Before you apply

We provide a range of information and tools to help you participate in the ACCU Scheme (formerly known as the Emissions Reduction Fund) including the interactive questionnaire​, which enables you to find out if your project meets the eligibility requirements. ​

Make sure you read the information about how the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme works and the type of projects that can participate before you apply to register your project.

Deciding whether to participate in the ACCU Scheme is an important business decision. If you are considering applying for the ACCU Scheme you should first consider:​

• What project planning is required?
• Is there a method that applies to your situation?
• Are you able to demonstrate that you have the legal right to carry out the project when you apply to participate?
• Eligibility, additionality and newness requirements?
• Do you require eligible interest holder consent?
• Do you understand your legal obligations under the ACCU Scheme?
• Have you considered who the project proponent will be if you are a landholder?
• Whether you should engage specialist service providers to assist you?

You will also need to understand the crediting and reporting periods that apply to your project.

• A crediting period is the period of time a project is able to apply to claim ACCUs. Crediting periods vary depending on the type of project and range between 7-25 years.
• A reporting period is a period of time for which a project report is prepared for submission to the Clean Energy Regulator. Reporting periods are nominated by the person responsible for a project, and may be as frequently as every six months. The maximum reporting period for emissions avoidance periods is two years. For sequestration projects the maximum reporting period is five years.

Carbon service providers

Participating in the scheme is a business decision and we recommend you ensure you understand the obligations and risks of participation. There are several different types of service providers that might assist you in understanding and participating in the ACCU Scheme including legal services, financial advisory services, agents and aggregators.

We have released a factsheet to help farmers and land managers understand the roles of carbon service providers and choose a provider.

You can also conduct a web search to find relevant providers using terms such as carbon services, carbon farming services or carbon service providers etc. Also, the Carbon Market Institute has a voluntary industry Code of Conduct and a Carbon Marketplace website where you can search for the type of service provider you are seeking.

Disclaimer: The above is provided by way of general information. The Clean Energy Regulator cannot give business or financial advice, or endorse or recommend any carbon service provider or their services.