CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
CER Writing Style
Guide
August 2023
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
Contents
Contents .................................................................................................................................................... 2
General information .................................................................................................................................. 3
Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
About this guide .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Clean Energy Regulator writing preferences ............................................................................................... 3
Referring to the Clean Energy Regulator and its schemes .............................................................................. 3
Readability level ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Voice and tone ........................................................................................................................................... 5
The Clean Energy Regulator voice ................................................................................................................... 5
The Clean Energy Regulator tone .................................................................................................................... 6
Tone guidance ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Personal pronouns ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Grammar, punctuation and conventions .................................................................................................... 7
Latin shortened forms ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Numbers .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
Units of measurement ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Structuring content .................................................................................................................................... 9
Headings .......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Lists .................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Hyperlinks and directing users to more information .................................................................................... 10
Internal links – links to content on our website ........................................................................................ 10
External links – links to other websites ..................................................................................................... 11
Callout boxes ................................................................................................................................................. 11
Accessibility .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Referencing ............................................................................................................................................... 12
Website content checklist ......................................................................................................................... 12
Appendix A. Clean Energy Regulator term capitalisation ........................................................................... 13
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
2
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
General information
Purpose
This guide provides advice on how to write in the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) style across all
communication channels. It ensures a consistent agency‐wide approach to writing content. This will
strengthen our professional credibility and increase the quality of the content created.
There may be some exceptions to the advice in this guide when writing contracts, referencing contract terms
or writing briefs for stakeholders.
About this guide
This guide covers:
writing preferences
readability level
voice and tone
grammar, punctuation and conventions
structuring content
accessibility
referencing.
Clean Energy Regulator writing preferences
Staff should always refer to the Australian Government Style Manual and use plain language. Use the
guidance below to apply the Style Manual with CER‐specific direction.
Aim to write in a way that is easy to understand (not ‘legalistic’) and avoid including quotes from legislation.
Use hyperlinks to direct users to legislation or CER guidance.
Referring to the Clean Energy Regulator and its schemes
In general:
use minimal punctuation
capitalise a scheme but not a certificate, unit or credit
capitalise the first word in a sentence and use lowercase for all other words except proper nouns.
Only use acronyms and initialisms if it makes it easier for people to read and understand. Otherwise spell out
the term in full first, then use the generic term.
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
3
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
Example
The Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme incentivises people to reduce emissions or store
carbon. The scheme allows landholders, communities and businesses to run projects in
Australia.
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
When deciding whether to use ‘CER’ or ‘the CER’,
consider if you would say ‘Clean Energy Regulator’ or
the Clean Energy Regulator
(CER)
‘the Clean Energy Regulator’.
the Regulator
We, us, our
Some legal content may use ‘the Regulator’.
See advice on how to use personal pronouns.
agency
Agency
For internal use only.
Australian Carbon Credit
Australian carbon credit unit
Unit (ACCU) Scheme
scheme
Emissions Reduction Fund
Large‐scale Renewable
large‐scale renewable
Energy Target (LRET)
energy target
National Greenhouse and
national greenhouse and
Energy Reporting Scheme
energy reporting scheme
(NGER)
Renewable Energy Target
renewable energy target
(RET)
Safeguard Mechanism
safeguard mechanism
Small‐scale Renewable
small‐scale renewable
Energy Scheme (SRES)
energy scheme
For a full list of CER term capitalisation, see appendix A.
Readability level
Readability refers to how easy text is to read and understand. It is often measured in terms of reading level.
Content for the general public needs to be accessible by everyone. Aim to write at a reading level of Year 7.
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
4
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
Specialised content is more accessible for technical users when written in plain language. Aim to write at a
reading level of Year 9 to 10.
Regardless of literacy levels, all users should be able to interact with government easily. Read about how
literacy affects access to government services and information.
Voice and tone
The voice and tone of an organisation are vital in reaching its audiences. An organisation’s voice is its
personality or persona, while tone is its mood. Tone will change depending on the channel, situation and
content. Voice remains consistent.
The Clean Energy Regulator voice
The CER voice should make it easy for people to understand what they need to know or do. We define it by
the following characteristics:
Clear and direct.
» uses plain language
» uses active voice
» is concise.
Write this
Not this
We will review your application within 6 months.
Applications will be subject to review by the relevant
team within a timeframe of 6 months.
We can’t pre‐approve systems. We will determine the
It should be noted that the scheme does not have
system’s eligibility when we receive your application.
provisions to gain pre‐approval of systems and eligibility
is only determined once a complete application is
received.
Objective and impartial.
» relies on facts
» doesn’t include opinion
» is balanced and non‐biased.
Write this
Not this
Notes
This process is faster and takes 3
You should do this as it only takes 3
‘You should’ conveys an
weeks.
weeks.
opinion.
‘Only’ implies subjectivity.
Carbon offsets can help companies
Carbon offsets are the best way for
Stating that something is the
decarbonise.
companies to decarbonise.
‘best’ option conveys bias.
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
5
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
The Clean Energy Regulator tone
The CER tone changes depending on the type of content and channel. There are 3 levels of formality:
Formal – creates distance between the content’s persona and the content’s reader.
Standard – sits between formal and informal.
Informal – suggests a relationship that is more casual and intimate.
The CER voice still applies to all channels. You can use it with tone guidance.
Tone guidance
When writing using a standard tone:
you can use common contractions (for example, don’t, it’s, we’ve, aren’t and isn’t)
you can use personal pronouns
don’t use metaphors, idioms or slang
don’t use exclamation marks.
When writing using an informal tone:
use contractions
use personal pronouns
use metaphors, idioms and slang sparingly.
When writing using a formal tone:
use third person
don’t use contractions
don’t use metaphors, idioms or slang
don’t use exclamation marks.
Channel
Tone guidance
Minimum tone: standard.
No use of emojis.
Website
Use a formal tone for:
compliance and enforcement activities (such as legal proceedings)
media releases.
Minimum tone: informal.
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
6
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
Use a standard tone for scheme information.
Social media
Use emojis sparingly.
No use of formal tone.
Minimum tone: informal.
Use a standard tone for:
Intranet
announcements that impact staff
staffing changes.
Online Services
Minimum tone: standard.
Personal pronouns
Always use the personal pronoun that is clearest and most direct in the context.
Personal pronoun
Type of use
Example
First person (plural)
To refer to our agency in most instances.
We need 2 supporting documents.
This is clear and approachable.
Second person
To engage users or get them to complete a Find out if you are eligible to apply.
task. This is active and user‐friendly.
Third person
When needed for accuracy or in a formal
The Clean Energy Regulator is the
context.
approved certifier of the trade mark.
Sometimes you will need to identify your audience using third person. Continue to use second person after
this.
Example
Liable entities need to report relevant acquisitions through an energy acquisition statement.
Lodge your energy acquisition statement in the REC Registry.
Grammar, punctuation and conventions
In general:
write one thought per sentence
write one theme per paragraph
spell out acronyms and initialisms in the first instance
use minimal punctuation and capitalisation
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
7
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
don’t capitalise a term just because an acronym is also used – for more information, see referring to the
Clean Energy Regulator and its schemes
limit the use of italics unless it is a legal case or Act. For other special circumstances, see italics | Style
Manual
limit the use of bold text unless it is a heading or to emphasise a critical word or date
» we’ve designed agency‐branded templates to apply bolding to headings when you use the CER style
only underline text if it is a hyperlink.
For more information, see grammar, punctuation and conventions | Style Manual.
Latin shortened forms
The Style Manual advises that Latin shortened forms are not accessible. Only use them if there is limited
space (such as tables).
In general:
write ‘for example’ instead of ‘e.g.’
write ‘that is’ instead of ‘i.e.’
write ‘including’, ‘such as’ or ‘for example’, instead of using ‘etc.’ at the end of a sentence
» if you think you need to include ‘etc.’ because there is more to say, add these ideas in your sentence
instead.
For more information, see Latin shortened forms | Style Manual.
Numbers
In general, use numerals for:
writing ‘2’ and above
all units of measurement (for example, 1 kilowatt hour/1 kWh)
showing mathematical relationships (such as equations and ratios) and for decimals
when you are comparing numbers
tables and charts
dates and times
a series of numbers
specific contexts, such as steps, instructions, age and school years
in scientific content.
Write the numbers ‘zero’ and ‘one’ in words in any other circumstance.
For more information, see choosing numerals or words | Style Manual.
Units of measurement
In general:
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
8
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
always use numerals next to a unit of measurement
include a space between a numeral and a unit of measurement (for example, say 1 kWh instead of
1kWh)
spell out units of measurement in the first instance, then use symbols
» if it is a well‐known unit of measurement, you don’t need to spell it out. For more information, see
use symbols for common units of measurement | Style Manual
don’t combine symbols and words for units.
Example
We publish data if corporate totals have combined scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas
emissions equal to or greater than 50 kilotonnes (kt) carbon dioxide equivalence (CO2‐e).
For reporting transfer certificate holders, we publish data if a facility has greenhouse gas
emissions with a CO2‐e of 25 kt or more.
For more information, see measurement and units | Style Manual.
Structuring content
Headings
In general:
write headings that are clear and short
begin each heading with keywords
use fewer than 70 characters (including spaces)
avoid using legalistic language or quoting text from legislation
avoid questions as headings
avoid generic or duplicated headings.
For more information, see headings | Style Manual.
Lists
In general:
use bullet lists when the order of the list items is not important
use numbered lists or lettered lists when the order is essential such as a list of instructions
» legal content is an exception to this
there are 3 list types you can use – choose a type of list | Style Manual
» you must introduce a list with a sentence lead‐in or a heading immediately above the list
don’t use a list if you have only one item. Lists are only for a series of items.
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
9
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
For more information, see lists | Style Manual.
Hyperlinks and directing users to more information
Use hyperlinks to direct users to supplementary or related content where necessary. Overuse can reduce
readability.
When creating content, find out if similar content exists on the CER website. If it does, link to it rather than
duplicate it.
If you need to link to an external non‐government website, be careful not to imply endorsement. Include
external links when the user needs to:
complete their task on an external website
access original, authoritative information provided by another government agency or external source
view specific legislative provisions.
Write link text that makes the destination clear. Links need to make sense when read out of the context of
the surrounding content. Links like ‘click here’ or ‘more information’ don’t give the user information about
the destination. They are not accessible by screen readers or relevant on touchscreen devices.
Put most links at the end of sentences. This improves readability and creates a call to action.
Internal links – links to content on our website
Internal links should be either the name of the pages being linked to or the action the user is to carry out.
If needed, link to CER posture guidance on our website where we have explained our preferred
interpretation of legislative provisions.
Example
To become a registered person, you must meet the criteria of being a fit and proper person.
For more information, see our
fit and proper person posture.
Do not refer to pages with the word ‘page’. It’s assumed that you’re linking to a page unless stated
otherwise.
Write this
Not this
We have released the January 2023 market data update. To view the latest update, click here.
Ready to start your application? Login to apply.
Visit our login to apply page to start your application.
For more information about upcoming activities, visit
Visit our consultation hub page for more information.
our consultation hub.
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
10
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
External links – links to other websites
When directing users to an external site, let them know where they are being directed. This shows them it’s
a link to a website they can trust.
Write this
Not this
Visit the Clean Energy Council’s website for information
Choose an installer to start the process.
on choosing an installer.
Estimate your electricity usage using the Australian
Estimate your electricity using the Australian
Government’s Energy Made Easy tool.
Government’s tool.
Callout boxes
Limit the use of callouts, as they can distract our users if overused.
All callouts should have a title describing their purpose. This helps the user scan the page for relevant
sections.
Write this
Updated legislation effective from 1 January 2023
We’ve put in place the amendments to the Renewable Energy Regulations. The amendments
address recommendations made to the Australian Government to improve the scheme’s
integrity.
Not this
Important!
The amendments to the Renewable Energy Regulations have now been implemented. The
amendments address recommendations made to the Australian Government to improve the
integrity of the scheme.
Callout content should be supporting content, not the main content. This is because readers treat them as
separate from the main content.
For CER content, use callouts to:
announce related consultations
announce recent or upcoming changes
provide summaries
link to related information
highlight checklists
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
11
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
show definitions
provide examples.
Remove temporary callouts when the information in them is no longer relevant or recent. If the content in
the callout is needed for a longer time and essential, consider incorporating it into existing content.
Accessibility
Accessibility is a mandatory standard for government agencies. The Style Manual covers this in apply
accessibility principles.
We ensure our website is built for accessibility. We also need to ensure our content is inclusive and
accessible. Familiarise yourself with Style Manual guidance on:
literacy and access
how people read
inclusive language.
Referencing
Use Style Manual guidance on referencing legal material or use documentary–note for all other sources.
When referencing with the documentary–note system, use superscript reference markers in the text and
footnotes with the full information about the source. Use endnotes if there are too many references to use
footnotes in a print document.
Website content checklist
This example checklist can help ensure your content aligns with the CER writing style and meets the
Australian Government Style Manual standards.
☐ Headings are short (70 characters or less, including spaces)
☐ Lists are formatted correctly, aligning with lists | Style Manual
☐ Content meets readability requirements
☐ Content uses the CER voice throughout
☐ Content uses standard tone throughout
☐ Content does not quote directly from the legislation
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
12
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
Appendix A. Clean Energy Regulator term capitalisation
A
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
Independent Review of
Chubb Review
Australian Carbon Credit
Units (ACCU Review)
agency
the Agency
For internal use only.
auction
Auction
When referring to ACCU Scheme auctions.
Australian carbon credit
Australian Carbon Credit
units (ACCUs)
Units
carbon credits
Australian Carbon Credit
Australian carbon credit unit
Unit (ACCU) Scheme
scheme
Emissions Reduction Fund
Australian Government
Commonwealth government See government terms | Style Manual.
Australian National Registry
Australian national registry
of Emissions Units (ANREU)
of emissions units
authorised representative
Authorised Representative
B
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
Blue Carbon Accounting
blue carbon accounting
Model (BlueCAM)
model
blue carbon
Blue Carbon
C
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
carbon abatement
Carbon Abatement
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
13
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
carbon abatement contract
Carbon Abatement Contract
carbon capture and storage
Carbon Capture and Storage
carbon capture, use and
Carbon Capture Use and
storage
Storage
carbon estimation area
Carbon Estimation Area
(CEA)
Carbon Farming Initiative
carbon farming initiative
certified emissions
Certified Emissions
Although the acronym for certified emissions
reduction units
Reduction Units (CERs)
reduction units is CERs, spell out the name to avoid
confusion with our agency, CER.
Chair and CEO
Chair & CEO
chair
CEO
When deciding whether to use ‘CER’ or ‘the CER’,
the Clean Energy Regulator
consider if you would say ‘Clean Energy Regulator’ or
(CER)
‘the Clean Energy Regulator’.
the Regulator
We, us, our
Some legal content may use the Regulator.
See advice on how to use personal pronouns.
Client Portal
client portal
Climate Active
climate active
When referring to the partnership between the
Australian Government and Australian businesses to
encourage voluntary climate action.
Climate Active Carbon
climate active carbon
Neutral Standard
neutral standard
Corporate Emissions
corporate emissions
Reduction Transparency
reduction transparency
(CERT) Report
report
D
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
14
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
deeming period
Deeming Period
designated large facility
Designated Large Facility
Developer Portal
developer portal
E
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
electricity generation return
Electricity Generation
Return
Emissions and Energy
emissions and energy
Reporting System (EERS)
reporting system
Emissions Reduction
emissions reduction
Assurance Committee
assurance committee
(ERAC)
emissions reduction units
Emissions Reduction Units
Emissions Intensive Trade
emissions‐intensive trade‐
Exposed
exposed (EITE)
emissions intensive trade
exposed
energy acquisition
Energy Acquisition
statement
Statement
exemption certificate
Exemption Certificate
exemption determination
Exemption Determination
tool
Tool
F
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
fit and proper person (FPP)
Fit and Proper Person
Forward Abatement
forward abatement estimate Estimate
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
15
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
Full Carbon Accounting
full carbon accounting
Model (FullCAM)
model
G
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
global warming potential
Global Warming Potential
(GWP)
GreenPower
greenpower
Green Power
Guarantee of Origin (GO)
guarantee of origin
H
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
human‐induced
Human‐induced
regeneration method
Regeneration Method
Human Induced
Regeneration Method
J
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
jurisdictional surrenders
Jurisdictional Surrenders
L
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
landfill baseline
Landfill Baseline
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
16
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
large‐scale generation
Large‐scale Generation
certificate (LGC)
Certificate
Large‐scale Renewable
large‐scale renewable
Energy Target (LRET)
energy target
M
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
multi‐year monitoring
Multi‐year Monitoring
period
Period
N
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
National Greenhouse and
national greenhouse and
Energy Reporting (NGER)
energy reporting scheme
Scheme
notice of certifiable amount
Notice of Certifiable Amount
O
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
Online Services
Online Services Portal
When referring to the portal, Online Services.
Client Portal Beta
P
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
participant
Participant
power purchase agreement
Power Purchase Agreement
program
programme
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
17
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
Q
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
Quarterly Carbon Market
quarterly carbon market
Report (QCMR)
report
Quarterly Carbon Market
report
R
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
register of solar water
Register of Solar Water
heaters
Heaters
removal units
Removal Units
Renewable Energy
renewable energy certificate
Certificate Registry (REC
registry
Registry)
Renewable Energy Target
renewable energy target
(RET)
renewable power
Renewable Power
percentage
Percentage
reporting transfer certificate
Reporting Transfer
Certificate
residual mix factor
Residual Mix Factor
S
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
Safeguard Mechanism
safeguard mechanism
Safeguard Mechanism credit Safeguard Mechanism
unit
Credit Unit
savanna burning
Savanna Burning
savannah burning
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
18
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
CER - FOI 230817 - Document 1
scheme
Scheme
Use lowercase unless using the full scheme’s title, e.g.
ACCU Scheme.
small generation unit
Small Generation Unit
Small‐scale Renewable
small‐scale renewable
Energy Scheme (SRES)
energy scheme
small‐scale technology
Small‐scale Technology
certificate (STC)
Certificate
small‐scale technology
Small‐scale Technology
certificate clearing house
Certificate Clearing House
small‐scale technology
Small‐scale Technology
percentage
Percentage
Solar Panel Validation (SPV)
solar panel validation
Initiative
initiative
SRES Smart
SRES smart
T
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
trade‐exposed baseline‐
Trade‐exposed Baseline‐
adjusted (TEBA)
adjusted
Trade Exposed Baseline
Adjusted
V
Do use
Don’t use
Notes
verified carbon unit
Verified Carbon Unit
verified emission reductions
Verified Emission
Reductions
W: www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au |
T: 1300 553 542 |
E: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
19
OFFICIAL
