Climate Action in Government Operations

The Department of Finance is responsible for:

• leading the implementation of the Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy
• overseeing greenhouse gas emissions measurements and reporting for Australian Government operations
• administering climate disclosure requirements for all Commonwealth entities and companies
• implementing the low emissions vehicle target for the Commonwealth fleet under the Fleet Vehicle Selection Policy
• the Commonwealth Procurement Rules which were updated in July 2022 to require consideration of climate change impacts when considering value for money
• promoting the adoption and oversight of green lease schedules to ensure government tenancies support sustainable and energy-efficient building practices.

Climate action initiatives

There are three key climate action initiatives that work together to help reduce emissions and improve climate transparency across government operations.

Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy

The Net Zero in Government Operations (NZGO) Strategy is central to supporting the Government’s APS Net Zero 2030 Target. The NZGO Strategy sets a clear target for non-corporate Commonwealth entities to reduce operational emissions to net zero by 2030. It uses emissions accounting data to guide actions like switching to renewable energy, using electric vehicles and making buildings more energy efficient.

Emissions reporting

Emissions reporting provides consistent methods for measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions across Commonwealth entities. This data forms the foundation for both emissions reduction and climate risk reporting.

Commonwealth Climate Disclosures

Climate disclosures require entities to report on climate risks and opportunities in line with global standards. These disclosures use emissions data and link to net zero efforts. This helps government agencies plan for climate impacts and show progress transparently.

These three initiatives work together to provide a clear and coordinated approach for reducing emissions and supporting climate action in government operations. The NZGO Strategy drives action towards net zero and measuring emissions helps track progress. Reporting on climate risks and opportunities ensures transparency, accountability and integration of climate considerations into decision-making.