Proficient risk managers have had carbon risk on their radar a while now and are now moving to manage that risk. Exposures to energy users include;

• Government reporting requirements for ever smaller organisations
• Need to have some office premises energy rated from July 1, 2010
• Increases in both the direct cost of energy and the cost of delivering that energy
• How power outages would Impact on operations during load shedding
• Impact of emissions trading on your organisation
• Climate change adaptation and mitigation measures
• Client demands for carbon intensity information and carbon strategy

All energy users will feel some impact as carbon is integrated into governance, the economy, our supply chains and customer demands.

The largest energy users in the country have been responding to reporting requirements for years;

• National Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) July 1, 2006
• National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System (NGERS) July 2008
• National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) July 2010
• Environment Resource Efficiency Plans (EREP) Victoria March 2008
• National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) Database
• Energy and Water Savings Action Plans NSW
• Smart Energy Plan Program (SEPP) Queensland

During this decade the government has committed to expanding the reporting requirements to include smaller users of energy. Knowing and managing your carbon exposure now will prepare your organisation and build confidence with your clients and suppliers.

Be prepared when carbon comes to town...