Environmental Factor Guideline – Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The purpose of this guideline is to communicate how the factor Greenhouse Gas Emissions is considered by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process.

Specifically, the current guideline (April 2020):

  • describes why the EPA has published the guideline
  • outlines how EPA guidelines are applied
  • provides background on the Greenhouse Gas Emissions factor
  • identifies activities that may be considered under this factor
  • describes how this factor links with other environmental factors
  • outlines when the EPA may apply this guideline
  • describes EIA considerations for this factor
  • provides a summary of the information required by the EPA to undertake EIA related to this factor (including consideration of scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions)
  • outlines periodic public reporting requirements
  • identifies issues commonly encountered by the EPA during EIA of this factor
  • outlines the timeframes for reviewing this guideline.

Review of the Greenhouse Gas Guideline

When the original guideline was published in April 2020, the EPA committed to a 12-month review to ensure the guidance remained contemporary.

In July 2021 the EPA commenced its review of the EFG GHG and an 8-week public consultation of the draft revised guidelines ended on 21 September 2022.

During the consultation, 1088 submissions were received from the public, industry, peak bodies, government and non-government organisation groups. On 3 February 2023, the EPA published a summary of public submissions and advice received.

The EPA expects to release its updated EFG GHG before the end of 2022-2023 financial year.

Published Date: 
February 3, 2023
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