As outlined in greater detail on the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency website – link – the National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS) was launched on 1st July 2010.

NCOS “…provides guidance on what constitutes a genuine, additional voluntary offset.  It sets minimum requirements for the verification and retirement of voluntary carbon credits and provides guidance for calculating the carbon footprint of an organisation or product for the purpose of achieving ‘carbon neutrality’.”

A number of businesses have already indicated their intention to participate in the Carbon Neutral Program include with the likes of An Meá, Australian Paper, Australia Post, ANZ, Carbon Planet, Fosters, Jetstar, Keytek, National Australia Bank, Lion Nathan, Printer Workz, Qantas, Sensis, Sustainable Living Fabrics and Virgin Blue Airlines as highlighted in recent press articles.

As with any newly introduced standard or accreditation, it is anticipated that a number of employment opportunities will be generated for individuals and/or consulting firms who are able to assist Australian businesses achieve the NCOS standard.