Stay Ahead: Navigate Policies, Regulations & Standards with Confidence

The City of Vancouver’s Annual Greenhouse Gas and Energy Limits By-law No. 13472, enacted in July 2022, aims to reduce carbon emissions from large buildings. It supports Vancouver’s goal of cutting building emissions 50% by 2030 and achieving full decarbonization before 2050. The by-law requires annual energy and emissions reporting to track environmental impact. Building owners must submit annual energy and carbon reports, with data due by June 1 each year for the previous calendar year. Noncompliance may result in fines starting at $500 per violation. Vancouver’s phased approach helps building owners transition toward lower emissions while ensuring compliance. The by-law is a key part of Vancouver’s broader strategy to combat climate change and improve energy efficiency in the built environment.

The British Columbia Output-Based Pricing System (B.C. OBPS), introduced in April 2024, regulates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from large industrial facilities. The system supports B.C.'s targets to cut emissions 40% by 2030, 60% by 2040, and 80% by 2050 (from 2007 levels). Industrial facilities emitting 10,000 tonnes or more of CO₂e annually must report emissions through the British Columbia Industrial Emissions Reporting System (BCIERS). The OBPS applies to oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, and energy-intensive industries. Businesses exceeding limits must surrender compliance units or face penalties. The system encourages efficiency improvements, clean energy investments, and carbon capture to help industries transition to lower emissions.

Canada’s Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a refundable tax credit introduced in Budget 2021 and legislated through Bill C-59 in June 2024 via amendments to the Income Tax Act. It supports private-sector investment in CCUS technologies, covering eligible expenditures from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2040, with phased-down rates after 2030. Claimants must adhere to reporting obligations, including knowledge-sharing reports with carbon emissions data. Aligned with Canada’s goal to cut GHG emissions by 40–45% below 2005 levels by 2030, the ITC complements initiatives like the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (CTITC), ensuring investment certainty in the low-carbon transition.

The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme is Australia’s mandatory framework for reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy production, and energy consumption. Established under the NGER Act 2007 and administered by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER), it requires corporations exceeding specific thresholds to report annually on their Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions. The data supports national emissions tracking, policy development, and compliance initiatives. The CER enforces compliance through audits, monitoring, and penalties for noncompliance. Public reporting promotes transparency and accountability, with reputational risks for late or inaccurate reporters. The NGER scheme plays a key role in driving emissions transparency and supporting Australia’s climate and energy goals.

The Australian Public Service Net Zero Emissions Reporting Framework requires Commonwealth entities to annually report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, supporting the government's goal of net zero emissions from public sector operations by 2030. Administered by the Department of Finance, the framework mandates reporting of Scope 1, Scope 2, and selected Scope 3 emissions, including electricity use, fleet operations, and air travel. Entities must submit data using standard national methods, with reports typically due by October each year. This framework enhances transparency, drives emissions reduction, and aligns public sector operations with Australia’s broader climate commitments and accountability expectations.

Australia’s Environmentally Sustainable Procurement (ESP) Policy integrates environmental and emissions considerations into Commonwealth purchasing decisions. The policy requires suppliers in covered procurement categories to report on factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, recycled content, and end-of-life outcomes. Initially applying to construction services from 1 July 2024 and expanding to other categories in 2025, the policy aims to reduce the environmental impact of government spending. While not legally enforced, compliance is monitored through procurement reporting and internal audits, supporting the broader goal of achieving net zero emissions in government operations.

Queensland's Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) establishes the state's framework for managing industrial emissions, requiring rigorous GHG reporting for Environmental Authority (EA) applications. The Act mandates operators to disclose Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions (where applicable) across a project's lifecycle. Projects emitting ≥25,000 tonnes CO₂-e/year must submit detailed abatement plans demonstrating mitigation measures aligned with Queensland's climate targets. Noncompliance risks enforcement orders, fines, or EA rejection, with penalties strengthened under recent amendments. Accurate emissions reporting remains critical for both EA approval and ongoing operational compliance in Queensland.

Australia’s Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, established under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 and administered by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER), incentivizes emissions reduction and carbon sequestration projects, issuing one ACCU per tonne of CO₂ abated. Aligned with national climate targets, it requires participants to submit detailed reports and undergo audits. Non-compliance risks civil penalties, ACCU relinquishment, or legal action, thereby ensuring accountability.