The Australian Carbon Industry Code of Conduct (the Code) is a world-leading domestic protection code for Australia’s carbon industry.

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.

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.

Meet the Code Administrator team:

Samuel Dawes
Director, ACI Code of Code

Dayana Flores
Engagement Manager, ACI Code of Code

More About The 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.

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.

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 Code FAQs

  • In the first instance, Signatories must provide clients with a copy of this fact sheet and of the Signatory’s own complaints handling procedure document(s). Clients may include project stakeholders such as Native Title Holders, representative bodies, land owners, land managers and project owners.

    Other obligations which Signatories must meet are stipulated in the Code of Conduct (Version 2.0), available on the Code of Conduct website.

  • If you have a concern or would like to make a complaint about the business practices of a Signatory, you are encouraged to raise the issue with the Signatory organisation directly in the first instance. Signatories are required to then acknowledge that they have received your complaint, and provide an expected timeframe for resolution of the complaint.

    In the event that you are not able to raise the complaint directly with the Signatory,, or if your complaint has not been actioned or acknowledged, you may contact the Administrator directly (code.administrator@carbonmarketinstitute.org) to notify us of this issue, and/or submit a complaint through the complaints form on the Code of Conduct website.

    You are also encouraged to raise the complaint with the relevant consumer protection organisation or scheme regulator (see Appendix 1, section 5 of the Code).   In this case, you should notify the Administrator that you have done so, if it is relevant to the Code of Conduct.

  • All Signatories to the Code a listed on the Carbon Industry Code of Conduct website which is updated on a regular basis. These Signatories have agreed to meet the minimum requirements for operating in the carbon industry, as set out in the Code, including during pre-project activities, ongoing project management, documentation and general business practices. If you are unsure of whether an organisation is covered by the Code or believe an organisation has made misleading claims about their Signatory status, please contact the Code Administrator: code.administrator@carbonmarketinstitute.org

  • Carbon service providers (project developers, agents, aggregators and advisers) undertaking carbon offsets projects, including under the ERF and other Voluntary Offset Schemes, are encouraged to become a Signatory to the Code. Signatories to the Code are committed to developing and conducting their business in line with industry best practice and interacting with their clients and other stakeholders in a professional and ethical manner.

  • The Signatory application form is available on the Code website. All applications must be submitted to the Code Administrator for assessment. Successful applicants will receive their unique Signatory identification number  and relevant information about the Code, including the brand mark which can be used to demonstrate your support and commitment to the future of the carbon industry.

  • Signatories to the Code are listed on CMI’s Carbon Industry Code of Conduct website and demonstrate to the industry that they are committed to developing and operating in an industry that is built on community trust, transparency, accountability, social and environmental integrity, and are in compliance with the law. Signatories are entitled to use the Carbon Industry Code of Conduct brand mark; a public recognition of leadership and integrity that distinguishes the organisation in the marketplace.

  • No. The Carbon Industry Code of Conduct is a voluntary Code which aims to promote market integrity, consumer protection and appropriate interaction with project stakeholders.

    Becoming a Signatory to the Code means you are demonstrating to the carbon industry that you are committed to developing and operating in an industry that is built on community trust, transparency, accountability, social and environmental integrity, and is in compliance with the law.

  • Yes. The Carbon Industry Code of Conduct applies to industry participants involved in carbon offsets projects. This may include organisations acting as project agents, aggregators, proponents, or providing other services such as advisory or legal services. It applies to projects that exist in Australia, under the ERF scheme as well as other including under Voluntary Offset Schemes such as Gold Standard and Verra.