Are you a regional SMEs in QLD and supplying to major clients?
If you’re a small or medium business in regional Queensland — maybe in fabrication, transport, construction, maintenance, or manufacturing — you’ve probably heard more clients asking about “carbon data” or “emissions reporting.”
That’s because large companies across Australia will soon need to report their Scope 3 emissions from FY26. And here’s the catch: their Scope 3 includes your emissions — the fuel you burn, the electricity you use, and the products or services you supply to them.
So even if you’re not legally required to report anything yet, you’re part of their story.
What’s Happening now?
Under new Australian climate disclosure rules, major companies and large private companies must start disclosing not just their own emissions (Scope 1 and 2), but also those in their value chain — known as Scope 3.
That means businesses like:
Mining and resources companies in the Bowen Basin,
Refineries and heavy industry in Gladstone,
Sugar mills from Bundaberg-Mackay-Cairns.
Energy producers and large manufacturers,
will all need to collect emissions data from their suppliers — which is where you come in.
How Big Businesses’ Scope 3 Affects you as an SME
🔹 You’ll Start Getting Data Requests
Larger clients will likely send out spreadsheets, supplier questionnaires, or online portals asking questions like:
“Do you track your carbon footprint?”
“What are your Scope 1 and 2 emissions?”
“What reduction actions are you taking?”
Suppliers that can provide basic carbon data will be marked as ‘low risk’ and preferred for future contracts.
🔹 Tenders and Pre-qualification Start to Change
Bigger clients and councils' tenders are adding ESG sections with real scoring. If you can include a one-page “Tender-Ready Carbon Snapshot" — showing your energy, fuel, and basic Scope 1 & 2 emissions — it gives you an edge.
Suppliers who don’t respond, or tick “not applicable,” risk missing opportunities when procurement teams shortlist bids.
🔹 Carbon-Smart suppliers Will become the default
As large companies chase net-zero targets, they’ll look for suppliers who help — not hinder — their carbon reductions. That means local businesses that:
Use efficient equipment,
Optimise freight and logistics,
- Purchase renewable power or offset fuel use,will look more attractive in the supply chain.
It’s not about perfection — it’s about showing progress and being easy to work with on sustainability.
What Regional SMEs can do before FY26
Here’s a practical game plan for small businesses that don’t have ESG teams or fancy software:
If you supply materials → focus on production efficiency.
If you provide transport → note fuel type and distances.
If you’re in maintenance or fabrication → highlight waste reduction or recycling.
"Annual electricity use: XX kWh (approx. YY t CO₂e)”
"Diesel use: XX L (approx. YY t CO₂e)”
"Annual electricity use: XX kWh (approx. YY t CO₂e)”
"Diesel use: XX L (approx. YY t CO₂e)”
“Key actions: LED lighting, reduced idling, local suppliers.”
Why This Is an Opportunity, Not a Burden
🌿 More contracts: Sustainability credentials are fast becoming part of procurement scoring.
⚙️ Efficiency gains: Tracking fuel, freight, and waste often reveals hidden cost savings.
🏗 Regional resilience: Businesses that plan for low-carbon operations attract longer-term partnerships.
By starting small now, you’ll be ready when larger customers need your data — instead of scrambling later.
In Simple Terms
Big companies’ Scope 3 includes you.
FY26 is the year they’ll start asking for your emissions data.
Getting “carbon-ready” early will keep you competitive in the supply chain.
You don’t need to be an expert — just prepared.