Australia
Mandatory

NGER Scheme

Published on
27 March 2025
Contributors
Afonso Firmo
Co-founder and Director
Francesca Castro
Research and Content
Macarena Massuh
Sustainability Enablement
Subscribe to our newsletter

What is NGER and what is its primary goal? 

The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Scheme is a cornerstone of Australia's approach to managing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption at the corporate level. It is designed to help organisations track and report their geenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy production, and energy consumption in a consistent and transparent manner.

The primary goal of the NGER Scheme is to provide the Australian Government, and other stakeholders, with reliable and standardised data on emissions and energy use. This data is essential for implementing policies, measuring progress against national emission targets, and ensuring accountability across industries.

Who Needs to Comply with NGER? 

The NGER Scheme appliers to Australian corporations and other entities that meet specific thresholds for greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. These entities include large companies in sectors like energy, mining, manufacturing, and transportation, etc. Any organisation that exceeds the prescribed thresholds must report to the Australian Government. 

The thresholds are categorized into two groups: Facility Threshold and Corporate Group Threshold.

  1. Facility Threshold:
    • An organization must report if it exceeds any of the following criteria:
      • Produces 25,000 tonnes or more of greenhouse gases (CO2-equivalent emissions) from Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions combined.
      • Generates 100 Terajoules (TJ) or more of energy.
      • Consumes 100 Terajoules (TJ) or more of energy.
  2. Corporate Group Threshold:
    • An organization is required to report if its corporate group exceeds the following criteria:
      • Generates 50,000 tonnes or more of greenhouse gases (CO2-equivalent emissions) from Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions combined.
      • Produces 200 Terajoules (TJ) or more of energy.
      • Consumes 200 Terajoules (TJ) or more of energy.

It is important to note that organisations must include all activities in their calculations when determining if these thresholds are met. This includes activities undertaken by contractors or sub-contractors working at the facilities under the organization’s operational control.

How to Comply with NGER? 

Organisations that meet the NGER thresholds must comply by submitting an annual NGER report. If an organisation no longer meets the thresholds, it will be deregistered from the scheme.

Key Compliance Requirements:

  • Reporting: Registered corporations must report all greenhouse gas emissions, energy production, and energy consumption for facilities under their operational control, as well as those controlled by members of their corporate group.
  • Record Keeping: Accurate, consistent, and transparent records are crucial for the NGER reporting process. Organizations should maintain records that document the data analysis methods used, and how decisions were made to ensure compliance with the NGER requirements.
  • External Audits: The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) conducts audits to ensure compliance with NGER regulations. Non-compliance can result in regulatory action and penalties, which can apply for up to five years from the date of the submission.

This process helps ensure that organisations manage their emissions and energy use transparently, contributing to Australia's national climate goals.

Benefits of NGER Compliance

  • Enhanced Regulatory Alignment: Complying with the NGER Scheme ensures that companies are aligned with Australian emissions reduction goals and helps businesses prepare for potential future regulations.
  • Investor Confidence: Transparent emissions and energy reporting can increase investor confidence, especially in an era where climate-related financial disclosures are gaining importance.
  • Strategic Planning: By measuring and reporting their energy usage and emissions, companies can identify areas for improvement and optimize their operations for greater energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
  • Reputation Management: Public reporting of emissions data demonstrates a company’s commitment to sustainability, which can enhance its reputation with customers, investors, and other stakeholders.
  • Contribution to National Targets: Accurate emissions data supports the broader national effort to meet Australia’s greenhouse gas reduction targets under international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement.
  • NGER and Your Reporting Compliance

    Complying with NGER is crucial for businesses not only to meet regulatory obligations but also to align with broader sustainability goals. Understanding and engaging with the NGER Scheme helps businesses monitor their carbon footprint, manage their energy consumption, and communicate their environmental impact transparently. With upcoming regulations and rising expectations from stakeholders, businesses that proactively engage in emissions reporting are better positioned to meet future compliance requirements and contribute to climate action.

    Resources and Further Information

    CER Website: https://cer.gov.au/schemes/national-greenhouse-and-energy-reporting-scheme

    Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/emissions-reporting/national-greenhouse-energy-reporting-scheme

    Top 5 NGERs Mistakes and How to Avoid: https://www.anthesisgroup.com/au/insights/top-ngers-mistakes/

    Featured Webinars

    Australia
    Mandatory

    AASB S2

    Read post
    Mandatory disclosure requirements for Australian entities regarding climate-related information applicable to annual reporting periods from January 1, 2025.
    Australia
    Voluntary

    AASB S1

    Read post
    Voluntary disclosure requirements for Australian entities regarding sustainability-related financial information applicable to annual reporting periods from January 1, 2025.
    Global
    Voluntary

    CDP

    Read post
    Voluntary environmental disclosure frameworks for companies, cities, states, and regions. CDP includes metrics such as climate, water and forestry.
    No items found.
    Webinar
    Upcoming
    Watch Recording

    Climate Compliance Countdown Webinar Series

    A five-part webinar series where each session dives into key compliance topics: from assessing your readiness to managing risks and setting actionable targets, ensuring you’re fully equipped for the new regulations. 
    Register
    Go to webinar
    Webinar
    Upcoming
    Watch Recording

    Compliance Countdown Session 5: Metrics and Targets

    Watch the recording and access the session materials for Session 5 of Compliance Countdown: Metrics & Targets
    Register
    Go to webinar
    Webinar
    Upcoming
    Watch Recording

    Compliance Countdown Session 4: Risk Management

    Watch the recording of Session 4: Risk Management in the Compliance Countdown Series.
    Register
    Go to webinar
    sustainability that sells webinar netnada
    Webinar
    Upcoming
    Watch Recording

    Sustainability that Sells: Mastering the Art of Building Trust for Partnerships Recording

    Watch the Recording: This session focuses on the growing role of sustainability in the sales process, how to identify and address client pain points, and how to position NetNada’s software as a trusted solution for carbon emissions reporting.
    Register
    Go to webinar
    Webinar
    Upcoming
    Watch Recording

    Compliance Countdown Session 3: Reporting Your Strategy

    Watch the recording and access the presentation of Session 3: Reporting
    Register
    Go to webinar
    Webinar
    Upcoming
    Watch Recording

    Compliance Countdown Session 2: Governance & Leadership

    Watch the Recording and read the key takeaways from this session
    Register
    Go to webinar
    Webinar
    Upcoming
    Watch Recording

    Carbon Accounting 101 Webinar

    Watch the recording of our webinar on Carbon Accounting 101 with Alex King
    Register
    Go to webinar
    Webinar
    Upcoming
    Watch Recording

    Supply Chain Engagement Webinar

    Watch the recording of our webinar on Supply Chain Engagement with Lochie Burke.
    Register
    Go to webinar
    Webinar
    Upcoming
    Watch Recording

    Sustainable Events Masterclass - Master strategies in Responsible Events Management

    November 27 | Discover essential strategies for reducing carbon emissions, explore eco-friendly sourcing and waste management, and learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability in the events industry.
    Register
    Go to webinar
    Webinar
    Upcoming
    Watch Recording

    NetNada x Better Business Partnership (BBP) - Measuring Your Company's Carbon Footprint

    October 30 | This NetNada x BBP joint webinar will demonstrate how embracing sustainability not only enhances your business reputation but also strengthens client relationships and attracts larger customers by highlighting your commitment to reducing emissions.
    Register
    Go to webinar
    Webinar
    Upcoming
    Watch Recording

    Australian Mandatory Climate Reporting: What to do if your Business doesn't make $500M annually

    October 16 | Discover the new regulations set to take effect in 2025, learn how to navigate mandatory disclosures, and gain actionable insights to align your business with reporting standards.
    Register
    Go to webinar
    Webinar
    Upcoming
    Watch Recording

    Sustainable Procurement Pathways: Collaborative Strategies for Procurers and Suppliers

    This engaging session is designed to bridge the gap between large organisations and small to medium enterprises (SMEs), focusing on the key questions procurement teams must ask to enhance transparency and the crucial steps SMEs need to take to be prepared.
    Register
    Go to webinar
    Webinar
    Upcoming
    Watch Recording

    Event Sustainability Webinar

    Learn the basics of carbon accounting and understand how it plays a crucial role in assessing and reducing your event's environmental impact.
    Register
    Go to webinar
    Webinar
    Upcoming
    Watch Recording

    Sustainability 101: Introduction Carbon Accounting

    Join us for "Sustainability 101: An Introduction to Carbon Accounting," a comprehensive webinar designed to demystify carbon accounting's essentials and its pivotal role in sustainable business practices. Learn how NetNada is leading innovation in this crucial area.
    Register
    Go to webinar
    Webinar
    Upcoming
    Watch Recording

    Net-Zero & Government Procurement: What to expect with new legislation.

    Exploring the implications of new government legislation on net-zero and government procurement. With a focus on the recent $75 billion shift in government contracts, this session will delve into how these changes impact tenders, contracts, and business operations.
    Register
    Go to webinar
    Article
    min reading time

    Want to know the brand benefits of Carbon Neutral Certification?

    Being carbon-neutral certified is an inevitable future for all businesses. The discussions held at the Leaders to Leaders Summit on Climate demonstrated that the global push for net zero targets is only gaining momentum. Carbon Neutral Certification provides organisations with an early-adopter advantage, bringing an arrangement of benefits to the perception and respectability of their brand. 
    Read post
    Article
    min reading time

    Is Carbon Neutral Certification the same as carbon offsetting?

    Offsetting your emissions and becoming carbon neutral are two phrases that are commonly associated with each other. While offsetting is an integral part of being Carbon Neutral Certified, there are distinguishing differences between the two. It is important to comprehend these differences when an organisation wishes to produce credible measurements and carbon reports. 
    Read post
    News
    min reading time

    Here's what the 2022 Climate Bill means for your business.

    When Labor passed the Climate Bill into law on 8 September 2022, it was the first piece of environmental legislation passed in 11 years. We've broken it down and the opportunities it presents for businesses.
    Read post
    Article
    min reading time

    Conflicts in Australia’s Carbon Credit Market

    In recent findings from the Australian Conservation Foundation and the Australia Institute of Climate & Energy Program it has been discovered that a staggering 1 in 5 carbon credits issued by the Federal Government’s $4.5 billion Emission Reduction Fund (ERF) do not represent real abatement and are as such essentially ‘junk credits’.‍
    Read post
    Article
    min reading time

    California runs on almost 100% Clean Renewable Energy this month

    Some very promising news has come out of the USA as California, which aims to have a carbon-free power grid within 25 years, got a short glimpse of that possibility earlier this month.
    Read post
    Article
    min reading time

    Committing to Sustainable Franchising

    Franchise brands continue to expand their commitment to sustainability, shrinking their carbon footprints with steps ranging from using solar power and recycled building materials to energy-efficient lighting.
    Read post
    Article
    min reading time

    The Environmental Impact of Cryptocurrency

    Bitcoin mining is famously responsible for more than 7x the electricity of companies like Google and even more than some countries like Ireland and Finland. First for us to understand this consumption we need to break down what mining is, why the power requirement has grown so much for bitcoin and why bitcoins consumption is different to other crypto currencies and blockchain technology.
    Read post
    Article
    min reading time

    SDG's which get the least attention globally

    3,500 leaders surveyed across developed and developing countries found that life below water and marine conservation is very consistently under-considered as ‘the least important of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
    Read post
    Article
    min reading time

    Decarbonising Australia in Socially and Economically Inclusive Way

    The long-awaited Australian commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 now allows us to work together and focus our attention on how we get there.
    Read post
    Article
    min reading time

    The Delicate Relationship Between Content and Greenwashing

    In recent times, corporate Australia has made a series of bold commitments towards positive action against climate change. But is creating “sustainable content” an invitation to greenwashing allegations? Or do businesses have a responsibility to do so?
    Read post
    Article
    min reading time

    The green transition might depend on our auditors & accountants

    At COP26’s climate talks we have seen government officials, finance leaders, green activists and corporate icons on show. The world’s auditors and accountants have been underrepresented - And this is a great mistake.
    Read post
    News
    min reading time

    COP26 Key Updates

    International lawmakers, business leaders and activists convened in Glasgow, U.K. on Tuesday in the final week of the COP26 climate summit.
    Read post
    Level up your sustainability
    Receive exclusive insights, updates, and tips from our experts, right to your inbox.