CarbonPlus™ Pilot Program.
CarbonPlus™ unlocks the full value of your carbon project by linking it to certified, high-integrity nature outcome measurements.
Introducing the CarbonPlus™ Pilot Program powered by the Accounting for Nature® Framework.
Linking nature and carbon with confidence.
CarbonPlus™, a new program that brings a high degree of standardisation and transparency to the measurement and reporting of environmental condition and co-benefits in carbon projects. Built on the proven science and governance of the Accounting for Nature® Framework, CarbonPlus provides a clear, evidence-based link between carbon and nature that meets growing market demand for higher-integrity environmental claims.
CarbonPlus™ supports carbon project developers, investors and buyers to go beyond carbon by giving them the tools to robustly quantify and report nature measurement alongside Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). This includes the ability to make certified, science-backed claims about outcomes in the state of nature, underpinned by the unique Environmental Condition Index (Econd®) scale, which assigns a state of nature measurement score ranging from 0 to 100 to environmental assets.
How CarbonPlus™ uses the Accounting for Nature® Framework.
At the core of CarbonPlus™ is the Accounting for Nature® Framework, which provides a consistent and scientifically credible approach to measuring and certifying the condition of environmental assets such as native vegetation, soils, and ecosystems.
The Framework:
Enables the creation of Certified Environmental Asset Accounts that track changes to the condition of natural assets over time.
Ensures these accounts meet strict independent audit and certification requirements, providing confidence in the reported outcomes.
Allows for standardised monitoring and reporting, creating comparability between environmental assets and projects.
Through CarbonPlus™ and the Carbon Linking Rules, this certified information can then be linked directly to carbon projects, enabling verified claims of nature condition and co-benefits to be made alongside carbon credits.
Carbon Linking Rules.
The Carbon Linking Rules set out how Certified Environmental Asset Accounts must comply to be eligible for the CarbonPlus™ program. This includes criteria for Environmental Asset Accounts to be:
Established in carbon project areas.
Certified under the Accounting for Nature® Framework using the Independent Audit Certification pathway.
Monitoring condition using methods accredited under the Framework with high (90%) or very high (95%) levels of accuracy.
Reported and updated in line with ongoing monitoring and audit requirements.
Only accounts that comply with these rules will be eligible for the CarbonPlus™ program.
The Carbon Linking Rules are designed to ensure that any claims connecting carbon projects with nature outcomes are grounded in science, integrity, and transparency. These rules are administered and overseen by Accounting for Nature Ltd, as the independent standard-setter for environmental accounting in Australia.
Where is CarbonPlus™ available?
Currently supporting the Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCU) Scheme.
Right now, CarbonPlus™ is designed specifically for carbon projects registered under the ACCU Scheme. This means it’s available for carbon projects that generate ACCUs through the Clean Energy Regulator’s approved methods and in accordance with the Carbon Linking Rules set by Accounting for Nature.
By using CarbonPlus, ACCU project developers can go beyond abatement by measuring and showcasing their project’s nature impacts, adding an extra layer of transparency, credibility and market value.
How it works.
The process is simple:
Register a carbon project using nature-based methods, such as vegetation management or soil carbon sequestration methods, under the ACCU Scheme.
Design your Environmental Asset Account in accordance with the Carbon Linking Rules and the Accounting for Nature® Standard.
Certify your Environmental Asset Account using the Independent Audit pathway.
Once the carbon project issues ACCUs, request to link your certified nature outcomes with the carbon units to enhance credibility, value and impact.
Ready to get started? Visit nxtnature.com to:
Review the CarbonPlus™ Program Guide
Learn more about how CarbonPlus™ works
Access application forms and guidance materials (applications accepted from 11 August 2025)
View and access the secure digital platform that powers CarbonPlus™–Nxt.Registry
Be part of a trusted, science-based solution that brings carbon and nature together.
Join the CarbonPlus™ Pilot Program.
We’re currently inviting carbon project developers and carbon market participants to join the CarbonPlus™ Pilot Program.
As a pilot participant, you’ll have early access to:
Apply the Carbon Linking Rules to verify nature outcomes of your carbon project using Certified Environmental Asset Accounts
Shape the future of nature-integrated carbon markets by providing feedback on implementation
Test the new digital platform linking CarbonPlus™ labelled units with Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs)
Receive support from the Accounting for Nature team during the pilot phase
Help establish the first cohort of CarbonPlus™ labelled units—leading the way in combining nature and carbon with confidence
Governance and Nxt.Nature.
CarbonPlus™ is currently being administrated by Accounting for Nature Ltd during its initial implementation and pilot phase.
To safeguard the independence of governance and avoid conflicts of interest as the program is scaled, the long-term intention is for CarbonPlus™ to transition to Nxt.Nature, a new entity under development designed to house innovative products that are supported by the Accounting for Nature® Framework while operating independently from its standard-setting and certification roles.
Nxt.Nature will:
Operate with its own governance and stakeholder engagement processes.
Administer product-specific guidance, use rights, and future innovation.
Ensure that Accounting for Nature remains a trusted, independent standard-setter and certifier of Environmental Accounts, focused solely on environmental accounting integrity.
This transition reflects our commitment to transparency, integrity, and market confidence as CarbonPlus™ grows to support the nature-positive investing movement.
Our commitment to governance and integrity.
Accounting for Nature has established an Independent Standards & Integrity Committee to ensure that CarbonPlus™ adheres to the same high standards that guide all of our standards, certifications and programs. This committee will work in tandem with our existing Independent Science Committee to maintain best practices across environmental markets. Key features of CarbonPlus™ governance include:
Transparency in labelled unit issuance, including through the new digital registry
Independent assurance requirements
Clear separation of responsibilities in rule setting and issuance
PILOT PARTNERS
PILOT PARTNERS
Disclaimer.
CarbonPlus Pilot Program content and documents have been prepared by Accounting for Nature Ltd (ACN 25 629 446 4934) and Nxt Nature Pty Ltd (ABN 63 655 561 863), the issuer of Nxt.CarbonPlus™ labelled units.
Nxt.Nature Pty Ltd is a company owned by Accounting for Nature Ltd. Accounting for Nature Ltd currently oversees the management of Nxt.Nature as the Program Administrator of Nxt.CarbonPlus™. This interim arrangement is to support the development, implementation and establishment of the Nxt.CarbonPlus™ program. Recognising the ownership relationship between Accounting for Nature Ltd and Nxt.Nature, appropriate measures are applied to maintain transparency, integrity and appropriate separation of roles and responsibilities, and to manage any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.
Nxt.CarbonPlus™ labelled units are not, and are not intended to be, financial products within the meaning of that term under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Nxt.CarbonPlus™ documentation does not, and is not intended to, constitute the provision of financial product advice in relation to any financial product, including Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), and has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation and needs of any person. This information is not intended to influence a person to acquire, hold or dispose of ACCUs. You should obtain legal, financial and taxation advice from your professional advisers before making a decision in relation to ACCUs or Nxt.CarbonPlus™ labelled units.
Accounting for Nature Limited (AfN) and its subsidiaries, including Nxt. Nature (ABN 37 688 616 248) take no responsibility for any liability or damage (legal, financial, brand or otherwise) arising from the use of the Accounting for Nature® Framework and associated trademarks, marketing collateral, documents and programs, including (but not limited to) Methods, Protocols, Guidelines, Claims Rules, Audit Rules, and Environmental Accounts (including website registries etc.).
No representation, warranty, or guarantee, express or implied, is made in this Program. No representation, warranty, or guarantee, express or implied, is made that the information provided is accurate, current, or complete. Whilst care is taken in the collection and provision of this information, AfN and its officers, employees, agents, advisers, and sponsors will not be liable for any errors, omissions, misstatements or mistakes in any information or damages resulting from the use of this information or any decision made, or action taken in reliance on this information.
Any other works published by AfN or its subsidiaries, including Environmental Accounts certified by AfN, constitutes advice in relation to direct and indirect financial, investment accounting or tax matters. Professional legal, financial, and other expert advice should be sought by users of the Accounting for Nature® Standard and associated documents, including these Rules, as required and relevant for the intended use.