Articles
Pumps help keep Sydney’s water safe
Sydney Water Analytical Services plays an important role auditing treated and untreated water samples from various locations in Sydney’s water network, and Watson-Marlow pumps have been an integral part of its services for over 10 years. [ + ]
Energy technology goes beyond charging cars
The technology behind an Australian-produced electric vehicle charger could provide an answer to the challenges outlined in the government’s Energy White Paper, thanks to its potential to lower investment in electricity infrastructure by helping better use the existing capacity in the grid. [ + ]
Rapid pesticide detection tool for cleaner water
A rapid screening tool developed by an RMIT University doctoral researcher could enable the instant detection of pesticide residues in Australia’s water catchments. [ + ]
E-waste partnership creates jobs
A partnership between Social Firms Australia (SoFA) and e-waste recycling company MRI allows companies and local government to meet the new requirements of the National Waste Policy while being socially responsible. [ + ]
Adapting to a changing economy
From behind the eight ball to ahead of the game: how Latrobe City Council is leading the way in transitioning to a low carbon economy
[ + ]Gas recycling technology
ABB has developed a technology for the comprehensive recycling of contaminated SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride) gas, based on an energy-efficient cryogenic process.The new technology, developed by an Australian team at ABB’s Moorebank, NSW, facility, will be implemented at a dedicated SF6 gas recycling centre at Moorebank. Australia will be the first country in a global rollout of this new technology. [ + ]
Biomass for energy or biofuels
The Bioenergy Australia conference which was held on the Gold Coast in November showcased some of the most advanced and innovative bioenergy technologies being developed from around the world.
[ + ]Pioneers within WEEE recycling
In a scrap yard in Switzerland, right in the middle of the beautiful Alps, you can find one of Eldan Recycling’s customers - Cablofer Recycling SA. The company is a scrap-metal processor dealing with ferrous and non-ferrous scrap on a 40,000 m2 plot which has been collected from companies as well as from the general public.
[ + ]Sharing energy efficiency
This past year has seen great change and uncertainty in the energy and regulatory market for business. From increases in energy costs due to network augmentations and more increases on this front expected, to the splitting of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) into two parts, to the introduction and/or adjustments of a variety of state-based schemes, along with more stringent requirements for the commercial building disclosure scheme, and now, an expected carbon tax along with a plethora of grant and tax-break incentives to come with it. While my intent is not to discuss the specifics of what all these changes will mean, one thing is for certain, energy prices will increase and the effects on many businesses will be difficult to ignore.
[ + ]Revolution of concentrating solar power plants
ABB has launched a new concept for turnkey concentrating solar power plants (CSP) based on a low-cost, highly efficient and highly scalable technology that is claimed to use considerably less material, land and water than other CSP technology. The plants use 70% less material, require 40% less land and consume 80% less water per megawatt generated than parabolic trough designs.
[ + ]Water treatment facility at pristine site
Identified as being in the top ten of the most desirable places to live in Australia, the picturesque Tweed Valley is watched over by the majesty of Mt Warning, surrounded by five world heritage national parks and just 15 minutes from the pristine beaches of the Tweed Coast. Combine all of these awe-inspiring elements and you have a community that is expected to double its population to between 120,000 and 160,000 by 2031.
[ + ]Ford waste transformed into fuel
Ford Australia is aiming to halve the amount of paint sludge disposed to landfill. Working in conjunction with Australian waste specialist Geocycle, the paint sludge from Ford’s Broadmeadows facility is being used as an alternative source of fuel in the cement-making process.
[ + ]Hilton recycling soap to help developing countries
Hilton Worldwide has announced a partnership with the Global Soap Project, a non-profit organisation that recovers and recycles soap from hotels that would otherwise end up in landfills. The Global Soap Project sorts, reprocesses and remoulds used soap into new bars and distributes them to vulnerable populations in developing countries that are at risk of sanitation and hygiene-related disease. In its first year of the partnership, Hilton Worldwide expects this investment to result in the donation of more than one million new 110 g bars of soap to people in need.
[ + ]Place of sustainable building design
A collaborative effort between Lend Lease and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) has seen the completion of the $550 million Darling Quarter development in Sydney’s CBD. In the heart of the development is the new Commonwealth Bank flagship campus which has used CSR Gyprock’s EC08 plasterboard.
[ + ]Powering ahead with recycling
Funded by the Packaging Stewardship Forum (PSF) of the Australian Food and Grocery Council and Brisbane Powerhouse, 20 new waste and recycling bins have been installed at the Brisbane Powerhouse venue.
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