Cooper Energy has become Australia’s first carbon neutral domestic gas producer, having been awarded Climate Active carbon neutral certification.

Climate Active is a partnership between the Australian Government and Australian businesses to drive voluntary climate action. Climate Active certifies businesses that have achieved net zero carbon emissions. Through the certification process, Cooper Energy’s carbon neutral claim was independently audited to ensure it meets the requirements of the Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard.

Cooper Energy Managing Director David Maxwell said becoming carbon neutral is the first step for Cooper Energy, who will continue to target opportunities to further cut emissions.

“As our business grows our goal is to continue to fully offset our Scope 1, Scope 2 and controllable Scope 3 carbon emissions, recognising the long-term benefits to our business, the environment, and the communities where we operate.

“The next step is working on partnerships with our customers to support their emissions reduction strategies to address the broader Scope 3 emissions challenge.

Climate Active certified Cooper Energy’s FY20 net-zero position, and confirmed the company is a bona-fide carbon neutral organisation. The FY20 baseline year included 100 per cent offset of 10,488 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions with Australian Carbon Credit Units. Offset emissions included:

• 9,090 tonnes of Scope 1 emissions;
• 474 tonnes of Scope 2 emissions; and
• 923 tonnes of controllable Scope 3 emissions

Cooper Energy has partnered with Greening Australia’s Biodiverse Carbon and has invested in the Coorong Biodiversity Project in south-east South Australia. The project includes revegetation and restoration of over 600 hectares of degraded land to sequester CO2 and generate Australian Carbon Credit Units, with co-benefits for the endangered Malleefowl and migratory sea birds.

APPEA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said Cooper Energy is just one example of the work the industry is doing to reduce emissions.

“A range of case studies of how the industry is taking practical action to support emissions reductions across the supply chain and leading research into innovative emissions reduction activities is highlighted in APPEA’s Industry Action on Emissions Reduction report.”