The Australian Carbon Industry (ACI) Code of Conduct Administrator has published its Annual Compliance Report for the 2024–2025 financial year, highlighting a year of significant reform, sector growth, and strengthened oversight in Australia’s carbon market.
Signatories to the Code now represent the majority of newly registered land-based Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) projects, demonstrating the Code’s continued role in promoting transparency, accountability, and best practice across the industry.
A major milestone this year was the completion of the Independent Review of the Code, which recommended establishing a separate legal entity to manage the Code’s administration. In response, the Carbon Market Institute has progressed the creation of a wholly owned subsidiary, set to commence operations in 2025–26 with its own governance, board, and reconstituted Code Review Panel. This structural reform is designed to reinforce independence, strengthen compliance oversight, and boost stakeholder confidence.
CMI’s Director of Integrity and Compliance and Code Administrator, Samuel Dawes, said:
“The 2024–25 report reflects both the maturity of the Code and its evolving role in supporting a high-integrity carbon market. These reforms will ensure the Code continues to provide a trusted framework for participants and stakeholders alike.”
“This year has reinforced the value of the Code as a tool for building trust and integrity in Australia’s carbon market. By working closely with Signatories, landholders, and First Nations communities, we are helping ensure carbon projects deliver meaningful environmental and social outcomes.”
“The progress reflected in this Annual Report demonstrates how collaboration, transparency, and strong governance can drive positive change across the sector. Our focus for 2025–26 will be to build on these foundations and support Signatories in achieving even higher standards of compliance and best practice.”
Key highlights from the 2024–2025 Annual Report:
- Signatory coverage: Around 72% of land-based ACCU projects registered since 2018 are now covered by the Code.
- Compliance results: 88% of Signatories fully met Code requirements, reflecting stronger governance, transparency, and client engagement.
- Complaints: 15 complaints were received, the highest recorded, indicating growing stakeholder confidence in using the Code’s accountability mechanisms.
- Signatory growth: The Code closed FY25 with 46 Signatories and three government partners, welcoming nine new organisations during the year.
- Resources for landholders: Release of the Landholder Guidance: A Checklist for Partnering on Carbon Farming Projects, developed with support from the Queensland Government.
Priorities for 2025–2026 include:
- Implementing the Independent Review recommendations and consulting on Version 3 of the Code.
- Strengthening engagement with governments, corporate buyers, landholders, and First Nations communities.
- Supporting Signatories with practical guidance, training, and tools to maintain best practice and market integrity.
The ACI Code Administrator Annual Report 2024-2025 is available on the Code’s website.
To enquire about the Code or become a Signatory, visit https://carbonmarketinstitute.org/code/signatories/becoming-a-signatory/ or send an email to code.administrator@carbonmarketinstitute.org
About the Code
The ACI Code of Conduct is a voluntary industry code established in 2018. It sets standards for best practice, promotes consumer protection, and supports integrity and transparency across Australia’s carbon market. Signatories submit annual self-audit reports to demonstrate ongoing compliance with Code standards.
