"The carboNZero programme operates two internationally recognised greenhouse gas (GHGGreenhouse Gases in the earth's atmosphere absorb and re-emit infrared radiation. The Kyoto ProtocolAn international agreement linked to the UNFCCC and sharing its aim of stabilising atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, but requiring separate ratification by governments. The Kyoto Protocol, among other things, sets binding targets for the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions by industrialized countries. It entered into force for ratifying countries in February 2006 and commits developed nations to collectively cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2 per cent of 1990 levels by 2012. Came into force in Australia on 11 March 2008. lists six major greenhouse gases, which vary in their relative warming effect. The six gases are: carbon dioxideA greenhouse gas that is produced as a by-product of oil and gas production, burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as from all animals, plants, and a number of other natural sources. Carbon dioxide is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the earth’s temperature. (CO2), methaneMethane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas with a GWP of 21. (CH4), nitrous oxideAgriculture accounts for the majority of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in Australia, The transport sector also contributes to emissions of N2O. N2O has a high global warming potential of about 310 times that of CO2.it breaks down very slowly – over about 120 years (N2O), HFCs (hydrofluorocarbonsMajor releases of HFCs are from leakage from refrigeration equipment during operation and its end-of-life destruction. Minor releases arise from the use of HFC-containing aerosols, air conditioners and metered dose inhalers.HFCs have very high global warming potentials (140 to 11,700 times that of carbon dioxide).), PFCsMost emissions of PFCs in Australia are generated during aluminium production. PFCs have extremely high global warming potentials (5000 to 10,000 times that of carbon dioxide). However, because they are only released in relatively small amounts, their contribution to global warming is minor. Due to their stability they have very long atmospheric lifetimes (thousands of years). (perfluorocarbons) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) is a man-made chemical. The major sources of SF6 release include leakage from electrical switchgear, from magnesium smelting processes and use in semiconductor manufacture. It has by far the highest global warming potential (23,900 times that of carbon dioxide), however it is only released in relatively small amounts.).) certification programmes: carboNZero certification (certified carbon neutralA voluntary mechanism where an activity, event, household, business or organisation is responsible for no net emissions of greenhouse gases and can therefore be declared carbon neutral in that specific area. Carbon neutrality can be achieved by reducing emissions as far as possible (e.g. energy efficiencyEnergy efficiency improvements refer to a reduction in the energy used for a given service (heating, lighting, etc.) or level of activity. Such savings are generally achieved by substituting technologically more advanced equipment to produce the same level of end-use services (e.g. lighting, heating, motor drive) with less electricity. , purchasing renewable energy) and then purchasing offsets for any residual emissions in order to achieve zero net emissions. ) and CEMARS (Certified Emissions Measurement And Reduction Scheme). Both options provide a systematic process for measuring, managing/reducing a business’s carbon footprintA measure of the greenhouse gas emissions attributable to an activity; it is commonly used at an individual, household or business level. It calculates the direct and indirect amount of CO2-eA standard measure that takes account of the different global warming potentials of greenhouse gases and expresses the cumulative effect in a common unit. emissions produced. , whilst carboNZero certification includes the purchase/cancelation of carbon credits. As the first GHG certification scheme to achieve accreditation by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ) to ISO 14065, both options have international credibility, being recognised in over 50 economies. They have also been designed to meet and exceed the requirements of ISO 14064A global GHG accounting, reporting and verification standard. The goal of the standard is to 'provide a set of unambiguous and verifiable requirements or specifications to support organisations and proponents of GHG emissions reductions projects.'-1 (the international standard for greenhouse gas quantification and reporting) and a range of international and domestic schemes and standards. Certification provides businesses with independent verification and assurance that emissions are calculated in accordance with the requirements of the NGER Act and carboNZero certification is compliant with NCOS (National Carbon Offset StandardThe Commonwealth Government’s National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS) came into effect on 1 July 2010 coinciding with the cessation of the Government’s Greenhouse Friendly™The Greenhouse Friendly™ initiative operated between 2001 and 30 June 2010. It certified carbon neutral products and services and approved abatement credits for sale on the voluntary market. Applications for new abatement projects have closed. These were not considered eligible offsets under NCOS and could not be retired for the purpose of becoming carbon neutral under the NCOS from 1 July 2010. This situation may change in future as a result of reviews of the NCOS by DCCEE. program. It is intended to ensure that consumers have confidence in the voluntary carbon offset market and the integrity of the carbon offset and carbon neutral products they purchase. It provides guidance to businesses who wish to make their organisation carbon neutral or develop carbon neutral products in a way that achieves emissions reductions, through the purchase and cancellation of eligible carbon offsets. More Information). Certification identifies business efficiencies and strategic opportunities – Reduce operating costs. "