Source: This post was originally published on CFF
Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) are a fantastic opportunity for landholders looking to create an additional stream of income while contributing positively to Australia’s climate goals. But what exactly are ACCUs, and how can they benefit you?
What Are ACCUs?
ACCUs are part of Australia’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change. Each ACCU represents one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2-e) that would have otherwise been released into the atmosphere. They don’t just have environmental benefits – ACCUs offer landholders a real financial incentive by allowing them to earn credits that can be traded.
For landholders, ACCUs can be earnt by sequestering carbon using a variety of methods under the Australian Government’s ACCU Scheme, including Environmental Planting, Plantation Forestry and building Soil Carbon.
What’s the Value of an ACCU?
The value of ACCUs fluctuates due to market factors and can differ between methods.
ACCUs from land-based methods like Environmental Planting tend to be seen as high integrity by market players and can attract a premium. By following the correct protocols and working with knowledgeable carbon farming consultants, landholders can ensure they’re getting the most out of their project.
But the value of ACCUs isn’t just monetary.
Beyond financial gain, landholders can also see improvements such as building resilience across land, boosting farm productivity, improving biodiversity and helping contribute to Australia’s climate targets.
These co-benefits make ACCUs a holistic solution for both your land and Australian ecosystems.
How Are ACCUs Earned?
Earning ACCUs requires landholders to engage in carbon sequestration projects. But before starting, you’ll need to check your eligibility to register a carbon project under the ACCU scheme.
Once approved, landholders must follow a clearly outlined set of rules to manage and monitor their carbon projects. This includes regular reporting and audits, which ensure the carbon reductions are verified and credits can be awarded.
The post What Are Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) and How Do They Work? first appeared on Carbon Farming Foundation.
