This guide explains the obligations under Australian Consumer Law, which businesses must comply with when making environmental and sustainability claims. Whilst this document is not legally binding, it informs businesses on how obligations under consumer protection law, including the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), may apply and is therefore considered legally relevant.
The guide sets out eight principles to help businesses comply with their obligations under Australian Consumer Law. Under Principle 5 "Avoid broad and unqualified claims", there is guidance relevant to communcations around climate change. For example, claims that a business uses renewable energy should clearly explain how any renewable energy use (and any associated emissions reduction) has been calculated, in a way that consumers can readily understand. There is also a section on emissions related claims. For example, being transport about emission reductions activities versus reliance on purchased offsets; providing up-to-date information about the registry with details of the offsets relinquishes or cancelled each year; and taking care when relying on a certification scheme for offsets and emissions.
