Beyond Zero Emissions is a think tank that shows through independent research and innovative solutions how Australia can prosper in a zero-emissions economy. We’re fully focused on turbocharging Australia’s switch to the zero-emissions economy. Beyond Zero Emissions is an internationally recognised think tank that shows through independent research and innovative solutions how Australia can prosper in a zero-emissions economy. To inspire political leadership and accelerate policy change, we publish research on technological solutions that unlock huge economic potential for industries, regions and communities. Our expert research is the springboard from which we showcase and facilitate lighthouse projects, which spurs policymakers to scale and replicate successful models. Beyond Zero Emissions is an independent think tank. We show how Australia can prosper in a zero emissions economy through ambitious research, influential engagement, and compelling communications.
Our theory of change
When regional communities that depend on fossil fuels become vocal supporters of a clean economy, we will see greater adoption of climate-positive solutions on a national scale. This support is critical to decarbonising Australia at the scale and speed required.
Our Story
Our story begins with a group of engineers, small in number but big in ambition. Back then, there was no place where Australian professionals could contribute their expertise to create meaningful, ambitious climate solutions. So we created one, bringing together a diverse network of industry experts from across the county. In 2010, we made history. Our debut report The Stationary Energy Plan showed, for the first time, that Australia could be completely repowered with renewables. We upended assumptions about the capacity of clean technology to power the country and paved the way for others to raise their ambition in this space. We focused on industries that would have to do much of the heavy lifting. As well as regions that had the most to lose – and gain from decarbonisation. In our latest chapter, we have gone on to produce zero-emissions plans for all sectors of the economy. Our research focused on the most difficult and highest-emissions decarbonisation challenges in Energy, Buildings, Transport, Land Use, and Manufacturing. We also work in communities with potentially the most to either lose or gain in the transition to a zero emissions Australia and have published place-based reports for the Northern Territory, Collie in Western Australia, and Port Augusta in South Australia. We are now working with communities in the Hunter Valley and Central Queensland to design clean technology solutions.
Our smart solutions to high emissions challenges have seen us recognised locally and abroad with prestigious awards. For example, Beyond Zero Emissions’ unique volunteer model has attracted thousands of the brightest minds to work with us. In recognition of their contribution, our volunteers received the inaugural Volunteering Award from the Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Awards in 2019. Today, we are invested in creating a policy environment that incentivises the strongest action on climate. Beyond Zero Emissions is unique in our access to industry stakeholders, innovators, and communities across Australia. This enables us to profile the benefits of real-world climate solutions.
From 2013 History webpage:
Beyond Zero Emissions was established in 2006 out of a concern that the stated climate change goals of other environmental organisations at the time contradicted the scientific literature. Policies these organisations were calling for if realised would see atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations continue to rise, thereby causing devastation from global warming.Luckily, this has now begun to change, with the grassroots climate action movement, made up of over 200 groups across Australia adopting a policy of 100% renewable energy for Australia by 2020, and recognising that the current science is explicit in saying that there is already to much carbon in the atmosphere. Some of the bigger environment groups are also moving in this direction.From its inception, Beyond Zero Emissions’ goal has been to help facilitate a timely transition to a zero carbon future where atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations are reduced to a safe threshold. The group focuses on the research, education and promulgation of scientifically-based policy and technology solutions in order to realise this transition.The group was established by Matthew Wright and Adrian Whitehead with the guidance of Phillip Sutton. At the same time Matthew and Adrian established the Zero Emission Network which Adrian Whitehead now coordinates. The Zero Emission Network provides a platform for an independent alliance of groups to share ideas, coordinate campaigns and offer mutual support. Beyond Zero Emissions is proudly a member of the Zero Emissions Network.In 2008 the Climate Emergency Network was formed by a number of climate groups in Melbourne concerned that groups taking climate change science and solutions seriously needed a way to coordinate. Beyond Zero Emissions is a proud member of the Climate Emergency Network.