NSW drivers can now opt to offset their vehicle emissions

NSW drivers can now voluntarily choose to offset their vehicle’s carbon emissions each year when they register their car.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said many Australians were looking for practical ways to take action on climate change and the new scheme would give people more opportunities to reduce their carbon footprint.

“NSW is the first state to offer this option, with all money going directly into Australian carbon offset projects. No international credits will be purchased,” Mr Kean said.

Contributions from the scheme will be used to purchase Australian Carbon Credit Units that fund activities which reduce or offset CO₂ emissions in Australia, helping NSW reach its targets of 70 per cent emissions reduction by 2035 and net zero by 2050.

“The option is voluntary, and participants can choose to offset any amount between $5 and $200 when they register their vehicle online."

“The average car generates about 2.4 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, which can be fully offset by purchasing $80 of carbon offsets at the point of registration."

“The transport sector is responsible for about 22 per cent of all NSW emissions, with almost 50 per cent coming from passenger vehicles. More and more NSW drivers are opting for electric vehicles (EVs) each year, however this scheme gives those drivers who haven’t made the switch yet the option to offset their emissions instead,” Mr Kean said.

The scheme is one part of the NSW Government’s comprehensive zero emissions transport strategy, which includes:

• $209 million for EV charging infrastructure
• No stamp duty on EVs under $78,000
• $3,000 rebates for EVs under $68,750
• Transitioning the State’s entire 8,000 plus bus fleet to zero emissions
• Allowing EVs to drive in transit lanes

Corporate Carbon Advisory (CCA) Pty Ltd has been appointed as the offset provider partner. Projects directly supported under this scheme will include regeneration projects across NSW such as the Longdowns Forest Regeneration project in Bourke and Brewarrina Shires.

All projects are fully trackable through their registration under the Clean Energy Regulator’s Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) project register. All carbon credits purchased under this scheme will be immediately retired to ensure their offset benefits are realised at once.

More information on the scheme is located on the NSW Government website  and on the Service NSW website.