ANMF (Vic Branch) commits to net zero carbon emissions by 2035

In September, Branch Council endorsed a plan for the Branch to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2035.

The plan is part of the Branch’s 2024–2029 Environmental Management Plan, which includes emission reduction targets for the first time, as well as a recommendation to engage a carbon accountant.

Our target aims to incorporate all Branch properties, activities and emissions across the following scopes:

1. emissions we make, eg: running boilers and vehicles
2. emissions we buy, eg: buying electricity / gas to heat or cool buildings
3. emissions we are indirectly responsible for through our supply chain, eg: catering, supplies.

Mandatory reporting across all three scopes will be introduced for organisations of a certain size across Australia from 2027, with the ultimate national aim of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

ANMF (Vic Branch) pre-empted this and began measuring our water, waste, energy and emissions in 2018 as part of commitments in our first Environmental Management Plan. We will expand this data collection aligned to the Climate Active Standard.

Our aim is to reach net zero emissions by 2035 – 15 years ahead of national targets.

In 2013, we became a member the CitySwitch program that assists businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. In 2014 and 2021 we won CitySwitch Victorian State Awards.

What is a carbon accountant, and why do we need one?

The data collation required for mandatory reporting will require a specialist skill set, with the reporting attracting legal accountabilities. A carbon accountant is an expert in measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions, both physical and financial.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) will be able to issue infringement notices for non-compliance. Civil penalty proceedings have already been commenced against a number of companies for alleged greenwashing.

The Branch will look to hire a carbon accountant from 2024.