CRI — Carbon Reduction Institute
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Local Government Initiative

Real risk. Real communities.
Real action required.

We're helping councils build a credible pathway to net zero through action

A practical pathway for councils to turn climate commitments into credible action.

The Local Government Net Zero Initiative (LGNZI) helps Australian councils apply the NoCO2 Net Zero Standard to their operations and build a realistic, evidence-based pathway to net zero by no later than 2040.

Many councils have already made climate commitments. The next challenge is turning those commitments into a practical transition plan that identifies what emissions exist, what actions are required, when fossil-fuel assets should be phased out, and how progress can be disclosed transparently.

The LGNZI provides a fixed-price implementation package that helps councils move beyond broad ambition and into documented, reduction-led action.

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What the initiative delivers

Participating councils receive a practical Net Zero package including:

  • a full emissions inventory separated into Net Zero Inventory, Non-Attributable Inventory and Influence Based Inventory;
  • a clean technology roadmap for fleet, plant, equipment and other fossil-fuelled assets;
  • a Required Interventions plan identifying mandatory reduction actions and timeframes;
  • asset transition guidance to support procurement and capital planning;
  • public disclosure-ready content, tables and statements;
  • AASB S2-style disclosure gap guidance; and a summary Climate Report suitable for internal planning and stakeholder communication.

The result is not just an emissions report. It is a practical roadmap that helps council officers, executives and elected representatives understand what needs to happen, when it needs to happen, and how to communicate progress credibly.

Why it matters for councils

Councils have a unique role in the net zero transition. They operate buildings, fleets, depots, plant, infrastructure, procurement systems and waste services, while also acting as trusted leaders for households, businesses and the broader community.

Transparency

Clear separation of operational, non-attributable and influence-based emissions.

Actionability

Defined reduction actions, timeframes and transition priorities.

Credibility

Stronger evidence behind climate claims and transition commitments.

Community leadership

A framework councils can extend to suppliers, businesses and local stakeholders.

Procurement planning

Better guidance for fleet, plant, facilities and infrastructure decisions.

Alignment with disclosure expectations

The LGNZI supports AASB S2-style climate disclosure by providing a strong evidence base for inventory scope, transition planning, metrics, targets and reduction progress.

AASB S2 also requires additional work on climate risk, scenario analysis, real-world financial impacts. The LGNZI is designed to directly inform the NoCO2 package components, but does not replace full assurance work.

Fixed-price council package

The Local Government Net Zero Initiative is offered as a fixed-price package:

$9,500 + GST

This includes approximately 35 hours of structured work, agreed and scoped on a council Climate Report.

For councils requiring deeper work, the LGNZI provides the starting framework on which additional inventory, disclosure or capital emissions reduction work can be built.

Worked example

Ballarendigo
Climate Report FY2035

CRI has prepared the Ballarendigo Climate Report FY2035 as a worked example of how the LGNZI can be applied to local government. Ballarendigo is a theoretical council developed using data and operating characteristics based on multiple councils. The report demonstrates what a credible council net zero disclosure can look like under the NoCO2 Net Zero Standard.

The Ballarendigo example shows how councils can move from climate ambition to practical implementation, with clear disclosure, defined reduction actions and a realistic transition pathway.

For more information about the NoCO2 Net Zero Standard, please visit:

Download the full report

The example shows:

  • a 67.9% reduction in emissions from baseline;
  • Scope 1 emissions becoming net negative;
  • minimal reliance on carbon credits;
  • electrified fleet and equipment;
  • 100% renewable electricity;
  • gas asset retirement;
  • a structured Net Zero Inventory, Non-Attributable Inventory and Influence Based Inventory; and
  • residual emissions addressed with high-integrity carbon dioxide removals, not avoidance offsets.

Start your council's net zero pathway

The Local Government Net Zero Initiative gives councils a defined, scoped and priced way to move from broad commitment to credible action. To begin a scoped and costed engagement, contact us.

Or request the Ballarendigo worked example as a reference for what a council Net Zero Initiative can look like.

Contact us here
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CRI has been helping organisations reduce their emissions since 2006. Let's talk about what a practical pathway looks like for your organisation.

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