Carbon Farming Glossary

A framework of methods allowing landholders to measure improvements in the condition of environmental assets like native vegetation and native wildlife species. Environmental condition is measured using an ‘ECond’ score of 1 to 100.

A key carbon eligibility requirement that ensures a project can only be awarded carbon credits for emissions reductions or removals that are ‘additional’ to the business-as-usual, and would not have occurred in the absence of a carbon credit scheme.

A land-use system combining trees or shrubs with crops or livestock for increased biodiversity and carbon sequestration.

Tradable carbon credits awarded for projects that store or reduce carbon emissions under the Australian Government’s Emissions Reduction Fund. Each ACCU represents one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent reduced or removed from the atmosphere.  Learn more from our article here. 

The level of greenhouse gas emissions or carbon storage before a carbon farming project begins, used as a reference for measuring progress
OR
The existing environmental condition of an environmental asset prior to activities that may alter the condition. 

A financial instrument used to quantify and reduce/trade greenhouse gas emissions.

A standardised unit used to measure and compare the global warming impact of different greenhouse gases.

A financial instrument used to quantify and reduce/trade greenhouse gas emissions.

The amount of greenhouse gas emissions arising from a person, organisation or process. 

Carbon credits produced by an organisation to reduce its own operational carbon footprint.

A state where an entity offsets its emissions by purchasing carbon credits or implementing equivalent reductions.

Reductions in emissions achieved to compensate for emissions elsewhere.

A natural or artificial reservoir, such as forests or soil, that absorbs and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

An Australian Government body responsible for administering the ACCU Scheme, project compliance and oversight and Government carbon abatement contracts. 

Additional environmental, social, or economic benefits arising from carbon farming projects, such as biodiversity conservation or community engagement.

The time period over which ACCU Scheme proponents will receive their ACCUs..

Land that has lost its ecological productivity, often targeted for restoration in carbon farming projects.

The Australian Government department responsible for policy development, legislation and oversight of the ACCU Scheme. 

The reduction of greenhouse gases released by an individual or organisation through implementation of a practice change.

The removal of carbon from the atmosphere through an activity that sequesters and stores carbon.

The estimated number of tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent your project will removal from the atmosphere. 

Greenhouse gas emissions produced as a result of an organisation’s activities but which are owned or controlled by another entity. Indirect emissions are split into ‘Scope 2’ emissions are from energy the organisation purchases and uses. ‘Scope 3’ emissions are from the upstream and downstream value chain e.g. suppliers of inputs to the organisation, or the use of its products/services. 

Guidelines detailing how specific carbon farming activities must be carried out to qualify for carbon credits.

The stock of natural resources, such as forests, water, and soil, providing essential ecosystem services.

A commitment to actions that enhance biodiversity and ecosystems while reducing negative environmental impacts.

The Australian Government’s tool allowing landholders to produce tradeable biodiversity certificates for measurable improvements in ecological condition. 

A balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and those removed from the atmosphere.

The ACCU Scheme isn’t intended to support projects that are already underway or ‘business as usual’ activities. Depending on the method, there may be tasks you are unable to undertake until the project application is submitted or the project is registered. 

The length of time that a carbon project must maintain carbon storage (typically 25 or 100 years).

Carbon projects focused on absorbing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide in commercial timber plantations.

Carbon projects focused on planting local native trees and shrubs on cleared land to absorb and store atmospheric carbon dioxide. 

A carbon farming practice involving the restoration of degraded landscapes to enhance carbon sequestration.

The Australian Government’s requirement for large emitters of greenhouse gases to offset all emissions exceeding their baseline, through the production/purchase and cancellation of ACCUs. 

The act of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in trees or soil.