What is project stacking?

Project stacking means being rewarded for multiple outcomes that result from a coordinated approach to land management. In this case that means building what is in your soil (carbon), stopping what runs off it (sediment), and getting rewarded for both. In practice, it means participating in a soil carbon project and a water quality project on the same property at the same time, through a single coordinated approach.

Soil carbon credits

Soil carbon projects generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) under the government-regulated ACCU Scheme, administered by the Clean Energy Regulator. When you implement improved grazing management and your soil organic carbon levels build in your soils,[KW4] that carbon is measured and verified. ACCUs are issued accordingly and can be sold on your behalf. The ACCU Scheme is an established, regulated market with government backing.

Water quality credits

Water quality credits .come under a separate scheme that rewards landholders for measurable reductions in sediment runoff into waterways. In Queensland Reef catchments, it is called ENVOMARK Reef Credit Scheme. In the Murray-Darling Basin, it is called the Australasian Catchment Water Improvement Standard (ACWIS).

ACWIS is a new standard developed and administered by Eco-Markets Australia, athe same non-profit environmental market administrator that runs the Reef Credit scheme. Unlike the ACCU Scheme, water quality is a voluntary market and is not government-regulated. It launched nationally in 2024 with Reef Credits, and is still growing, which makes it an early opportunity for graziers willing to get involved now.

Why stack?

The land management improvements that generate soil carbon ACCUs - better ground cover, improved grazing pressure, healthier soils - are the same improvements that reduce sediment runoff and generate water quality credits. Same management, different environmental outcomes. By stacking projects, you can be rewarded for every outcome you deliver.

Key points

• Stacking means running soil carbon and water quality credit projects on the same property simultaneously.

• ACCUs are generated under the government-regulated ACCU Scheme. Water quality credits (Reef Credits and ACWIS) are voluntary market mechanisms administered by Eco-Markets Australia.

• The same land management improvements underpin both credit types.

• ACWIS is newly launched -- Version 1.0 came into effect on 6 November 2025. Graziers entering now are early participants in an emerging market.