APS Net Zero commitment

Achieving net zero emissions in the Australian Public Service by 2030 is an Australian Government commitment. Australia was one of 19 global partners to launch the world’s first Net Zero Government Initiative at the 27th annual summit of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) in November 2022.

National governments are frequently among the largest employers, electricity consumers, vehicle fleet owners, real estate holders and purchasers of goods and services in their countries. By acting to reduce their own emissions, governments can accelerate economy-wide actions in support of the environment and lead by example.

Achieving net zero in the APS by 2030 also supports the Australian Government’s priority to be a model employer, as part of the Government’s APS Reform agenda. The APS has been challenged to set the benchmark on emission reductions and inspire other major workplaces to follow suit.

The Department of Finance has established an APS Net Zero Unit to support agencies with tools and guidance, learning and development, and sharing of knowledge and experience. The unit is actively engaging across the APS, Australia and internationally to inform the strategy for how the service will reach net zero.
 

United States Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer Dee Siegel visited Canberra in July 2023 to participate in knowledge exchange with Australia and New Zealand as part of the United States-led Net Zero Government Initiative
Image: United States Embassy, Canberra

As part of the Australian Government’s commitment to APS Net Zero by 2030, reporting of government emissions was reinstated for the first time in 10 years. Emissions are now included in 2022–23 Australian Government agency annual reports.

Efforts are underway to introduce standardised, internationally-aligned climate risk reporting requirements for Australian Government that are comparable to the private sector. These requirements will assist the Government to be more responsive to climate change and reduce emissions from its own operations.

See also

APS of the future – Net Zero economy, State of the Service Report 2022–23.

Department of Finance (2023) APS Net Zero Emissions by 2030, Department of Finance website. https://www.finance.gov.au/government/aps-net-zero-emissions-2030, accessed 6 October 2023.