GreenPower has welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s release of information on carbon offsets claims as another recommendation of the importance of strict accreditation programs for business and consumer peace of mind.

Releasing the report on 27 June 2008, Graeme Samuel, Chairman of the ACCC said: "There is a growing trend of marketing claims about the ability to 'neutralise' the carbon footprint of, for example, cars, flights and households using carbon offsets.

"Consumer concerns about the veracity of claims on carbon offsets have led the ACCC to develop guidance for consumers and industry on the Trade Practices Act implications of carbon offset claims.

"The difficulties in understanding and verifying carbon claims give rise to concerns that consumers may be facing misleading and deceptive conduct associated with this emerging market."

Following a series of consultations with consumer groups, accreditation agencies, offset providers and corporate participants in carbon offset schemes since January 2008, the ACCC have released a consumer guidance as well as creating a handy new “environmental claims” section of their website.

The release of this new resource also follows the ACCC’s green marketing guidelines for industry, both of which are designed to educate businesses about their obligations under the Trade Practices Act and to alert practitioners to potentially problematic areas.

The information addresses what carbon claims are and the ACCC's role in regulating such claims as well as a list of useful links.

Information in this story has been taken from the ACCC media release for the new guidance.