Carbon farming and carbon markets can feel complex. We answer common questions simply and clearly, explaining how things work, why they matter, and what it means for land managers, organisations, and communities.
It’s managing land in ways that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the amount of carbon stored in the landscape. It can involve growing forest, increasing soil organic matter, strategically managing fire or reducing livestock emissions. Projects slow climate change while improving the land’s health and productivity.
An Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) is a tradeable certificate issued by the Clean Energy Regulator that represents one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) either avoided or removed from the atmosphere through an eligible project.
ACCUs are generated when registered projects change land management practices in approved ways that either store carbon or avoid emissions. These outcomes are measured, verified, and approved before credits are issued.
Yes, each Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) equals one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) either sequestered in trees and soils or prevented from entering the atmosphere.
Yes, like all our projects, our Human Induced Regeneration (HIR) projects are delivering real, measurable abatement. They’re rigorously audited to provide assurance that forest growth is achieving additional carbon sequestration.
The Integrated Farm and Land Management method allows land managers to combine multiple eligible activities, such as vegetation regeneration and plantings, within a single carbon farming project. This integrated approach is designed to increase participation and unlock more carbon abatement opportunities across whole properties.
IFLM uses a modular approach, allowing different land management activities to operate together within one project.
Outcomes are calculated using a mix of cost‑effective modelling and precise measurement, maintaining integrity while expanding carbon opportunities.
We use advanced spatial data, including high‑resolution satellite imagery and LiDAR, to accurately measure carbon outcomes in trees and soils.
All projects meet the strict regulatory requirements of the Clean Energy Regulator and are independently audited.
While some media reports have questioned ACCU integrity, multiple independent reviews have examined the scheme and found it to be robust. These reviews confirmed that ACCUs are conservatively measured and represent real, additional carbon abatement.
Several independent reviews, including the 2022 Independent Review of ACCUs, have assessed the scheme and found it to be sound.
Additional audits of regeneration projects also confirmed they are well managed and delivering genuine carbon abatement.
Natural capital refers to the environmental assets on a property, such as soils, vegetation, trees, water, biodiversity and ecosystems, that provide value to farm businesses, communities and nature. These assets deliver essential services like soil fertility, clean water, pollination, shade and shelter, and resilience to droughts and floods.
Healthy natural capital underpins long‑term productivity and profitability. By improving soils, vegetation and water systems, landholders can strengthen resilience to climate extremes, reduce risk, enhance farm performance and open up new income opportunities linked to carbon and nature markets
Natural Capital Accounting is a way of measuring and tracking the condition of a property’s natural assets using standardised metrics and benchmarks. It helps land managers understand how their land is performing environmentally and identifies actions to improve its health, resilience and value over time.
Carbon farming projects, such as soil carbon, native forest regeneration or environmental plantings, are a way of enhancing natural capital. These projects store carbon while also delivering co‑benefits like improved soil health, increased biodiversity and better water retention. Climate Friendly integrates carbon outcomes with broader natural capital improvements.
Climate Friendly is championing the development of an Australian Natural Capital Standard, in partnership with Rabobank, agribusinesses and other land managers.
Pilots have been successfully conducted across multiple properties in NSW and Queensland.
The Standard will provide a cost-effective Natural Capital Accounting framework for Australian properties by combining various global and domestic sustainability frameworks and standards into one.
Land managers gain valuable information for on-farm decision making to improve profitability and productivity through strengthened ecosystem services. Potential future benefits to those who protect and grow their natural capital include;
Don’t worry, we’ll assess your property suitability. It will depend on its size and location, its vegetation type, land use history as well as your existing management practices. Our assessment will compare your current baseline with the potential carbon abatement that can be achieved under different carbon farming methods.
Typically, you will need to share your property boundaries, vegetation condition, fire history, grazing intensity, management records, soil characteristics and any previous land‑use changes.
We use the information to establish the project baseline and model expected carbon outcomes.
Timeframes vary depending on the carbon farming project type. We explain expected timelines upfront, helping you understand when ACCUs may be issued and make informed decisions before committing. Climate Friendly then manages monitoring, measurement, and regulatory processes throughout the project.
No. Most carbon farming projects are designed to work alongside existing activities, to improve land health, not lock it up. Some changes are needed, such as managed grazing to allow areas to regenerate.
We work with you to ensure the best land management strategy for your property.
Projects are designed to manage risk, and we support you if unexpected events such as fire or drought occur. Clear regulatory processes and safeguards apply, and we help assess impacts and manage any required adjustments.
Demand for ACCUs is growing from a range of organisations - from companies who are meeting voluntary net‑zero targets to industrial facilities complying with their obligations under the Government’s Safeguard Mechanism. Instead of selling the ACCUs they generate, many land managers are also using them to directly offset their own emissions.
