From 1 July 2010, all Australian entities that emit over 25,000 tonnes of CO2-e must comply with the accounting and reporting aspects of the scheme. All large entities who emit over 125,000 tonnes CO2-e must have an independent audit of their accounts and reports. I can see a golden opportunity that was not there before the scheme was announced. You see, all of these companies have to account and report each year by 31 October each year, with a submission to the Department of Climate Change as to how many tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions they directly produced. So who is going to do all of this reporting?
Well that is where the golden opportunity comes into the picture. I have signed up for a Carbon Accounting course at Swinburne University. The course starts on 12 Jan 09, with 3 classroom days, and about 60 hours work with a final assessment. I am taking annual leave for the 3 classroom days, just so that work is kosher with it. I have also funded it myself.
The course objectives are as follows:
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Identify and categorise greenhouse gas emissions
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Prepare and interpret a carbon inventory
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Interpret greenhouse reports to assist in strategic business planning
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Prepare for anticipated carbon management legislation
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Evaluate business risks in a carbon constrained economy
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Review the organisation’s carbon management options
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Develop a carbon report for the organisation
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Review carbon reporting procedures
So, I reckon that if you can’t beat them, then join them, but in a way that will benefit by the reduction of GHG emissions and on my terms. I have so much experience already by reducing my own carbon footprint at home, it can only be a valuable asset in this sort of field.
I am hoping that with this extra knowledge in my career toolbox, I can begin to expand into the Sustainability & Environment field, where my obvious passion lays. I will try to secure a position within my current company first, giving them first dibs at my new skills. If I am not successful at securing an internal position, I will then begin to formula a plan on what avenue I should then take or look for other education and re-skilling opportunities.
Now that I am over the Carbon Blues and have read a lot more of the white paper, I believe that there are exciting times ahead (even though I don’t agree with the target of 5-15%). Naturally, I will keep you all posted on my progress, but it might be a bit quite on the blog whilst I am studying.
Wish me luck!
“All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.” Galileo Galilei 1564-1642.
Well done Gavin, you are an inspiration to us all. What a marvellous idea.
Deb
who says you cant teach an old dog new tricks ,good on you gavin best of luck doing the new course .im sure youll excell at it
Gavin that is a FANTASTIC idea. Might see if there is a course up here after all from Januarey 29th (after 22 years) my life is my own again I was going to do the Real Estate course but this sounds like more of a growth industry to me!!!!!And it porbably more aptly ties in wiht my Chemistry and physics degree,(which I have never used)
Thanks for the inpsiration again
daisymum
Hi Gav,
Good Luck, it certainly sounds like an interesting move.
Another opportunity in this situation is that if the annual numbers become part of public record it will allow consumers to make better educated choices in relation to reducing their personal output. If you are looking at 2 identical products on the shelf but know that the company that creates one of them emits 1/3 less carbon overall… it sort of makes the decision pretty easy.
Kind Regards
Belinda
Always thinking of a better ways to do things my brainy son go for it and good luck i’m sure the world would be a better place if more people got off their proverbial bums and did something about the climate change stuff too ELLIE
Go for it Gavin. It is sometimes easier to change things from within.
Fantastic idea! Good luck, I’m sure you’ll do well. It’s like they say, the Chinese word-glyph for “crisis” is the same as the one for “opportunity”.
Not only who is going to do all this reporting but how will the reports be used?
Gav I am thrilled you are doing this and looking forward to reading your journey.
I am off now on holidays till mid Jan but even though I won’t be commenting I will still be able to follow your posts as I subscribe to receive them via email. (I will be away from TV, phones and technology but have organised to be able to check emails every 2nd day)
Merry Christmas Gav to you, your family and all your chickens and pets.
P:S for some reason it wouldn’t let me leave a comment today under ‘wordpress’ the option.
Hi Gavin,
I’m looking forward to reading about your course. You’re definitely a man of action.