Overview
The federal government has registered a new legislative instrument - the National Environmental Standard (Environmental Offsets) 2026. The standard is administered by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
When the standard applies
The standard came into force on 21 August 2026.
What the standard requires
The standard sets out 8 principles that environmental offsets are required to meet. Those principles cover:
- Feasibility - the offset must be achievable in practice
- Security - the offset must be protected over time
- Measurability - the environmental benefit must be able to be measured
- Additionality - the offset must provide a benefit beyond what would occur without it
- Like-for-like replacement - the offset must address the same environmental values that are being impacted
- Relevant area - the offset must be located in an appropriate area
- Commencement before impact - offsets are required to commence before an environmental impact occurs
Key actions
- Review the full text of the National Environmental Standard (Environmental Offsets) 2026 at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01093 to confirm that any required offsets meet all 8 principles.
- Read the explanatory statement available on the same legislation page for guidance on how each principle applies in practice.
- Contact the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for questions about whether the standard applies to a current or planned project. The source does not provide a specific contact number or email.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.