About us
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.
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.
When business and industry see the benefits of action and the costs of inaction, they will lead the implementation of effective zero-emissions solutions. This will eliminate demand for fossil fuels and rapidly reduce emissions.
For Australia to decarbonise and become a renewable energy superpower we’re building support for a nationally coordinated approach that’s in our individual, economic and national interests. This will reduce emissions and lock in long-term economic prosperity, and underscore the benefits of decarbonisation and create solutions for cities and regions currently economically-reliant on fossil fuels.
Through advocacy partnerships and high-impact solutions, we engage directly with decision-makers to support emissions-reducing policies and projects.
See our work in Gladstone & The Hunter
We showcase the success of real-world examples in key locations, including regional communities, to inspire influential leaders to take action.
We monitor and critique the success of interventions and publish credible, non-partisan research on emissions reduction pathways that unlock economic, environmental and social benefits for industries, regions and communities.
Proof of impact strengthens and grows our network and support community. Our expert volunteers become powerful advocates for renewable energy and clean technology solutions.
Join our community by volunteering or supporting us through a donation.
Our research, engagement and communications has led real-world policy and industry change.
Our team went to Latrobe Valley to check out all the amazing cleantech developments happening right now. Victorian companies are already producing heatpumps, key infrastructure and providing supply-chain services for our offshore wind projects.
The world’s clean technology future can be made in Australia. Make it Here: Building Australia's Clean Industrial Future shows that if we take bold action to boost Australian manufacturing capabilities and grow five onshore cleantech supply chains, $215 billion in cumulative revenue and up to 53,000 additional ongoing jobs could be created by 2035.
We had the privilege of attending this year’s Budget lock-up representing BZE as one of a handful of environmental NGOs to be invited to this exclusive preview of the Budget. We saw some of our recommendations reflected in the initiatives and policies announced, even though some areas fell short of the scale of investment needed.
Senior Project Manager Dr Heidi Edmonds represented Beyond Zero Emissions at the Senate Inquiry into the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill. Dr Edmonds spoke about how the NZEA will support workers and business in our regional industrial heartlands such as Gladstone by facilitating investment in the infrastructure and industry that is necessary for the transition.
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.
We’re getting on with the job of working with leaders in business, politics and community to roll out plans that preserve regional Australia’s place as the engine of our economy.
We tell a good news story with broad political appeal: that Australia will prosper in a zero emissions future. Our work resonates across the political divide. We don’t receive funding from universities or political parties.
Our plans tell the story of how changes in infrastructure, technology, manufacturing and policy can create new industries and thousands of jobs, lower power bills and decarbonise our economy.
Beyond Zero Emissions is the only Australian think tank powered by a wide network of volunteers that willingly give their expertise in engineering, science, economics, business, finance and communications to create climate solutions.
We coordinate closely with other organisations to ensure we complement and reinforce each other’s work and amplify our collective impact.
"BZE has a positive approach to addressing climate change. It has been exciting to witness and participate in the growth of BZE and its influence over the past 5 years."
Jane Carter, BZE expert volunteer
Beyond Zero Emissions is supercharged by hundreds of volunteers each and every year. Our team loves to work with our diverse network of skilled volunteers. Get in touch today if you would like to get involved in our research, engagement or communications activities.
Beyond Zero Emissions is a 100% independent think tank, working to accelerate the transition to a prosperous zero-emissions Australia.
We rely on people from our community, like yourself, to power our transformative research and projects.
We are evidence-based, solutions-focused, and outcomes-oriented – and with your help we can show Australia what’s possible.
Can we count on your to help turbocharge the transition to a clean and prosperous future?
Beyond Zero Emissions Inc. is a registered charity based in Victoria with a national outlook. We are listed on the Commonwealth’s Register of Environmental Organisations (‘Beyond Zero Emissions Fund’), which allows organisations to be endorsed as Deductible Gift Recipients by the Australian Taxation Office. ABN: 48 554 925 975
We're honoured to have been recognised with a series of local and international awards
We are proud members of:
As some of the oldest living cultures in the world, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long lived on and taken care of this country. Their languages, cultures, and histories are deeply connected to these lands and waters. Through all the dispossession and destruction caused by colonisation, still ongoing today, First Nations peoples’ sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, and always will be, First Nations land.
Beyond Zero Emissions is committed to reconciliation. As we work to support clean, renewable energy opportunities in communities all across Australia, we also seek to connect with the knowledge and experiences of those who have been here long before us. We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart, humbly accepting the invitation to walk with First Nations people towards a better future. Recognising the relationship between the clean energy movement and land use, we acknowledge our responsibility to uphold land rights and protect the histories and cultures of First Nations communities. We seek to incorporate this into our research and releases more and more as we continue to deepen the focus on reconciliation in our processes. To help guide this progress, we formed the First Nations Working Group in 2020. The working group aims to make reconciliation a priority across our work, guiding change from the inside out, and spurring us on towards closer collaboration and partnership with First Nations communities and organisations.
Beyond Zero Emissions pays respect to the elders past and present of all First Nations peoples across Australia. We particularly acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters on which our offices sit: the Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri people in Naarm (Melbourne), and the Awabakal, Worimi, and Wonnarua peoples in Newcastle. Our staff who live and work outside of these communities pay their respects to their local Traditional Owners.
