Net zero broadly means reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency, switching to renewable energy and taking other actions. It also includes the use of offsets to balance out other emissions. Progress towards the APS Net Zero Target will be calculated at the aggregate level for target entities.
The APS Net Zero 2030 Target includes non-corporate Commonwealth entities. Emission sources in the target include:
- scope 1 emissions – direct emissions from facilities and company vehicles
- scope 2 emissions – indirect emissions from purchased energy sources.
Scope 3 emissions include all other indirect emissions (for example, from up and downstream leased assets). Scope 3 emissions are not currently included in the APS Net Zero Target.
Corporate Commonwealth entities and Commonwealth companies can choose to commit to the APS Net Zero 2030 Target or declare their own net zero targets. The PGPA Act Flipchart provides details on Commonwealth entities and companies.
Security agencies will take action to reduce their emissions aligned with the NZGO Strategy. These agencies will set emissions reduction targets where they do not impact operational and capability requirements.
What is not included in the target
The following activities are not included in Australia’s Nationally Determined Contribution or the APS Net Zero 2030 Target, and are not subject to the Net Zero in Government Operations (NZGO) Strategy:
- activities by Commonwealth entities that take place outside of Australia or its territories
- international air travel by Commonwealth entities
- international marine travel by Commonwealth entities.
Entities that take part these activities are expected to reduce their emissions in ways that suit their local circumstances. This supports the Australian Government’s commitment to show leadership and strengthen Australia’s role in global climate action.
Actions to reduce emissions
The NZGO Strategy contains direction and guidance for entities and, like other public sector policies, uses a devolved approach. This means each entity is responsible for taking action to support the Government’s net zero commitment, with help from the Department of Finance.
The NZGO Strategy also supports existing whole-of-Australian-Government policies and frameworks, such as the Commonwealth Procurement Framework and Commonwealth Property Management Framework. These have been updated to include net zero considerations and should be used together when making decisions.
