SmartestEnergy secures second consecutive Climate Active carbon neutral certification

SmartestEnergy Australia achieves its second consecutive Carbon Neutral certification, recognised by the Australian Government's Climate Active program. 

So, what exactly is Climate Active?

‘Climate Active is the Australian Government's program designed to encourage and facilitate voluntary climate action among Australian businesses. Essentially, it's our nation's collective effort to measure, reduce and offset corporate carbon emissions, all to minimise our environmental footprint.

What steps is SmartestEnergy taking to address climate change and reduce its carbon footprint?

‘Many of Australia's leading organisations are stepping up to tackle the climate issue head-on, and we're proud to be among them. Becoming carbon neutral is part of our commitment to meeting Australia's carbon reduction goals.

The Climate Active initiative is important in this effort. It's a program that helps businesses like ours measure and reduce their carbon emissions. Think of it as a guidebook for companies who want to do their part in fighting climate change.’

So, what does it mean to be carbon neutral?

‘Essentially, it means that we've balanced out the carbon dioxide we emit in our day-to-day operations by removing an equal amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, usually through carbon offset projects. It's about taking responsibility for our environmental impact and doing what we can to minimise it.’

Why is this important for organisations?

‘Well, our mission is all about empowering, educating, and enabling everyone to make greener choices and transition to a future with net zero carbon emissions. It's not just about doing what's right for the planet; it's about building trust with our customers. When we lead the charge in sustainability, it reassures our customers that we're a company they can rely on.

That's where the Climate Active certification comes in. It's a government-backed stamp of approval that shows we're serious about sustainability, innovation and moving our industry forward. Having this certification sends a clear message to our clients, customers and stakeholders that we're not just talking the talk; we're walking the walk.

And it's not just about us—it's about making it easier for everyone to make informed choices, paving the way for a renewable, more sustainable future.’

How did you achieve this milestone?

‘Becoming carbon neutral involves a thorough process. First, organisations need to calculate their greenhouse gas emissions stemming from various activities like fuel and electricity usage, as well as travel. Then, they implement strategies to reduce these emissions, whether through adopting new technologies or altering operational practices. However, even after these efforts, there may still be residual emissions. This is where carbon offsets come into play.

Carbon offset units are generated from projects that either prevent, reduce, or remove greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere. When an organisation purchases enough offsets to balance out its remaining emissions, it achieves carbon neutrality.

For SmartestEnergy Australia, this journey began with cataloguing and categorising every expenditure made throughout the financial year. We collaborated closely with our landlords across three states, utility providers and external auditors to ensure accuracy in the process.

Identifying opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint was a significant part of the effort. Whatever emissions remained were offset through the purchase and surrender of carbon credits. Our colleagues in the UK Renewables team played a crucial role in facilitating these transactions, ensuring a fair rate and smooth process throughout.’

How long does this process take?

‘Achieving carbon neutrality is no small feat—it's a comprehensive undertaking that spans several months. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our Office Manager, Joy Daly. The accreditation was officially granted nine months after the conclusion of the Australian financial year, marking the culmination of our efforts. And as we approach the next financial year, it's almost time to embark on this journey anew.’

What steps can we take to reduce our carbon emissions at work?

‘There are myriad decisions within our organisation that can contribute to a reduction in our overall emissions. Simple changes like opting for public transportation for our daily commute, collaborating with other accredited businesses, or favouring virtual meetings over in-person ones can all add up to significant emissions reductions annually. While our target of slashing emissions by 30% over the next eight years is ambitious, it's a challenge we're fully committed to tackling. And with determination and collective effort, it's a goal that's well within reach.’

• Interested in learning more about Climate Active? Visit climateactive.org.au.
  
  
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