Climate Program
ICN’s Climate Team are here to help support you in your climate journey and prepare for the low carbon economy.
Our climate is changing and poses an immense challenge to the environment, society, businesses and the economy. To address this, Australia has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. This means a massive transition for industry, but it also provides enormous opportunities for businesses who are agile, proactive, willing to embrace the challenge and take advantage of new opportunities.
Among the Government’s new policies, initiatives and regulations are the new mandatory climate disclosure legislation, which began on the 1st of January 2025. The reporting requirements include the measurement of scope 3 emissions (i.e. supply chain emissions). This means that almost all businesses, including those not directly captured by the reporting, will be impacted as requests for climate-related data flow up and down the supply chain from those who are captured under the reporting scheme.
An increasing number of small to medium businesses are struggling to keep up with the evolving climate reporting requirements. Many are unsure how it will affect them and what they need to do to prepare for the transition to a net zero economy. As a trusted network that has focused on increasing the capability of local suppliers, we are here to help simplify the process for you and guide you on your climate journey.
ICN’s climate goals:
- To prepare and empower suppliers to be competitive and thrive in the net zero economy
- To align with, and promote, Government priorities & initiatives
- To provide guidance to suppliers on appropriate sustainability tools and resources
Our ICN Climate Team have developed a number of initiatives to help raise awareness, educate, increase climate capability and guide you on how to get started. These initiatives are outlined below.
If you have any questions or need assistance with any aspect of your net zero journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Email us at climate@icn.org.au.
Climate Webinars
We hold free webinars every two months to help raise awareness and help to clarify upcoming mandatory climate reporting legislation, how it will affect businesses and what they need to start to think about to prepare. We provide updates on new policy developments and highlight new work opportunities within the clean energy economy. Our next webinar will be on the 27th March 2025. You can register below. Please get in touch if you would like us to hold a bespoke webinar for your company, network, association or your suppliers.
Climate Workshops
We are delivering introductory climate workshops across Australia in partnership with our State and Territory ICN offices and Gateway Project Owners who are keen to support their suppliers. These 3 hour in-person workshops are designed to be small and interactive, and delve a little deeper into how to prepare for reporting and for climate data requests. We’ll also leave you with templates and practical tools for getting started/continuing your climate journey. The workshop focuses on four key topics:
- Overview of Mandatory Climate Reporting
- Introduction to Measuring Emissions
- Target Setting
- Decarbonisation Planning
We are especially mindful of the need to support regional businesses, ensuring they do not feel overwhelmed or left behind during this critical transition. We work and partner with various NFP’s to help deliver these important workshops in regional areas. If you would like to sponsor a workshop, please reach out to us at climate@icn.org.au. Or if you are a business and would like a workshop near you, please register interest below.
> Please note, some workshops may have a small investment if they are not sponsored. Premium Gateway Subscribers receive 20% off the workshop fee.
Net Zero Readiness Assessment Tool
We have created a free tool to help businesses understand where they are currently at on their climate journey, highlight gaps in their knowledge and practice and help them to understand what they need to do to progress. The tool let’s you know what stage you are at and we provide suggestions for further education and training opportunities. People who complete it get access to our monthly Climate Insights Newsletter. The assessment takes around 10-15 mins to complete.
You can take the free assessment below.
Preparing for the Net Zero Economy – Online Training
Premium subscribers only.
This short online introductory climate course provides further education for businesses on current and upcoming climate reporting, data requirements, & best practice. Delivered over 10 self-paced modules this serves as an introduction to each topic. Each module provides links to further resources for those wanting to learn more. The topics covered include:
- Mandatory Climate Reporting (MCR)
- Measuring and reporting emissions
- Creating a climate action plan
- Climate risk and opportunities
- Choosing a climate platform
And much more..
Premium Gateway Subscribers can access the training and other content by registering in ICN Exchange below.
Not a Premium subscriber? Email our team at premium@icn.org.au to find out more and/or get a demo. Or check out the inclusions here.
Free Climate Consultations
Have some burning questions or need tailored assistance getting started on your climate journey? You can book a complimentary consultation with our Climate Team. They can help to answer questions, provide advice, guide you on next steps, quote for services or point you in the right direction for additional help. Book your free 20-minute consultation with our team below. Note: you will need to have completed the free Net Zero Readiness Assessment prior to meeting with the team, which helps us to prepare for the conversation!
Climate FAQs
Below are some answers to some frequently asked questions we receive about taking climate action.
What is climate reporting and why is it important?
Climate reporting involves the disclosure of a company’s climate-related risks and opportunities, as well as its performance metrics, governance, and strategic approach. This typically includes information on greenhouse gas emissions, mitigation strategies, and progress toward meeting emission reduction targets.
Climate reporting is essential for several reasons:
- Transparency: It provides stakeholders, including investors, customers, and regulators, with insight into a company’s environmental impact and sustainability efforts.
- Risk Management: It helps identify and manage climate-related risks, which can affect financial performance and long-term viability.
- Reputation: Strong climate reporting can enhance a company’s reputation and build trust with stakeholders.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many are increasingly requiring companies to disclose climate-related information, making robust reporting crucial for compliance.
Does my business need to mandatorily report climate-related matters?
The mandatory climate disclosure legislation will be introduced in stages, beginning with larger and gradually expanding to include smaller entities over time.
Companies and organisations that are currently required to prepare and lodge annual financial reports under Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act, and meet two or more of the following criteria, will be required to prepare sustainability reports for the fiscal year starting on or after the specified dates (see rules table below):
Caveats and Exclusions:
Group 3 Entities: These entities are required to disclose climate-related financial information only if they face material climate-related risks or opportunities during the reporting period. If no such risks or opportunities are identified, they are only required to provide a statement confirming this.
Not-for-Profit (NFP) Organisations with Charitable Status: NFPs with charitable status are exempt from the mandatory reporting requirements and are not obligated to report. All other NFPs must report, provided they meet the relevant threshold. However, charities are encouraged to voluntarily participate in reporting if they wish, as part of broader sustainability efforts.
If I don’t fall under any MCR Group, do I need to still think about it?
While you may not be legally required to report, the landscape around climate risk and sustainability is rapidly evolving. There are several reasons why thinking about climate-related factors is crucial:
Climate Data Requests: Many smaller companies are facing an increasing number of requests from their larger customers/clients for emissions data, climate targets, and action plans. As the demand for transparency and supply chain data grows (particularly through legislation and/or from investors), being able to provide this information can strengthen and maintain relationships with your key clients and help secure new business. In the future, having data on hand may be the difference between winning and losing work.
- Investor and Stakeholder Expectations: Investors, customers, and other stakeholders are increasingly looking for transparency on climate risks and sustainability practices. Even if you’re not required to report, aligning with emerging standards can enhance your credibility and appeal to stakeholders.
- Future Regulations: The scope of mandatory climate reporting is likely to expand in the future. Preparing now can help your organisation stay ahead of any changes in legislation and ensure smoother transitions when new requirements come into effect.
- Reputation and Risk Management: Understanding and managing climate risks—whether physical (e.g. extreme weather events) or transitional (e.g. regulatory changes, market shifts)—is vital to safeguarding your business. Taking proactive steps today can help mitigate potential future risks.
- Competitive Advantage: Companies that embrace climate action early often gain a competitive edge. Implementing sustainable practices and understanding climate risks can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and open new opportunities.
In short, even if you aren’t required to report now, it’s wise to consider climate-related risks and sustainability as part of your business strategy. It can future proof your operations and help you remain competitive in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace.
What are Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions?
Scope 1: Direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from owned or controlled sources, such as fuel combustion in company vehicles, machinery, or facilities.
Scope 2: Indirect GHG emissions from the consumption of purchased energy, including electricity, steam, or heating used by the company.
Scope 3: Indirect emissions that occur throughout the value chain, encompassing both upstream (emissions from suppliers) and downstream (emissions from product use or disposal) activities. Scope 3 often accounts for the largest share of a company’s overall emissions.
Learn more: https://ghgprotocol.org.
Where can I find more information?
Our Premium Gateway Subscribers have free access to our Climate Knowledge Hub with many more answers to FAQs, along with past webinar recordings, PPTs and many other resources including our Online Climate Training Course. Sign up or upgrade today at: https://gateway.icn.org.au/join or email premium@icn.org.au.
