The Greenhouse Challenge

Read about Greenhouse Challenge at Department of the Environment and Water Resources Website.

As of July 31, 2003, ACER has undertaken to put in place cost-effective actions to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions.

Proposed Action Plan:

  • Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, plant & office equipment
  • Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from waste products
  • Establish greenhouse gas sink
  • Develop management systems to measure, monitor and support greenhouse gas reduction initiatives

By implementing this plan ACER expects to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 136.67 tonnes per annum.

What is the Greenhouse Challenge?

The Greenhouse Challenge - launched in 1995 - is a joint voluntary initiative between the national Government and industry to abate greenhouse gas emissions. Participating organisations sign agreements with the Government that provide a framework for undertaking and reporting on actions to abate emissions.

An independent evaluation of the program has demonstrated that the Challenge has been highly effective in achieving greenhouse gas emissions abatement, and in building the capacity of both Government and industry to identify, monitor, manage and report greenhouse gas emissions.

This capacity is essential for a better understanding of the mechanisms and frameworks required in addressing greenhouse gas emissions, and the scope for individual organisations to abate emissions.

Government has endorsed the Evaluation, and industry has welcomed its findings and recommendations.

Who is taking the Challenge?

The Greenhouse Challenge has succeeded in achieving broad and diverse participation. Public and private organisations, both large and small, from virtually every industrial sector have joined the Greenhouse Challenge.

The Greenhouse Challenge has excellent coverage of emissions in some key areas including 100 per cent coverage of aluminium and cement production, 98 per cent of oil and gas and 91 per cent of coal mining.

However, opportunities remain for greater coverage, by targeting large emitters not yet on the program and a number of sectors with relatively low participation.

What does the future hold for the Greenhouse Challenge?

The Greenhouse Challenge operates in a dynamic context and has demonstrated that it is a flexible program that can remain effective in a changing environment.

The Greenhouse Challenge is now part of a broader framework of policies and measures that will be required to meet the commitment Australia made at Kyoto. An array of greenhouse response measures (including a possible emission trading system) has been, or is being, developed at the national and state levels.

Many lessons have been learned about the design and operation of the Greenhouse Challenge since its launch in 1995. There are opportunities to improve the design and operation of the program by learning from experience to date. The AGO is moving to implement the recommendations of the Evaluation, including refining its recruitment strategies, technical support and reporting.

The Greenhouse Challenge is located at:

Australian Greenhouse Office
John Gorton Building
Administration Place
PARKES ACT 2600

National:
Tel: 02 6274 1888
Fax: 02 6274 1913

International:
Tel: +61 2 6274 1888
Fax: +61 2 6274 1913

Email: greenhouse.challenge@greenhouse.gov.au