The aim of this project is to support a successful low-carbon transition (LCT) for Australian heavy industry by enabling their engagement in government and private initiatives dependent on emissions verification and certification.

Objectives of the project are to:

1. Inform partners of the relevant regulatory and market initiatives both in Australia and overseas which rely on embedded emissions accounting. In addition to mapping, this includes explaining their relevance, scope, timeline and implications for a “level playing field”.
2. Develop partners’ understanding of best-practice principles and approaches to embedded emissions accounting by drawing on a combination of theory and practical examples from stakeholders.
3. Enable partners to engage in processes around the development practice of embedded emissions accounting certification and verification of relevance to their products. This includes options for as-yet unresolved questions around accounting for circularity (e.g. recycled timber in steel production) and co-products.
4. Identify enablers and barriers to utilisation of embedded emissions accounting for private sector initiatives, including those around net zero and circularity.

Supply chain development, commercial pathways, commericalisation benefit assessments

With industry partners, this project will co-develop a knowledge base for partners to evaluate and select potential opportunities to respond to regulatory requirements and disclosure mechanisms, as well as lay out strategic priorities for businesses to act, respond to, and adapt towards net zero pathways. It will provide transparency and a trusted mechanism through which they can upscale their business models using circular solutions and policies which will eventually lead to reduction in their embedded emissions, low carbon footprint, high carbon and market competitiveness and improved green economic growth. Industries, businesses and private sector will have a credible and clear direction to accelerate transition towards net zero supply chains through informed policies and measures.

Deliverables will include reports, policy briefs, workshops, presentations and a final toolkit. These outputs will include, for example, estimated life-cycle emissions for relevant processes and recommended approaches to certification, verification, regulatory compliance and market access.

RP3.006 Project Summary – Certification and verification to enable a successful Low Carbon Transition for heavy industry

• Industry Brief #1: What are embedded emissions accounting frameworks (EEFS)? (August 2024)
• Industry Brief #2: The Australian Government’s Guarantee of Origin (GO) Scheme (August 2024)