On 9 January 2023, Professor Ian Chubb delivered his recommendations from the Independent Review of Australian Carbon Credit Units (the Review) to the Australian Government.

In response, the Australian Government has agreed in principle to all the Review’s recommendations.

You can find the report, response and supporting documents here:

• Independent Review of Australian Carbon Credit Units: Final Report
• Government’s response to the Review
• The Hon Chris Bowen MP media release

The Government will consult closely with stakeholders on the implementation of the Review’s recommendations.

What does this mean for Climate Active?

As part of its terms of reference, the Review considered the requirements for use of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) under Climate Active. 

In 2021, the previous government announced that all carbon neutral certifications by Climate Active would need to use a minimum of 20% ACCUs, taking effect from 1 July 2023 for new and ongoing certifications, equal to or greater than 1,000 tonnes of CO2-e and from 1 July 2024 for certifications of less than 1,000 tonnes of CO2-e. 

The Chubb Review has recommended this requirement not be implemented, and the Government has agreed in principle with the recommendation.

As a result, Climate Active members will not be required to use a minimum of 20% ACCUs.

Future consultation

Alongside the implementation of the Review’s recommendations, the Government will also consult with members and the community more broadly on Climate Active’s requirements and processes to ensure the program remains best practice and supports consumer confidence.