New guide to help large emitters address climate impact in NSW
The NSW EPA has released a finalised guide to clarify greenhouse gas assessment requirements for major projects in the state
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has released the finalised NSW Guide for Large Emitters, setting out clear expectations for assessing and managing greenhouse gas emissions in major development projects. The guide aims to improve transparency in planning decisions and provide proponents with a structured approach to evaluating their emissions.
The guide will assist industries reliant on fossil fuels and non-renewable electricity in addressing greenhouse gas emissions. Industries including coal mining, landfill operations, chemical manufacturing, and cement and metal production will need to provide consistent and detailed information on projected emissions early in the planning process. The guide is intended to reduce requests for additional information, helping to minimise costs and delays during assessments.
EPA Acting Executive Director of Strategy and Policy Asela Atapattu said the new requirements reflect extensive consultation with various stakeholders.
“The new greenhouse gas assessment requirements have taken into consideration feedback from industry, environmental groups, government agencies, as well as members of our community during consultation last year,” Mr Atapattu said.
“By incorporating this feedback, we’ve created practical guidance to help proponents meet their responsibilities and support NSW’s 2050 net-zero and interim goals.”
Projects subject to the guide typically involve activities requiring approval under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. The threshold for application is generally 25,000 tonnes or more of scope 1 and 2 carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) emissions per financial year.
The EPA retains discretion in applying the guide and may take a flexible approach for projects that contribute to decarbonisation or involve renewable energy. Although the guide applies to new projects exceeding a set emissions threshold, it does not cover developments like housing projects.
