OSCAR FAQs
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What is OSCAR?
OSCAR is a web-based data-gathering and benchmarking tool designed to enable organisations to input and update their energy and greenhouse data online.
What does OSCAR do?
OSCAR standardises the calculation of greenhouse gas emissions to produce comparable datasets. Environmental performance for organisations, industry or government sectors can be measured and trended over time.
What training is available?
Training material is available online to registered users through the OSCAR application including downloadable user guides and detailed e-Learning modules for new users.
The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency currently conducts instructor-led training only for Program Managers and Jurisdictional Coordinators.
Are there organisations that offer training in using OSCAR?
The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency is currently developing a training package which will be delivered via approved training providers. More information about the approved training providers will be available from the Department's website as details are finalised.
The Department will not be responsible for training provided by non-certified trainers.
Can OSCAR reflect my organisation's corporate structure and organisational boundaries?
Yes, member companies and government agencies can create an 'organisational hierarchy' to suit specific data patterns and then enter data by 'sub-entity' in its measured type and unit. The data to be captured within OSCAR can be customised to reflect the size, nature and operational requirements of your organisation.
Can OSCAR reflect my organisation's regional boundaries?
Yes, OSCAR calculates emissions from regional consumption data using emissions factors that are specific to your organisation's locations.
Can data be entered periodically?
Yes, data can be entered at an aggregate level annually or periodically bill by bill.
Does OSCAR calculate emissions automatically?
Yes, OSCAR stores all the necessary conversion factors to automatically convert energy and fuel consumption data into greenhouse gas emissions in quantities of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2–e). Unless otherwise stated, the methods for calculating emissions listed in the National Greenhouse Accounts factors are "Method 1" from the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (Measurement) Determination 2008 and the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (Measurement) Technical Guidelines 2008 v1.1. The Technical Guidelines are available on the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency website and have been designed to support reporting under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007.
OSCAR can also be modified to calculate emissions using emissions factors that are specific to your industry sector where you have adopted more sophisticated measurement practices. NGER corporations can enter data using Methods 2 to 4 under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (Measurement) Determination 2008.
Can I manage my own data and details?
Yes, you can self-manage your own contact details and sub-entities. You can set the access permission levels for various contact types at different levels within your company or organisation.
Please refer to data access for more information.
How secure is my data?
Australian Government agencies are required to secure their data systems using appropriate government policies and standards for the protection of official government information. ICT systems are implemented using government security, confidentiality and privacy policies and laws.
The security framework for OSCAR controls access and integrity of the system and the data. OSCAR currently employs a layered security model including, physical, network, server, application, data access and database layers. In the second half of 2009 OSCAR will be moving to an accredited hosting facility with a much higher level of security for both physical and network resources.
Please refer to data access for more information.
OSCAR for NGER
How does my corporation report under NGER?
Under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (NGER Act), corporations that trigger energy consumption, production or greenhouse gas emissions will need to report to NGER using OSCAR. OSCAR allows corporations to set-up their organisational structure, enter and report data to meet their obligations under the NGER Act.
To check if you meet the thresholds set under NGER you can use the NGER Threshold calculator.
How do I set up a new OSCAR account for NGER reporting?
Registration for NGER can be made via an online registration tool.
An account for OSCAR will be set up for you once your registration has been accepted, allowing you to set up your company structure and commence data entry.