Programs

Article (14)
  • EcoForum 2012
    From 7-9 March 2012, 21 speakers from a variety of backgrounds will share their thoughts and theories on sustainability at the annual EcoForum Conference & Exhibition at Australian Technology Park, Sydney.
  • NABERS environmental ratings for buildings extended to six stars
    Australian buildings are becoming so much more efficient that the NABERS rating scale is being extended from 5 to 6 stars.
  • Less power more profit for restaurants
    Kingsley’s Steakhouse & Crabhouse in Woolloomooloo and Chophouse in Sydney CBD both signed up to GreenChef - an energy-efficiency program run by the Green Skills (Aust) Institute. The pilot program, funded by the NSW Government’s Energy Efficiency Training Program, was designed to see how changing behaviour and practices in restaurants would save power - and money. In just seven months, Chophouse reduced its total energy consumption by 14% and Kingsley’s was reduced by 5%.
  • National program targets sustainability and profitability in manufacturing
    The Gillard Government has established a national Clean 21 Technology Innovation Network to help small and medium businesses reduce running costs and become more competitive, sustainable and help protect the environment.
  • Manufacturers and producers go green
    A meat processor and a dairy manufacturer are among 16 Australian manufacturers going green to tackle climate change and ensure a healthier future for all Australians.
  • Sustainable operations for manufacturing in Australia
    Productivity, competitiveness and sustainability have been identified by the Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association (MESA) as the most significant actions for manufacturers to adopt in Australia.
  • Concept to creation: agricultural waste to energy
    Engineers Australia has selected the ‘Make it so’ idea, which will be made a reality by the engineering profession. It is to ‘make it so’ developing communities can re-use their agricultural waste to create energy for cooking and heating.
  • Goodbye big tin sheds of yesterday
    GBCA has launched a new Green Star rating tool for industrial facilities to support the sustainable planning, design and construction of high-performance industrial buildings.
  • Green Jobs plan a welcome investment for our future
    Environment Victoria has welcomed the state government’s Green Jobs Action Plan released by Premier Brumby.
  • Climate change adaptation resource
    Resilient and durable infrastructure is predicated on its designers and managers having a solid understanding of the conditions that it will face over its useful life, which is typically from 20 to over 100 years.
  • The link between sustainability and business performance
    There’s been an exciting shift in sustainability in the past five years - businesses have realised there’s no disconnect between good environmental management and business performance. We help these businesses integrate environmental and other business activities to reap productivity increases and reduced costs - all the while improving our sustainability.
  • Planning ahead for sustainable urban development
    For the first time in human history, half the world’s population lives in cities - and that figure is expected to grow to 70% by 2050. Current urban development patterns will not sustain this growth, so they must be reinvented.
  • EcoForum conference
    Delegates at the EcoForum Conference & Exhibition in Sydney this February will hear about what is possibly the first indirect-to-potable stormwater harvesting project in Australia when presenter Chris Devitt from the drought-stricken city of Orange, New South Wales, describes how his council found a long-term, sustainable solution to a steady decline in water storage levels that had reached as low as 26.7% in August 2008.
  • How to tap into 'green' government grants
    There is more than $3 billion in federal and state government 'green' grants and subsidies available and most companies do not know they are available or how to access them, according to sustainability consultancy Equilibrium OMG.
Feature (7)
  • EcoForum encourages interdisciplinary thought
    EcoForum Managing Director Paul Howlett said: “EcoForum is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary event designed to provide participants with the knowledge and networks they need to solve environmental problems and build business networks across the areas of climate change, water, waste and remediation.
  • Grants to help industry tackle climate change
    Reducing reliance on town water through effective water recycling and harnessing the benefits of solar power are two of the initiatives among the 23 successful projects to be awarded over $3 million in Re-tooling for Climate Change grants. New guidelines for the next round of grants have now been released, broadening the eligibility criteria.
  • Budget to improve sustainability
    The Rudd government’s budget has been slammed by the Liberal party as letting Australian families down, but has it let down business and the environment? With billions of dollars promised to help combat climate change, how has the money been spent and how will it affect business? Presented below is a summary of the budget initiatives that are aimed to work with Australian businesses to help tackle climate change.
  • UniSA thinks budget misses sustainability
    For Australia's economy to be sustainable, nation-building investment is critical, but the Rudd/Swan budget didn't deliver on sustainability, according to UniSA academic, Dr Geoffrey Wells.
  • The sustainability advantage
    The Department of Environment & Climate Change in NSW runs a program for businesses called Sustainability Advantage, which it believes makes sense of all of the noise about sustainability
  • 'Green-tape': the next challenge for business
    Legislation and regulation surrounding environmental issues has been increasing at a steady rate for years. Now with the emergence of climate change issues it is set to escalate further and impact all businesses
  • Labor takes the first steps towards tackling climate change
    On his first day in office after being sworn in as Australia's 26th Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd signed the Kyoto Protocol, which is considered to be the most far-reaching agreement on environment and sustainable development ever to be adopted
News (161)
  • Consultation begins on a national energy-savings initiative
    The National Energy Savings Initiative Working Group (representing the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency and the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism) is seeking stakeholder comment on an issues paper. As part of the Clean Energy Future plan, the government is committed to further work on a national energy savings initiative (ESI).
  • Schools to save on electricity and water
    The Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus, today announced the latest schools to receive grants as part of the Gillard Government’s National Solar Schools Program.
  • Steel Stewardship Forum website launch
    The Steel Stewardship Forum has been established to bring together all of the participants in the Australian steel supply chain with a view to achieving sustainability improvements across the whole chain. The launch of the Forum’s website has been seen as an important step in communicating information on the Forum and the progress it is making.
  • New AGIC Chair appointed
    Arup Global Planning Leader David Singleton has been appointed the new Chairman of the Australian Green Infrastructure Council (AGIC).
  • New industry definitions for low-energy and zero-carbon homes
    New industry definitions will deliver a common language for low-energy and zero-carbon homes.
  • Shipping industry addresses sustainability
    A wide-ranging vision for the future sustainability of international shipping has been presented by a coalition of global companies and NGOs.
  • Online Energy University aids energy-efficiency skills
    The energy management company Schneider Electric is encouraging Australians to sign up to its free, e-learning online Energy University to learn about the latest energy-efficient solutions and energy-management practices to help save money, reduce emissions and increase business efficiency.
  • Australian industry voices to be heard on clean technology programs
    Australian business and industry have been asked to have their say on the Australian Government's Clean Technology programs.
  • New resource showcases Australia's green building expertise
    A resource has been launched to promote Australia's green building capabilities.
  • Green collar skills to be boosted by new agreement
    The Green Building Council of Australia and Australian Institute of Architects have signed a memorandum of understanding that will boost the construction industry’s green collar skills.
  • Environmental sustainability boost for Victorian dairy industry
    An agreement signed between EPA Victoria and Fonterra, an international dairy company, will seek to drive better environmental outcomes for the Victorian dairy industry.
  • Grundfos Pumps’ commercial building services web portal
    Grundfos Pumps’ Grundfos Thinking Building Universe centralised portal has been launched for commercial building services professionals to access a range of information.
  • Carbon-neutral home to be built
    The SA State Government’s Land Management Corporation (LMC) and its partner in the ‘Zero Carbon Challenge’ competition, the Integrated Design Commission (IDC), have issued an expression of interest that invites professional teams with expertise in architecture, structural engineering, construction costing, building services, water-sensitive urban design, sustainability and industrial design to register their interest in building a carbon-neutral home.
  • Future Focus for Local Government New Zealand annual conference
    The future is the focus of the Local Government New Zealand annual conference at the Wellington Convention Centre from 11-12 July.
  • Searching for Australia’s best cleantech ideas
    Entries are now open at www.cleantechopen.com.au for the Australian Cleantech Ideas Competition. Business ideas can range from technologies and services that address pollution, waste treatment and energy storage, new ways of looking at energy efficiency, building materials, transportations systems, public utilities and much more. The competition is being run on behalf of the government by Australian CleanTech, a research and advisory firm that specialises in the sector.
  • Sustainability trade mission to Israel
    A sustainability trade mission to Israel in November will coincide with the Watec 2011 - the International Water, Energy, Cleantech and Environmental Control Exhibition and conference in Tel-Aviv.
  • Clean technologies competition
    Businesses with great ideas for tackling climate change are being encouraged to enter a national competition that could see Australian innovation become a global success. The Australian Clean Technologies Ideas Competition, linked to the international Cleantech Open Global Ideas Competition, will showcase clean technolgies with economic and environmental benefits.
  • Woolworths funding for sustainable prawn fishery
    Funding of $25,000 from Woolworths’ Fresh Food Future program will assist a prawn fishery in northern Australia achieve Marine Stewardship Council certification for sustainable fishing practices.
  • $4.2m in grants for climate change adaptation
    Federal grants worth $4.2m have been announced for priority research for assisting Australian communities prepare for climate change.
  • Canon environmental grant applications now open
    Canon is calling for applications for its environmental grants program. The company is looking to source ideas on how its products can be used to benefit environmental and community-based projects.
  • Low Carbon Australia Board appointments
    The federal government has appointed Tanya Cox and Linda Nicholls to the newly expanded Board of Low Carbon Australia Limited.
  • Peak business group supports Garnaut's carbon tax price
    A group of national business leaders has called on the federal government to move swiftly towards a carbon price of between $20 and $30 per tonne in order to create a solid incentive to drive innovation.
  • Green Star's program receives federal funding
    The development of the Green Building Council of Australia’s (GBCA’s) Green Star - Communities rating tool is now receiving support from the federal government.
  • Ai forum highlights compressed air audit benefits
    A recent Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) forum has provided insight into how compressed air audits can reduce energy consumption and costs and optimise use of technology.
  • Schneider Electric now MESA certified
    Schneider Electric has achieved the Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association’s Certificate of Competency.
  • Suez Environnement joins the FTSE4Good Index
    SITA’s parent company, Suez Environnement, has joined the FTSE4Good Index.
  • New membership program for the environmentally sustainable community
    EnviroDevelopment will launch a new membership program that links individuals and companies involved in sustainable development.
  • British Council Australia launches Big Green Idea 2011
    Applications are now open for the Big Green Idea, a British Council Australia funding initiative designed to attract, encourage and assist Australia’s brightest entrepreneurs to develop innovative new sustainability projects.
  • GLG GreenLife paves the way in sustainable education
    GLG GreenLife Group has partnered with nationally recognised horticultural organisation Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA) to develop the country’s first accredited course for the commercial landscaping industry.
  • Linking funding for cleantech companies
    The CleanTech Angels Network has been recently launched to link cleantech companies seeking investment with angel investors seeking investments in the sector.
  • Global green building ratings committee appoints chair
    The Chief Executive of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), Romilly Madew, has been appointed chair of a new committee tasked with overseeing consistent standards for global green building rating.
  • Nominations for Australia’s ‘greenest’ teacher now open
    Sanyo has announced its sponsorship of Clean Up Australia’s 2011 Green Teacher Award - an award which recognises teachers who have positively influenced students by carrying out environmental projects within their school community.
  • First Gold Partner for NSW Sustainability Advantage program
    Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Frank Sartor has congratulated business services provider Converga as the first organisation to be recognised as a Gold Partner of the NSW Government’s sustainability program for business.
  • Greenhouse 2011: the science of climate change
    Some of the world’s leading climate scientists and government, community and industry representatives will be in Cairns from 4-8 April to attend Australia’s preeminent climate change science conference - Greenhouse 2011.
  • Origin and Australian Carbon to work together on energy efficiency
    Australian Carbon Trust and Origin have signed an agreement to develop a strategic alliance for dedicated and more accessible financing, designed to accelerate the uptake of energy-efficiency technologies and practices by Australian businesses.
  • Leading industry council supports infrastructure report card
    The Australian Green Infrastructure Council (AGIC) supports the findings of, and congratulates Engineers Australia on Wednesday’s release of its Infrastructure Report Card on Queensland.
  • Green infrastructure online resource launched
    The Australian Green Infrastructure Council has launched its Knowledge Hub - a free online resource focused on sustainability in Australia’s infrastructure sector.
  • NAB achieves carbon neutrality
    National Australia Bank (NAB) has announced that it has fulfilled its commitment to become carbon neutral by September 2010.
  • Focus on Australia’s infrastructure at AGIC conference
    The future sustainability of Australia’s infrastructure will be the focus at the Australian Green Infrastructure Council’s second annual national conference in Brisbane on 26 October.
  • Conservation International says world must adopt Japan's 'Decade of Biodiversity'
    The Government of Japan has proposed to declare 2011-2020 the ‘UN Decade of Biodiversity’ in an attempt to increase global efforts to stop the current environmental crisis. The proposal came during the UN General Assembly’s first-ever day dedicated to discussing biodiversity.
  • Beverage and packaging technology on show
    The Foodtech Packtech event, to be held at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds between 12 and 14 October, is said to showcase technology available to the food, beverage and packaging industries.
  • Painting industry launches training scheme to reduce waste
    A new statewide accredited training program, Sustainable Painting Practices, is now available for WA painting contractors and retailers to help them reduce waste, encourage recycling and provide advice in sustainable products.
  • Pump optimisation seminar
    A full-day seminar called 'Optimisation of energy efficiency in pumping systems' is being held by Pump Industry Australia on 7 October 2010 at the Auditorium, Engineers Australia, 21 Bedford Street, North Melbourne.
  • Rod Leaver named chairman of National Business Leaders Forum
    The CEO of Lend Lease Australia, Rod Leaver, has been named as the new chairman of the National Business Leaders Forum on Sustainable Development, a peak business advocacy group which represents Australian business in the environment and social sustainability spheres.
  • State governments support ‘Green star communities’
    The proposed Green Star - Communities rating tool is set to become a voluntary national standard. Every state and territory Government Land Organisation in Australia has agreed to a memorandum of understanding which will support the development of the Green Building Council of Australia’s rating tool for sustainable communities.
  • National peak industry body for the recyling industry launched
    A new national peak industry lobby organisation has been launched in Sydney at the Australasian Industrial Ecology Conference.
  • New national initiative for environmental education
    A new national initiative to improve the delivery of environmental education programs was launched at the Enviro10 Conference in Melbourne last week.
  • Victoria set to lead the nation in reducing greenhouse pollution
    Environment Victoria has strongly welcomed the Brumby Government’s Climate Change White Paper released today, saying that the new greenhouse targets and policy package positioned Victoria as the leading state on climate change nationally.
  • Advancing sustainability in infrastructure
    The Gillard Labor Government has approved $100,000 in funding for the Australian Green Infrastructure Council’s (AGIC) development of a Sustainability Rating Scheme.
  • Research partnership aims to improve sustainability of Australia’s retail sector
    Lend Lease and the University of Newcastle, with the support of the Australian Government’s Australian Research Council, have formed a research partnership to investigate possibilities in improving sustainability in the retail sector.
  • Standards on sustainability in building
    A new edition of ‘ASTM International Standards on Sustainability in Building’ is available on CD-ROM.
  • EPA awards Yalumba's sustainability journey
    The Environment Protection Authority is presenting The Yalumba Wine Company with South Australia's first EPA Accredited Sustainability Licence.
  • $5.5m to help 22 manufacturers go green
    A food manufacturer, an electroplating company and a manufacturer of sailboat hardware are among the latest businesses to receive a Re-tooling for Climate Change grant to save water or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • $18m to help office buildings go green
    Thirty-nine commercial office buildings around Australia will have their greenhouse gas emissions cut by 30,000 tonnes a year as a result of the latest grants under the Rudd government’s Green Building Fund.
  • $23m for the nation’s new national waste policy
    Environment Protection Minister Peter Garrett says the government will invest $23 million over five years to deliver Australia’s new landmark National Waste Policy.
  • Syngenta Connections program launches first project on water use efficiency in rice
    Syngenta has launched its first Connections program aimed at helping rice growers in North India farm more sustainably by providing skills and tools to use water more efficiently.
  • Builders claim green win on jobs package
    Victoria’s peak building industry body, the Master Builders Association, says the state government’s Jobs for the Future Economy package will help boost building workforce productivity and reduce housing costs for future Victorian homebuyers.
  • Green building at grassroots level with new local government task group
    The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has established a new task group to encourage local councils to accelerate the green building agenda.
  • Fifth Eco Expo Asia to take place in November
    'Business Solutions to Climate Change' will be the theme of Eco Expo Asia 2010 International Trade Fair on environmental protection, which will take place 3-6 November at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong.
  • New Credit encourages best practice PVC production in Australia
    A new Green Star PVC Credit has been introduced into all Green Star rating tools, following an extensive 18-month review.
  • Hybrid cars heralded as the decade’s top global engineering feat
    Australians have identified hybrid cars as the most important global engineering feat of the last decade.
  • Council climate change alliance to transform Melbourne's northern suburbs
    A local government alliance across Melbourne’s northern suburbs has launched a strategic blueprint - the first of its kind in Australia - for cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2020.
  • $20,000 to encourage Australian university students’ innovation in broadband and environment
    Alcatel-Lucent will again sponsor the Alcatel-Lucent Australia Broadband Challenge for the Sustainable Environment, alongside the Telecommunications Society of Australia.
  • Green Star - Communities to address sustainable urban planning challenges
    The Australian government’s new State of Australian Cities 2010 report will support the property and construction sector’s drive to sustainability, says the nation’s leading green building group.
  • $6m to keep Victoria beautiful and litter free
    Premier John Brumby has announced a $6m litter package that will help reduce litter across Victoria by 25% within the next five years.
  • NZ revised acoustics Standard published for wind farm noise
    Standards New Zealand has published NZS 6808:2010 Acoustics - Wind farm noise. The revised and improved Standard recommends limits on wind farm noise.
  • New approach for building rating tools
    A new agreement between Australia’s two leading environmental rating tools for buildings - Green Star and NABERS - will deliver a more consistent and compatible approach to building rating.
  • Evolving to low-energy buildings at ARBS 2010
    The 2010 Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Building Services exhibition (ARBS 2010) has opened online registrations and will welcome visitors between 12-14 April at the Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre, Darling Harbour.
  • Sustainable local government: no spin, no jargon
    NSW councils will soon learn how to break through the jargon surrounding sustainability and understand how they can best use it to improve the way they operate, thanks to the Urban Sustainability Support Alliance’s Sustainability Tools workshops.
  • New level introduced into Queenstown’s Sustainable Business program
    Queenstown businesses working towards a more sustainable future are set to benefit from a new program launched by Otago Polytechnic’s Centre for Sustainable Practice.
  • Three companies star in campaign to curb business energy waste
    Three New Zealand businesses are to showcase their energy efficiency on national TV, with the start of a campaign promoting the benefits of energy management.
  • Victorian 2010 Premier’s Sustainability Awards submissions invited
    If your business uses resources sustainably and you would like to give your business a leg up, then make sure you enter the Victorian 2010 Premier’s Sustainability Awards.
  • Australians given the chance to 'make' their dream in a world-first competition
    Have you ever wished your car could drive under water, or that your alarm clock woke you, but not your partner? Or that there was no longer a need for people to rely on wheelchairs?
  • Innovative behaviour change initiative for Perth
    Leading-edge techniques in voluntary behaviour change will be employed to help Perth householders become more efficient in their use of energy, water, car travel and waste management.
  • CCS industry responds to global support program
    In an address to delegates attending the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, the Global Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Institute’s CEO Nick Otter announced that it had received over 50 applications for its Project Funding and Support Program. The applications received represent more than AU$500m in assistance sought from CCS project proponents across the world.
  • Public comment requested for VCS agriculture and forestry land use methodology
    The Voluntary Carbon Standard Program has posted an agriculture, forestry and other land use methodology on the VCS website for a 30-day public comment period.
  • Revised GBCA Green Star PVC credit released for comment
    The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is taking steps to recognise environmental advances made by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) manufacturers across Australia, in order to continue to drive production and use of best-practice materials.
  • Global search is on for future sustainability leaders
    The Centre for Sustainability Leadership is looking for people with the drive and potential to become sustainability leaders.
  • Streamline sustainable business program for Western Sydney industrial hub
    Clean Up Australia Chairman and founder Ian Kiernan AO has joined Auburn and Parramatta City Councils for the launch of Streamline, a new sustainable business program designed to reduce water and energy use and minimise waste production in one of Sydney’s most significant industrial hubs.
  • $2.8m to help manufacturers go green
    A brickworks, a dairy and a polyethylene plant are among 13 manufacturers Australia wide to benefit from the Rudd government’s Re-tooling for Climate Change program, to reduce water use or greenhouse gas emissions in their production processes.
  • Commercialisation help made simpler
    The federal government will introduce a new, simpler form of assistance to companies seeking to take their ideas to market from early January 2010.
  • Seeking a sustainable timber industry
    The Green Building Council of Australia has announced the release of a revised Timber credit, effective 1 January 2010, which allows for equal consideration of the Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) schemes.
  • The Rocks' Christmas tree created from recycled bottles
    Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority has installed Sydney's most unique Christmas tree on George Street, The Rocks, which is made entirely of recycled plastic bottles.
  • A 'green start' for vulnerable Australians
    A new $130 million program to help improve the energy and water efficiency of low-income and disadvantaged Australian households has been announced by Environment Minister Peter Garrett.
  • Fuji Xerox Australia launches campaign for responsible paper procurement
    As part of its commitment to helping customers reduce their environmental impact, Fuji Xerox Australia has launched a new campaign to educate businesses about paper procurement.
  • Risk modelling shows crunch time for climate change action is at hand
    New modelling shows that a better than even chance of avoiding 2 degree warming is still possible, but only if agreement is reached and implemented within the next 12 months, researchers from Victoria University have warned.
  • $20.6m in Climate Ready grants to support 324 jobs
    Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, has announced $20.6 million in grants to 32 businesses for projects supporting around 324 green jobs under the Rudd government's Climate Ready program.
  • Government welcomes revamped standards process
    Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, has welcomed a revised business model for Standards Australia, which restores support for the development of standards in the public interest.
  • RSTechED 2009 delivers information excellence
    Rockwell Automation hosted its 10th annual RSTechED educational forum in Sydney and Melbourne during early October, giving attendees information and insight into today’s business information challenges.
  • $16.4m for 37 grants to cut office emissions
    Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, has announced 37 green building projects that will cut greenhouse gas emissions by around 38,000 tonnes a year.
  • Sustainability reporting training
    Sustainability reporting training is set to become more accessible to organisations around Australia and New Zealand as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) announces sustainability consultancy ZOOiD as a certified training partner for the region.
  • Technology clean-up
    A community recycling event was held in Canberra on 17 October. The event, run by Dell and the Australia National University (ANU), invited Canberra residents to deposit computers, monitors and most IT accessories of any brand to its recycling drop-off point at ANU.
  • Veolia Environnement selected for Dow Jones indexes
    Veolia Environnement has confirmed its selection in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index World, Dow Jones STOXX Sustainability Index and the FTSE4Good index.
  • Get involved in National Water Week
    National Water Week is being held from 18-24 October 2009, with the theme of Securing our Water Future.
  • $2m in funding now available for smart water projects
    The Smart Water Fund has announced the availability of $2m in grants to help find smarter ways to conserve Victoria’s water supplies.
  • Landcare Week
    Landcare Week from 7-13 September is designed to celebrate Landcare groups and their projects. One event being organised is called the Source to Sea which involves Landcare members, ambassadors and sponsors kayaking down the Hawkesbury and Parramatta rivers and meeting with Landcare groups working along the waterways.
  • Landcare Australia announces new CEO
    Heather Campbell has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Landcare Australia and will commence her new role from 9 November.
  • HK Eco Expo to showcase the latest innovations in environmental protection rolls out
    From 28-31 October 2009, Hong Kong will be an environmental hub as the specially tailored trading platform, Eco Expo Asia, that showcases the latest innovations in environmental protection rolls out at AsiaWorld-Expo.
  • Grundfos Pumps to sponsor National Water Week 2009
    Grundfos Pumps Australia has confirmed it has come on board as a sponsor of National Water Week being held 18-24 October 2009.
  • AGIC appoints five new board directors
    The Australian Green Infrastructure Council (AGIC) has announced the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors.
  • NSW government hosts sustainable retail round table
    The NSW government will host a major business round table today to help develop the state’s sustainable retail market.
  • Funding boost to market enviro innovations
    Eleven bright ideas in the environment sector will be brought to the market with the support of the Australian government.
  • Australian government support for four energy innovations
    A small wind turbine that can be used to generate energy in urban locations and a low-cost, water-borne solar-power generator feature among four bright ideas in the energy sector to benefit from Australian government support to bring them to market.
  • Conference to establish a NSW and national Industrial Ecology Network
    Participants in the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) Sustainability Advantage program have forged a partnership with the Waste Management Association of Australia (WMAA) to host the inaugural Australasian Industrial Ecology Conference with a goal to establish a NSW and national Industrial Ecology Network.
  • Call for comment on the draft National Waste Policy Framework
    Environment Minister Peter Garrett has invited comment on the draft National Waste Policy Framework — Less Waste More Resources.
  • Rating tool helps to clear the air
    A new tool which rates the environmental features of multi-unit residential buildings will help reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions while delivering health benefits and financial savings for building occupants.
  • Grundfos announces first global GreenPlumbers partnership
    Grundfos Pumps has joined with GreenPlumbers to help guide and support improved water and energy conservation practices.
  • IT students first in green revolution
    Box Hill Institute’s new ‘Green IT’ students will be the first in Australia fully prepared to manage the government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme when it comes into effect in the near future. The Vocational Graduate Certificate in ICT Sustainability, teaching IT graduates how to implement sustainable IT initiatives, will be launched at Box Hill Institute on 25 August.
  • Industry alliance announced
    IBM in the US has announced an industry alliance with key leaders in metering, monitoring, automation, data communications, software and analytics to provide smart solutions for energy, water, waste and greenhouse gas management.
  • Biodiesel boost
    A grants program for biodiesel production will kickstart the biodiesel industry in New Zealand, according to Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee.
  • Assessment framework for certifications schemes
    The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has released its new Assessment Framework for Forest Management Certification Schemes, as part of its ongoing review of the Green Star environmental rating tools for buildings.
  • Insulation installer register now open
    Environment Minister Peter Garrett has invited eligible businesses from around the country to register for the Australian government’s ceiling insulation program Installer Provider Register.
  • Car-sharing service focuses on sustainable driving
    Honda Australia is providing two Honda Civic Hybrids to car-sharing service Flexicar as a contribution to sustainable driving.
  • Global business poised to push governments on climate deal
    Global business poised to push governments on climate deal, says Oxfam.
  • Outdated government procurement polices stalling opportunities
    Outdated government procurement polices are stalling opportunities to stimulate the growth of green jobs and protect Australia’s environment, according to a report released by the Total Environment Centre (TEC).
  • Green car innovation fund open for applications
    The $1.3 billion Green Car Innovation Fund is now open for applications.
  • $16.4 million for climate change projects
    $16.4 million in funding has been provided to 19 companies to pursue green projects that will combat climate change and support 189 high-wage, high-skill Australian jobs.
  • CSIRO takes climate change talk global
    CSIRO research into community attitudes towards climate change and energy took to the world stage at the International Scientific Congress on Climate Change in Copenhagen.
  • Grapes, vines, wine and ... guinea pigs?
    When you think of sustainable wine production, guinea pigs probably aren't the first thing that spring to mind. Yet at Yealands Estate, that is exactly what is grazing between the vines.
  • Partnership to introduce students to sustainable development
    Australia’s national university will launch a partnership with the organisation Engineers Without Borders Australia (EWB) that will help students gain firsthand experience of sustainable development and offer young people opportunities to work with disadvantaged communities in Australia and overseas.
  • Case for sustainability remains strong
    New Zealand companies are not sidestepping sustainability in the tougher economic climate, suggests a new report from the Sustainable Business Network.
  • $27.7m in climate-ready grants
    Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, has announced the first round of offers under the Climate Ready program totalling $27.7 million, involving about 400 people working on 32 new green projects.
  • Investment to help business be green
    The NSW Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Carmel Tebbutt, announced two new programs to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and help NSW businesses cut power use.
  • Green building fund opens for business
    Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, has launched the Australian government's $90 million Green Building Fund.
  • Youth forum takes control of sustainability
    Forty delegates from across Victoria participated in the inaugural Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand’s Sustainability Youth Forum.
  • Funding for river management model
    Developers of the next generation of water management technologies are set to receive $6 million in funding from the federal government. The funds will accelerate the development of a new river management model.
  • Riverina celebrates $2.36 million environmental savings
    Close to 2000 tonnes of greenhouse gases and a whopping $2.36 million have been saved in the last financial year by Riverina businesses participating in an environmental program aimed at addressing climate change.
  • Program to help manufacturers tackle climate change
    The Rudd government has launched a program that offers small and medium-sized manufacturers grants ranging from $10,000 to $500,000 to help them reduce the environmental impact of their production processes.
  • A smarter grid for greener power
    The UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures is leading a national research project to develop an electricity network for Australia that is smarter, greener and more efficient.
  • $75 million Climate Ready program opens for business
    Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, has announced that the Rudd government’s $75 million Climate Ready program is open for applications.
  • Australian manufacturers to tackle climate change
    The Rudd Labor Government will provide $75 million for the Re-tooling for Climate Change competitive grants program as part of the government's Clean Business Australia initiative, announced Sentator the Hon Kim Carr.
  • Committee backs call for energy-efficiency factor with emissions trading scheme
    The National Carbon Committee of the Waste Management Association of Australia has backed a call of the Secretary of the Department of Climate Change to consider factors like energy efficiency alongside the emissions trading scheme.
  • National carbon committee for waste industry
    The Waste Management Association of Australia has moved to strengthen the voice of the waste industry in forming a National Carbon Committee as the government finalises the Australian Emissions Trading Scheme (AETS).
  • Carbon trading may mean $14 billion tax bill for Australian businesses
    The Taxation Institute of Australia has warned that the proposed carbon trading scheme could reap more than $14 billion in businesses tax unless the Australian government takes immediate steps to clarify the tax effects of the proposed carbon trading scheme.
  • Economic analysis of the proposed emissions trading scheme
    The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research says it is well advanced with a study of the likely costs to the New Zealand economy of the Emissions Trading Scheme on which the Finance and Expenditure Committee is hearing submissions.
  • Carbon neutral public service program update
    Agencies in the core public service released their carbon emissions inventories and carbon reduction plans as the first step in New Zealand's Carbon Neutral Public Service program, announced Environment Minister Trevor Mallard. 
  • The Rocks to be a plastic-bag-free zone
    The Rocks could become one of the first plastic bag-free zones in Sydney, with more than 70 businesses trading their plastic bags for paper this weekend.
  • New sustainability standard set for heritage buildings
    A NSW government project has set a benchmark for environmental sustainability in heritage buildings, according to Planning Minister Frank Sartor.
  • Move to phase out plastic bags confirmed
    Peter Garrett has confirmed that he will move to phase out plastic check-out bags “by the end of the year” — if necessary with a legislative ban. The move follows an announcement by the Chinese government that it will ban the giving away of free plastic bags by June.
  • Trees please for APEC partners
    Australian scientists are training foresters in neighbouring APEC countries to use the Australian Greenhouse Office's National Carbon Accounting Toolbox (NCAT) to assess carbon sequestration in native and plantation forests.
  • Climate change – now it’s law
    The nation’s first Climate Change legislation has become law. The Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 makes South Australia the first place in Australia to legislate targets to reduce greenhouse emissions.
  • Final call for Smart Water applications
    Businesses, community groups, research organisations and individuals with sustainable water use projects have until 9 November 2007 to submit applications for Round 5 Smart Water Fund funding.
  • Recycling council closes
    Recent changes in the local steel industry have brought on a change in the education of steel can recycling, according to the Steel Can Recycling Council Inc (SCRC).
  • Carbon neutral cabinet
    South Australia’s cabinet ministers have announced plans to offset the greenhouse gases used in the course of their duties, including all air travel.
  • Government announces cap and trade emissions scheme
    The Federal Government has announced it will increase spending on combating greenhouse gas emissions by $627 million.
  • Launch of carbon trading exchange
    ACX (Australian Climate Exchange) has launched the Melbourne-based carbon trading exchange.
  • Advancing sustainability
    The House Environment Committee has tabled its report 'Sustainability for survival: creating a climate for change', recommending the establishment of a national Sustainability Commissioner, Commission and Charter. The report argues that strong Australian government leadership is required to advance sustainability.
  • Walk to work day
    National Walk to Work Day (WTWD) will be held around Australia on Friday 5 October 2007 to promote better health and a cleaner environment. By registering, individuals, businesses and organisations can help to improve our health and environment, while supporting four major Australian charities.
  • South Australia continues to lead nation on recycling
    Environment groups today congratulated the South Australian government on its decision to stand up to the beverage industry and increase its deposit on drink containers from 5¢ to 10¢.
  • Australia to help clean up the world
    Australia is preparing to play a leading role in helping to fight contamination round the world with the launch of a new clean-up industry group.
  • Grant to deliver sustainable project
    EcoNova has been awarded a grant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and implement sustainable projects that contribute to Australia’s diminishing water supply.
  • Roundtable for climate change leaders
    The Ethos Foundation and Green Cross Australia are presenting a one-day ‘Leading for the Future’ roundtable on climate change at Queensland Parliament House on Wednesday 29 August.
  • Policy paper released
    The Australian Government is a step closer to establishing a national emissions trading scheme with the release of a policy paper on mandatory corporate reporting of energy and greenhouse gas emissions data.
  • Armstrong World Industries wins Greenhouse Challenge Plus Award
    Armstrong World Industries recently won the federal government’s Greenhouse Challenge Plus Award in Canberra.
  • Government announces emissions trading scheme
    An emissions trading scheme will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote environmentally friendly behaviour and create business opportunities for New Zealanders, according to Finance Minister Michael Cullen and Climate Change Minister David Parker.
  • Funding for small businesses to go green
    The Australian Government has provided more than $10 million in funding for small businesses to 'go green' and improve their operations.
  • Car-free day in Melbourne
    Car-Free Melbourne has announced a proposal for a Melbourne City Car-Free Day. The all-female group presented the idea to a planning committee meeting and were granted tentative council support to look into the details of how it would work for Melbourne.
  • New green building report for councils
    A report from ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability – Oceania (ICLEI Oceania) and the Building Commission highlights nine key pathways for local government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable buildings.
  • APEC leaders negotiate a breakthrough on climate change
    In what has been termed a major breakthrough on climate change, Australia, China and the United States have agreed to establish a working target towards cutting global carbon emissions.
  • Public Facilities Program now open
    Funding is now available for water- and energy-savings projects in public or education facilities through the NSW government’s Climate Change Fund.
  • Small businesses go green
    Small business will be helped to go green with an initiative that was unveiled last week by Small Business Minister Fran Bailey.
Case Study (10)
  • Transforming a thirsty, power-hungry business
    In an industry known for its voracious use of water and power, Edstein Creative Stone is showing how eco-friendly manufacturing practices respect our environment and save money.
  • Be rewarded for saving energy
    Ilum-a-Lite has announced that a number of its energy-saving products have been approved by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) for inclusion in the state government’s Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) - meaning projects undertaken by Ilum-a-Lite can deliver substantial cash rebates.
  • Lighting generates revenue
    IPART recently endorsed energy-efficient lighting upgrades carried out by EELCO - The Energy Efficient Lighting Company, by deeming many of its projects as able to generate revenue under the NSW Government’s Energy Savings Scheme (ESS).
  • Sydney printing company achieves sustainability gold
    Sydney printing company Focus Press started out in 1994 with only four people, but has since grown to 100 people at two locations. Now it has another achievement to be proud of - becoming one of the few printing companies that can claim to be truly environmentally sustainable. This achievement in sustainability leadership has been recognised by the NSW Government, with Focus Press being awarded with Gold Partner status in the Sustainability Advantage program of the Department of Environment, Climate Change & Water (DECCW), in January 2011.
  • Environmental training in Abu Dhabi
    An Australian environmental management consultancy is playing an integral role in a major overhaul of the Abu Dhabi tourism, construction and transport industries.
  • Re-tooling grows business and saves water
    Drought and the fundamental need to stay in business has brought on a radical process re-engineering effort at Radford Meats in Warragul, Victoria.
  • Make it so for communities in Australia and Asia
    Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Australia work with disadvantaged communities in Australia and Asia to improve their quality of life through sustainable and appropriate engineering projects.
  • Cadbury Dairy Milk to go Fairtrade in 2010
    Cadbury Australia and Fairtrade Labelling Australia & New Zealand have announced plans for Cadbury Dairy Milk to achieve Fairtrade certification by Easter 2010. This means cocoa farmers and communities can look forward to a better and brighter future as Fairtrade cocoa sales increase in Ghana and new Fairtrade opportunities open up for cocoa growers in other parts of the world.
  • Researchers in Business program
    A Western Australian renewable energy company has become the first organisation to benefit from the Australian government’s $10 million dollar Researchers in Business program.
  • R&D Tax Offset helps sugar cane farmers
    Bundaberg sugar cane farmers Graham and Kate Campbell have been recycling sewage waste for use in irrigation and as a soil conditioner for some time. Bundaberg Regional Council pays their company, Camreay Holdings, to take away all of the town’s sewage.
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