manager Environmental Sustainability at Western Sydney University in episodes 'Striking at the Root, with Simon Holmes à Court' and ‘Creating Change: Western Sydney University’s Sustainable Leadership', respectively. Our latest episode, “How to confidently buy high-integrity carbon offsets”, was recently released and features the recording of the webinar we held in collaboration with TEM.?

Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Bill 2023

The Minns Labor government’s landmark Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Bill has passed both houses of parliament with multi-party support. The bill sets ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and 70% by 2035, ultimately reaching net zero by 2050. NSW will also establish an independent Net Zero Commission to monitor, review, report on and advise on progress towards these targets.

We are proud to say that Patrick and I were invited to the November board meeting of the Net Zero Emissions and Clean Economy Board to discuss NSW’s roadmap to net zero. The board plays an important role in advising the NSW Government on achieving its ambitious goals. Our discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities faced by small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in formulating a strategy and pathway toward achieving net zero emissions.

COP28 Highlights: Cities Science Based Targets for Nature program, TCFD Transition and ?first Global Stocktake (GST) decision

The recently concluded COP28 in the UAE delivered a wake-up call on climate action, which includes:

• During the COP28 in UAE, Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) announced their plan to develop the first-ever science-based targets for nature that include cities alongside companies. The initiative aims to create a framework for science-based target indicators, addressing cities' impact on climate and natural systems. Cities are major contributors to global environmental impact, and setting science-based targets for them is important for aligning efforts with the Safe and Just Earth System Boundaries. ?
• The TCFD or Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures has officially disbanded. Established in 2015 to address climate change as a market failure, TCFD played a key role in mainstreaming climate disclosures. Responsibilities?related to climate-related financial reporting will now be transferred to the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). TCFD's four pillars: governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics & targets, are preserved in the new ISSB sustainability and climate-specific guidance, as well as in the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards (ASRS). ?
• The conference reached agreement on the first Global Stocktake decision, which contains both sobering updates on progress and the urgency to act now, as well as reasons for optimism with the recognition – for the first time – that transitioning out of fossil fuel use and related subsidies is essential to keep any chance of 1.5C alive. The findings of the GST at a global and national level can be cascaded down to action at sub-national, business and community levels. This is similar to how the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) enable action at all levels. We just released a blog post titled “Key takeaways for business from the first Global Stocktake (GST) decision of COP28”, in which we break down the key messages from the draft GST decision that are relevant to organisations like yours. You can read more about it here.

ACCC’s eight principles to guide businesses’ environmental claims

In a significant move towards promoting transparency in marketing practices, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released eight principles guiding businesses in making accurate environmental claims. These principles, part of the ACCC's final guidance on environmental claims, are designed to ensure clarity and accuracy in advertising, preventing misleading information and fostering consumer trust. ?

Here are the eight principles: ?

1. Make accurate and truthful claims
2. Have evidence to back up your claims
3. Do not hide or omit important information
4. Explain any conditions or qualifications on your claims
5. Avoid broad and unqualified claims
6. Use clear and easy to understand language
7. Visual elements should not give the wrong impression
8. Be direct and open about your environmental sustainability transition

The ACCC emphasises the importance of businesses making evidence-based environmental claims to drive market innovation and support the transition to a greener economy. The final guidance, incorporating feedback from stakeholders, serves as a resource for businesses to make meaningful and truthful claims while complying with the Australian Consumer Law. ?

The ACCC’s final guidance comes following the release of its findings earlier this year of an “internet sweep” of 247 businesses which revealed 57 per cent as having made concerning claims about their environmental credentials. The cosmetic, clothing and footwear and food and drink sectors were found to have the highest proportion of concerning claims. ?

Looking ahead, the ACCC plans to release further guidance on emission and offset claims, trust marks, and consumer-focused advice on assessing environmental claims.

Congratulations Summit Fleet for achieving Climate Active Carbon Neutral Certification!

Good news! We want to congratulate Summit Fleet for achieving Climate Active Carbon Neutral Certification for their Australian operations! This milestone showcases their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and promoting sustainability within their organisation. ?

At 100% Renewables, we're incredibly proud to collaborate with forward-thinking companies. If your organisation shares the dream of achieving Carbon Neutral certification, we encourage you to reach out to us.

Holiday shutdown

With all these new developments in climate action, we're looking forward to helping you with your decarbonisation needs in the coming year. ?

100% Renewables will take a short break over the Christmas and New Year period from 23 December to 7 January. Normal office hours will resume on Monday 08 January 2024. ?

Wishing you and your family an enjoyable and safe holiday and a happy and prosperous New Year! ?

Warm wishes

The team at 100% Renewables

New podcast episode

How to confidently buy high-integrity carbon offsets

In today's ever-evolving sustainability landscape, the strategic use of high-quality carbon offsets is crucial for organisations aiming to achieve voluntary carbon neutral certification, boost their net zero journey, and make a positive impact on the climate. This episode provides an opportunity for you to gain valuable insights into carbon offsetting and purchasing high-quality carbon credits…

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New blog post

Key takeaways for business from the first Global Stocktake (GST) decision of COP28

The Global Stocktake (GST) decision from the recent COP28 in UAE underscores the urgent need for global climate action. As countries find themselves off-track in meeting the Paris Agreement goals, organisations are urged to take immediate and meaningful steps. In this blog post, we'll break down the key messages from the draft GST decision that are relevant to organisations like yours…

Continue reading

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