The FEX Climate Voluntary Protocol for Emissions Reduction, developed by ARUP Sustainability (www.arup.com.au), is an interactive web based tool which corporate subscribers and their teams can work through at their own pace to develop, pilot and implement voluntary emissions reduction plans.

The protocol is an independent recognition program designed to help business to learn by doing to get on the front foot in preparation for future carbon constraints, regulatory requirements and other stakeholder expectations. It is also designed to help businesses to discover ways to capitalise on the opportunities the transition to a low carbon future might provide.

The protocol includes:

• An overview of strategic approaches to managing carbon emissions
• A framework to develop an inventory and report emissions
• A step by step guide to developing and implementing an emissions reduction plan
• A process for internal and external communication and engagement
• Links to standards, data sets and industry specific emissions factors
• Links the FEX Climate Directory of independent technology, product and service providers

The FEX Climate Voluntary Protocol is designed to be accessible, affordable and useful to all types and sizes of business. Subscribers will receive regular offers to support their businesses to work through the protocol.

Businesses who sign the FEX-VP will receive the first level of recognition

Businesses then work at their own pace through 6 categories of activities:

1. Corporate Management & Commitment
2. Stakeholder Engagement
3. Data & Inventory Preparation
4. Emissions Reduction Activities
5. Target Setting
6. Reporting & Continual Improvement

Businesses receive recognition as they reach certain standards and are well position to seek third party certification upon completion.

FEX Climate subscribers can monitor their businesses progress in through the FEX Climate Voluntary Protocol from their corporate home page. This page can only be seen by your master subscriber and (up to 10) individuals to whom the master subscriber provides access.

The FEX Climate Voluntary Protocol is a new tool for business leaders and we would welcome you feedback fexprotocolquery@arup.com.au