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Commercial building energy efficiency method

This Methodology Determination (method) provides the rules for crediting the emissions reductions from improved fuel combustion and electricity consumption in commercial buildings as part of the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF).

Read the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative - Commercial Buildings) Methodology Determination 2015.

Using the method

To use this method and take part in the ERF, you need to apply to the Clean Energy Regulator. The Regulator develops the methods and manages project registration, compliance and crediting of emissions reductions for projects under the ERF.

Visit the Regulator’s website for:

Calculating the abatement

The method uses the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) energy ratings and tools to quantify emissions reductions and energy savings from activities undertaken as part of the ERF. NABERS rates the energy performance of office buildings, shopping centres, data centres and business hotels.

The method calculates emissions reductions from upgrades to office buildings, shopping centres and business hotels, but not data centres.

View the NABERS website.

Consultation on the method

The Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC) conducts public consultations before giving advice about making or varying a method. Once finalised the ERAC advises the Minister on whether the new or varied method meets the offsets integrity standards.

Read the ERAC’s advice to the Minister on making the method in 2014 [1.11MB PDF]. 

See the public consultation and method draft on the Australian Government Trove archive.

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Connect with us

Contact us

Email emissions-reduction@industry.gov.au

Last updated: 15 December 2021

Content ID: 67383