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

    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

    Anticipating COP16 and COP29: A Deep Dive into the Future of Biodiversity and Climate Action

    As the world confronts pressing environmental challenges, two pivotal conferences stand at the forefront: COP16 and COP29. Despite sharing the "COP" designation, these gatherings serve unique purposes, each focusing on different facets of the global environmental crisis. While COP16 centers on biodiversity, COP29 addresses climate change. However, these issues are deeply interconnected, and their combined outcomes will significantly influence our planet's future.
    Read post
    Article
    5
    min reading time

    The Truth About Solar Power: Is it Really Worth It?

    Solar power has been around for a while, yet many still don’t fully understand its potential. It’s more than just panels on rooftops; it’s a renewable energy source that can help reduce carbon emissions and save money. But, is it really all it’s cracked up to be? In this blog, we’ll dive into the lesser-known facts about solar power, answering common questions about its benefits, drawbacks, and why it’s not yet the most widely used energy source.
    Read post
    Article
    3
    min reading time

    Join the Movement: NetNada and BBP Pioneering Sustainable Local Business Solutions

    NetNada is excited to announce our partnership with the Better Business Partnership (BBP), supported by Willoughby City Council, Ku-ring-gai Council, and North Sydney Council. Together, we’re empowering local businesses to adopt sustainable practices and align with the Resilient Sydney program.
    Read post
    Article
    3
    min reading time

    How NetNada Helped RNTR Achieve Significant Carbon Savings and Boost Sustainability Credentials

    RNTR, a leading rental service company, was determined to improve its sustainability performance and sought ways to better understand and communicate its environmental impact. To achieve this, RNTR partnered with NetNada, leveraging our expertise in carbon emissions analysis to calculate, quantify, and report their carbon savings.
    Read post
    Article
    4
    min reading time

    Poor ESG Performance: Why Customers Are Walking Away

    In this blog, we will explore how poor ESG performance can lead to significant customer drop-off and declining investments, and why proper and transparent ESG practices are essential to maintaining long-term financial health.
    Read post
    Article
    7
    min reading time

    California’s Mandatory Climate Reporting: What You Need to Know About SB 253, SB 261, and SB 219

    California has taken a bold step in holding businesses accountable for their environmental impact. With the enactment of Senate Bills 253 (SB 253) and 261 (SB 261) as part of the Climate Accountability Package, along with the amendments from SB 219, we’ll explain what these laws mean for businesses, what the reporting requirements are, and how companies can comply.
    Read post
    Article
    6
    min reading time

    Earth’s Vital Signs are Weakening: How You Can Act Now to Prevent Planetary Health Breakdown

    As the Earth approaches multiple critical thresholds, the urgency for climate action has never been clearer. Business leaders play a crucial role in addressing climate change, cutting carbon emissions, and advancing decarbonisation. This article will explore what planetary boundaries are, how climate change is driving these challenges, and what businesses can do to help protect the planet.
    Read post
    Article
    6
    min reading time

    3 Climate Disasters in 2024 Pleading for Climate Action: Urgent Lessons for Businesses

    In this blog, we’ll explore three major climate disasters of 2024—Hurricane Helene, Typhoon Gaemi, and the Nepal floods and landslides—and explain how they are directly linked to the urgent need for climate action. We’ll also explore how businesses can take responsibility for their emissions using a carbon accounting tool like NetNada. 
    Read post
    Article
    5
    min reading time

    NetNada Empowers Zip Co in Global Carbon Emissions Reporting and Compliance

    Zip Co, an ASX-listed tech company, partnered with NetNada to streamline its carbon emissions measurement and reporting across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Faced with complex compliance requirements, NetNada provided tailored, data-driven solutions that ensured accurate reporting for CDP, TCFD, and annual submissions. The collaboration not only helped Zip Co meet global sustainability standards but also improved internal efficiency, positioning the company as a leader in environmental performance.
    Read post
    Article
    5
    min reading time

    The Impact of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days on the Planet

    Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days 2024 (October 8th-9th) kicks off, with millions of shoppers taking advantage of deep discounts. However, behind the excitement lies a significant environmental cost—one that both businesses and consumers must consider.
    Read post
    Article
    5
    min reading time

    Turning the Tide: How Business Owners Can Address Extreme Weather After Hurricane Milton

    Hurricane Milton serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of climate change. As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, businesses must take action to reduce their carbon emissions. By embracing carbon accounting and implementing sustainable practices, companies can play a key role in mitigating the impact of climate change and building resilience for the future.
    Read post
    Level up your sustainability
    Receive exclusive insights, updates, and tips from our experts, right to your inbox.