Melbourne's official first step in the effort to become one of the world most sustainable cities is the Carbon Neutral certification assigned by Low Carbon Australia, the Government's independent carbon offsetting authority.
The certification is awarded to organizations, events, services or a product whose net greenhouse gas emissions are equal to zero according to the guidelines of the National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS).
The Carbon Neutral Program is a scheme assessing organizations that voluntarily measure their carbon footprint, reduce the emissions and, finally, offset the residual emissions if needed.
Among the initiatives undertaken by Melbourne City Council are the installation of efficient heating, cooling and water systems in the council buildings and the development and delivery of new waste management solutions. At the same time commercial buildings owners and multi-storey apartment residents were helped to use water and energy more efficiently and to better manage waste recycling.
However, the city is committed to go beyond this already great result and further encourage citizens lifestyle change.

More information can be found in the Low Carbon Australia's official website.