The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Claims that Qantas is greenwashing build a case for carbon assurance: here’s what it is

  • Written by Md Safiullah (Safi), Senior Lecturer in Finance, RMIT University

Qantas is being taken to Australia’s consumer regulator over its claim it is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050[1].

The Environmental Defenders Office and the advocacy group Climate Integrity say the claim is “not backed up by credible targets or substantiating strategies[2]” making it potentially misleading and in breach of the Australian Consumer Law[3].

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has yet to decide whether to investigate the complaint. Qantas says it has offered to work closely with Climate Integrity and has reached out to the Commission.

The complaint follows a ruling by a Dutch Court earlier this year that the airline KLM had misled consumers by creating the false impression it was sustainable[4].

The win has spurred the European Commission to write to 20 airlines identifying potentially misleading claims and inviting them to bring their practices in line[5].

Of most concern[6] to the European regulators are claims the carbon emissions caused by flights can be offset by climate projects and the use of sustainable fuels, to which the consumers can contribute by paying additional fees.

Carbon assurance assesses claims ahead of time

These kinds of complaints would be much easier for airlines (and other compnies) to deal with if they had submitted themselves to a process known as carbon assurance[7] ahead of time.

Usually entered into voluntarily, and conducted by an independent assessor in accordance with an international standard[8], the process verifies the accuracy, transparency, and credibility of an organisation’s carbon emissions claims.

My own research with Linh Nguyen, just published in Finance Research Letters[9], finds firms with high carbon assurance scores are more likely to obtain more trade credit from their suppliers.

Europe[10] and Australia[11] are moving towards making carbon assurance mandatory for large corporations.

Few firms submit themselves to it

A survey by KPMG International finds that while nearly all of the world’s 250 largest firms report on the sustainability of their operations, only two-thirds[12] submit themselves to carbon assurance.

Another survey of 5,183 companies from 42 countries that publish emissions data finds half[13] don’t engage a carbon assuror.

This could be because they are afraid of what the assuror will find.

An international survey of 750 companies that sought some level of external assurance found just 14%[14] received a reasonable assurance.

Many firms aren’t ready

Assessors are hard to find. NattapongPunna/Shutterstock[15]

Assurors, and the skills within the organisation to handle the process are hard to find. While international standards are in place, there isn’t yet a professional or regulatory body to certify assurors.

The Australian government intends to make assurance reports for the Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions of large firms mandatory from July 2026[16].

Scope 1 and scope 2 emissions are the direct and indirect emissions of the corporation itself.

The government intends to make Scope 3 emissions (those in other parts of the corporation’s supply and distribution chain) mandatory from July 2030[17].

It will be important to get the systems in place.

While what the firms report will matter a lot, what will matter almost as much is an assurance we can believe what they report.

References

  1. ^ achieving net zero emissions by 2050 (www.qantas.com)
  2. ^ not backed up by credible targets or substantiating strategies (climateintegrity.org.au)
  3. ^ Australian Consumer Law (static1.squarespace.com)
  4. ^ false impression it was sustainable (www.clientearth.org)
  5. ^ bring their practices in line (ec.europa.eu)
  6. ^ most concern (www.ft.com)
  7. ^ carbon assurance (researchers.mq.edu.au)
  8. ^ international standard (www.iaasb.org)
  9. ^ Finance Research Letters (www.sciencedirect.com)
  10. ^ Europe (apcoworldwide.com)
  11. ^ Australia (auasb.gov.au)
  12. ^ two-thirds (kpmg.com)
  13. ^ half (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  14. ^ 14% (assets.kpmg.com)
  15. ^ NattapongPunna/Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  16. ^ July 2026 (treasury.gov.au)
  17. ^ July 2030 (auasb.gov.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/claims-that-qantas-is-greenwashing-build-a-case-for-carbon-assurance-heres-what-it-is-239592

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Tricia Paoluccio designer to the stars

The Case for Nuturing Creativity in the Classroom, and in our Lives I am an actress and an artist who has had the privilege of sharing my work across many countries, touring my ...

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...