Carbon offset portfolio

Carbon Offset Portfolio Projects

2023 Carbon Footprint: 27,000 tonnes CO₂-equivalent

Charles Sturt University has submitted to the Department of the Industry, Science, Energy and Resources to maintain its certified carbon neutrality status under the Australian Government’s Climate Active Carbon Neutral program. As Australia’s first certified carbon neutral university, Charles Sturt continues with its emissions reduction focus and the offsetting of the annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory using certified carbon credits.

The University purchases and retires offsets in arrears of the reporting period, once its annual inventory has been established and the total quantity of required offsets is known. Charles Sturt’s GHG Inventory for the 2023 reporting year is 27,000t CO2-e. An equivalent purchase of carbon offsets have been purchased for offsetting the University’s carbon emissions.

Charles Sturt University established a series of four principles to help guide decisions on the procurement of carbon offsets:

1. Support for locally based projects to the extent that is deemed financially viable.
2. A preference for projects that align with our values and offer high engagement value.
3. Consideration of projects that offer regional connectivity with the university’s international partners.
4. The per unit cost of the offset option.

In 2023, Charles Sturt selected offsets with co-benefits that address some of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Otherwise known as the Global Goals, these are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The goals that are addressed by the university’s offsets include SDG 7, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 13, and SDG 15.

Please see the Public Disclosure Summary for more information.

Duzce Aksu Hydro Electricity Power Plant

Location: Turkey

Description:  This project constructs and operates a flowing water hydroelectric power plant with a capacity of 46.2 MW on the Aksu River in Duzce Province, Turkey. Flowing-water hydroelectric power plants generate electricity by obtaining kinetic energy from the flow of water. Since there is no large amount of water stored in the Charles Sturt University 13 reservoir behind the dam, the scale and impact on the ecosystem of the water area is generally smaller than that of conventional hydroelectric power plants. The power plant replaces fossil fuel power generation, has a positive impact on the environment and contributes to the economies of countries and regions.

Offset: 14,963 tonnes CO₂-equivalent

• View project details or detailed project description documents.

Arnhem Land Indigenous Savannah Fire Management

Location: Australia

Description: Greenhouse gases emitted from savanna fires make up 3% of Australia’s total emissions. Savanna burning projects undertaken by Traditional Owners and Aboriginal rangers reduce GHG emissions by undertaking cool, lower intensity fires in the early dry season when the vegetation still contains some moisture from the wet season. This reduces the GHG emitted from high intensity, unmanaged fire in the late dry season when the country is dry.

In addition to the carbon abatement the project is delivering ‘core benefits’ to country including:

• Managing country the right way
• Revitalising connection to country
• Improving corridors to take pressure off wildlife
• Building new fire skills and experience for Rangers

Offset: 1,485 tonnes CO₂-equivalent

• View project details or detailed project description documents.

100 MW Solar Project in Bhalda, Rajasthan

Location: India

Description: The project involves installation of 100 MW solar power in Bhadla, in the state of Rajasthan, India. The project replaces anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG’s) estimated to be approximately 146,086 tCO2e per year (proposed avg. value), thereby displacing 154,179 MWh/year amount of electricity from the generation-mix of power plants connected to the Indian electricity grid, which is mainly dominated by thermal/fossil fuel-based power plants.

Offset: 8,887 tonnes CO₂-equivalent

• View project details or detailed project description documents.

CO2 Australia Creating a Better Climate

Location: Australia

Description: This project is a Carbon Farming Initiative This project established permanent plantings of Eucalyptus loxophleba and Eucalyptus polybractea trees on land that was previously used for agricultural purposes. It is located in NSW, in the local government areas of Bland, Carrathool, Coolamon, Dubbo, Greater Hume Shire, Lachlan, Narrandera, Narromine, Parkes and Wellington.

Offset: 1,150 tonnes CO₂-equivalent

• View project details or detailed project description documents.

Previous Carbon Offsets