As part of our ongoing commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, we’re excited to announce that the energy supplied to our network of more than 250 Metricon display homes across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland is now certified carbon neutral by Climate Active, thanks to a carbon offset initiative provided by our energy partner AGL.
What is a carbon offset and what does it do?
Carbon offsets are used to compensate for emissions a business produces and to bring their carbon footprint down to net zero; they are generated by projects that reduce, remove or capture emissions from the atmosphere such as renewable energy, reforestation, or energy efficiency.
Not all carbon offset units are created equal. There’s a wide range of carbon offsets that differ in source, methodology, and price. AGL undertakes a rigorous selection process when it comes to the carbon offsets it purchases. The eligible carbon offsets it buys meet the Carbon Neutral Standard integrity requirements set by Climate Active. Many of the carbon offset projects also provide additional positive environmental and social benefits.
Find out more about what it means to offset carbon here.
“We’re proud to be taking action to boost our contribution to a better future with a carbon offset program that meets integrity requirements and has a genuine and positive impact on the environment.” Adam Selvay, National Sustainability Manager
How does this help reduce our carbon footprint?
Put simply, for every unit of energy used at our display homes (through heating/cooling, lighting, office activities etc.) a corresponding unit of carbon is removed from the atmosphere through local and international offset programs that are certified by Climate Active – a government-backed program that empowers all Australians and businesses to do their bit for the environment.
“We’re all trying to do our part by seeking out a trusted solar company or best sustainable brands, most people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, it just so happens that as Australia’s leading home builder, with the most expansive display home network in the nation, our scale means that this carbon offset initiative provides a real opportunity to make a tangible contribution and play an important part of our climate change solution efforts.” Adam Selvay
As well as helping reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, the offset programs certified by Climate Active provide additional social and environmental benefits, including habitat protection in WA, native forest generation in NSW and water purification projects, amongst other initiatives both here and abroad.
Listed below are some representative CY2021 examples of projects that Metricon is supporting through its purchase of AGL’s carbon neutral energy:
BURN Stoves Project in Peru
AGL has pre-purchased and retired Gold Standard Verified Emissions Reductions (GSVERs) from the Peru Cook Stove Project (VPA 1, 2 & 3). This project directly addresses several certified Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) impacts: 1, No Poverty; 3, Good Health and Wellbeing; 7, Affordable and Clean Energy; 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth; 13, Climate Action; and 15, Life on Land.
Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve Savanna Burning Project (non-indigenous)
This Queensland based project involves strategic and planned burning of savanna areas in the high rainfall zone during the early dry season to reduce the risk of late dry season wild fires. Co-benefits for this project include the protection of threatened animal and plant species, and improved wetland and water quality.
Blinky Forest Carbon Project
The Blinky Forest carbon project in Quilpie Shire, Queensland, establishes permanent native forests through assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources (including rootstock and lignotubers) on land that was cleared of vegetation and where regrowth was suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project having commenced. Allowing forest to regenerate reduces soil erosion and salinity, improves water quality and provides a habitat for species for insects, birds and reptiles.