A reported baseline for existing facilities will be determined by the Clean Energy Regulator based on National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme data reported between 2009-10 and 2013-14. The reported baseline will be set at the highest level of scope 1 emissions for the facility over this five year period.
By using the highest level of historical emissions, factors such as natural variability in emissions are accommodated (for example, changes in production levels, plant maintenance or the types of inputs used).
We will issue a reported baseline for a facility if it:
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has five years of scope 1 emissions data reported under the NGER scheme between 2009-10 and 2013-14, and
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in at least one of those years, the facility had covered emissions with a carbon dioxide equivalence of more than 100 000 tonnes.
Or
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has 3 or 4 years of scope 1 emissions data reported under the NGER scheme between 2009-10 and 2013-14, and
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in at least three of those years, the facility had covered emissions with a carbon dioxide equivalence of more than 100 000 tonnes.
In either of the above circumstances, we will initiate the reported baseline setting process. Before a reported baseline determination is made, we will contact the responsible emitters for each facility and advise them of the proposed baseline. Responsible emitters will then be given the opportunity to comment on the baseline and provide any additional information, before the actual determination is made. See
making a reported baseline determination for more information on this process.
If a facility does not meet either of the above circumstances but:
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has at least one year of scope 1 emissions data reported under the NGER scheme between 2009-10 and 2013-14, and
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in at least one of those years, the facility had covered emissions with a carbon dioxide equivalence of more than 100 000 tonnes.
The responsible emitter for the facility has the option to
request a reported baseline determination in relation to the facility. Where the responsible emitter has the option to request a reported baseline, they must have done so by
31 July 2016. Once the responsible emitter has made this request, the standard process for a reported baseline determination will apply. That is, the person will be advised of the proposed baseline and then given the opportunity to comment on the baseline and provide any additional information, before the actual determination is made.
It is important to note that a responsible emitter cannot apply for a
new facility calculated baseline if a reported baseline determination has been made for the facility.
A default emissions baseline of 100 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent will apply if the facility does not request a reported baseline or apply for a calculated baseline under the new facility criteria.
A reported baseline does not expire, meaning that it will continue to apply unless another baseline is in force.