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.

Our theory of change

When regional communities that depend on fossil fuels become vocal supporters of a clean economy, we will see greater adoption of climate-positive solutions on a national scale. This support is critical to decarbonising Australia at the scale and speed required.

There are two key barriers to address to rapidly reduce emissions in Australia

  1. Build greater levels of bipartisan support at a federal level.
  2. Increased public awareness that a clean economy is possible - and in our best interests.

Ambitious research

We publish credible, non-partisan research on emissions reduction pathways that unlock economic, environmental and social benefits for industries, regions and communities.

Explore our research >

Influential engagement

We combine expert research with deep industry engagement - and showcase real-world examples in regional communities to influential leaders.

See our work in GladstoneThe Hunter

Compelling communications

We build public understanding for a zero emissions future that's in our individual, economic and national interests. This includes popularising the benefits of decarbonisation, as well as solutions that address key concerns in cities and regions currently economically-reliant on fossil fuels.

See our latest news & events

Outcomes

We engage directly with decision-makers to support emissions-reducing policies and projects.

See the last ten years of impact

Over a decade of real-world impact

Our research, engagement and communications has led real-world policy and industry change.

See our major milestones >
Together with key representatives from government, industry and our partners from the climate movement, we launched our latest research on the opportunities for Australia in the battery supply chain and our Cleantech Showcase. The Cleantech Showcase is a nation-wide showcase of real-world technologies and the organisations making them. It provides clear evidence to help align government policies and enable investment.

Nov 2023

Australian Cleantech Spotlight

Together with key representatives from government, industry and our partners from the climate movement, we launched our latest research on the opportunities for Australia in the battery supply chain and our Cleantech Showcase. The Cleantech Showcase is a nation-wide showcase of real-world technologies and the organisations making them. It provides clear evidence to help align government policies and enable investment.

Our CEO Heidi Lee and Head of Policy and Engagement Beth Mitchell joined a diverse group of stakeholders from industry, philanthropy, think tanks, unions, research and climate organisations at Parliament House in support of the Aust Renewable Industry Package: a $100b package that aims to secure Australia’s role in a rapidly decarbonising world. Heidi and Beth briefed ministers on our work as part of a larger team with other climate organisations.

Oct 2023

Parliamentary briefings

Our CEO Heidi Lee and Head of Policy and Engagement Beth Mitchell joined a diverse group of stakeholders from industry, philanthropy, think tanks, unions, research and climate organisations at Parliament House in support of the Aust Renewable Industry Package: a $100b package that aims to secure Australia’s role in a rapidly decarbonising world. Heidi and Beth briefed ministers on our work as part of a larger team with other climate organisations.

"Newcastle and the Hunter’s Energy Evolution" is an initiative of Out Of The Square and Beyond Zero Emissions. The video series champions clean technology, innovation, Australian manufacturing and renewable energy is available to watch online at https://www.energyhunter.com.au

May 2023

Newcastle and the Hunter's Energy Evolution

"Newcastle and the Hunter’s Energy Evolution" is an initiative of Out Of The Square and Beyond Zero Emissions. The video series champions clean technology, innovation, Australian manufacturing and renewable energy is available to watch online at https://www.energyhunter.com.au

BZE collaborated with the Australian Government to exhibit regionally-based Australian manufacturers, including high purity aluminium, modular solar, renewable energy storage and more at the world’s biggest annual climate conference, COP27.

Nov 2022

COP27 Egypt

BZE collaborated with the Australian Government to exhibit regionally-based Australian manufacturers, including high purity aluminium, modular solar, renewable energy storage and more at the world’s biggest annual climate conference, COP27.

Our Story

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.

Latest Impact Report

Latest Strategic Plan

What makes us unique

1. We’re optimists

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.

2. We’re non-partisan and independent

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.

3. We’re researchers for the real world

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.

4. We’re volunteer-powered

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.

5. We collaborate for impact

We coordinate closely with other organisations to ensure we complement and reinforce each other’s work and amplify our collective impact.

Meet the team

"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

Volunteer with us


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.

Volunteer with us >

Support our work

Help accelerate climate action by chipping in to support our work. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.

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?

Donate today

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

Awards and recognition

We're honoured to have been recognised with a series of local and international awards

Prospect Think Tank 2020

Australian philanthropy awards 2020

Premiers Sustainability Awards 2019

Prospect Think Tank Awards 2018

Green Lifestyle Awards 2014

Lauder Institute Think Tank Ranking

Banksia Foundation Mercedes-benz Australian Environmental Research Award 2010

Beyond Zero Emissions memberships

We are proud members of: 

Climate Action Network Australia

Global 100% Renewable Energy Campaign (founding member)

TAKE2 – Victoria’s Climate Change Pledge (founding member)

Acknowledgement of Country

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.