The Code
The Code
Australian Carbon Industry Code of Conduct v2.0
The Code of Conduct is a formal document that aims to define industry best practice for carbon project developers, agents, aggregators and advisers and represents the minimum standards that all Signatories agree to meet. This Code co-exists with relevant state or federal legislation, including Australian Consumer Law (Cth) (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010). Signatories’ obligations under other relevant laws are not replaced or restricted by this Code. The current Code text is the second version (v2.0), and came into effect on 1 July 2021.
The Administrator
The Administrator plays a key role in addressing issues that impact the integrity and reputation of the carbon industry and promote international leadership on carbon project development. Its operations are governed by a transparent compliance framework, oversight by the Code Review Panel and a regular cycle of independent review.
The Code Administrator carries out an annual compliance review of Signatories’ activities and actively investigates and manages complaints under the Code.
At its best the Code reinforces rather than replaces regulatory frameworks, seeking to build a culture of best practice beyond basic compliance.
The Code Administrator Team:
Pip Stenekes
Director, ACI Code of Code
Dayana Flores
Engagement Manager, ACI Code of Code
Approach to Compliance
The Administrator takes a risk-based approach to compliance, prioritizing supportive engagement that assists signatories to understand and meet compliance obligations, rather than solely enforcing punitive sanctions that drive Signatories away. This includes education, monitoring and enforcement activities, and allows for industry accountability through complaints handling, investigation and reporting.
The Code Review Panel
The Code Review Panel is an expert panel responsible for providing independent oversight, monitoring and direction of the Code, including to arbitrate compliance cases that are both referred from the Code Administrator and referred through appeals against actions and sanctions imposed by the Code Administrator. The Panel is a key oversight mechanism that enables the Code to remain independent, accountable and transparent.
Independent Review
The Code integrates a three-yearly independent review mechanism that enables stakeholders to have input into the ongoing maturity, development and integrity of Australia’s carbon industry. The first independent review was conducted at the end of the Code’s two-year foundational stage, and implementation of its 46 recommendations have enabled the Code’s expansion into full operation as intended by 1 July 2021.
General Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to some of the Code Administrator’s most commonly asked questions.