Enviropacific Services’ (EPS) main role during the BHP Remediation works was the practical implementation of the Material Management Plan (MMP) (Maunsell, 1999). This involved the classification and management of contaminated material identified in preliminary investigations and encountered during earthworks. [ + ]

Ziltek and CSIRO have announced the commercialisation of a handheld device for the rapid in-field analysis of petroleum contamination in soil. [ + ]

While our athletes strived for gold at the London Olympics 2012 (achieving seven gold medals, 16 silver and 12 bronze), the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) tried to achieve the ‘most sustainable Games ever’ and match the sustainability standard first set back in 2000 by Sydney. [ + ]

AvivaPure, a clean technology business from Notting Hill in Melbourne, is working towards commercialising its ECube, large-scale, solar- and wind-powered accelerated evaporator and antifouling technology. To assist in further research and development of its products, the company sought business advice from Enterprise Connect and undertook a business review. The advice and recommendations opened up new connections for the company with researchers from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and Monash University. [ + ]

Scientists have discovered an abrupt increase in the uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide by the land biosphere (which comprises all of the planet’s plant and animal ecosystems) since 1988. Without this natural increase in uptake, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would probably have increased even more rapidly over the last two decades. [ + ]

ALERT stations are typically set up to acquire and transmit hydrological and meteorological data on a timed and event basis. Campbell Scientific data loggers that are used to run ALERT stations have plenty of capability to spare, and that capability can be leveraged to perform a variety of services. [ + ]

A study by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has demonstrated that the re-use of disused resources has the potential to create a new industry sector providing jobs for Australia’s most disadvantaged jobseekers. Australia’s Community Recycling Enterprises (CREs) divert 152,000 tonnes of waste each year, employ 1500 people and contribute over $56 million to the regional economy. [ + ]

In an effort to increase reycling efforts away from the home, Verde Australia explains why reverse vending machines (RVMs) are a sophisticated and effective method of collecting our country’s containers. [ + ]

Kevin Kampschroer is the Director of the US Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings - a department that retrofits old federal buildings to reduce energy usage and improve performance. He was thus an apt keynote speaker on the second day of Total Facilities Live. [ + ]

Some say yes, but a new report estimates that solar photovoltaic and onshore wind could produce some of the lowest electricity generation costs in Australia by 2030, based on current policy settings. [ + ]

A recent survey by energy management company Energy Action revealed that more than 87% of businesses ranked price the most important consideration when selecting their energy retailer. However, the cost of energy itself is only one portion of the overall price that an organisation pays for its energy supply. [ + ]

As one of the first buildings in Australia to showcase Colorbond Coolmax steel, Hervey Bay Community Centre successfully combines environmentally sustainable design principles and a pleasing aesthetic. Its unique ‘island-like’ structure means the building can be viewed from 360° while also making a statement with its thermal efficiency. [ + ]

The Urban Renewal Authority of Victoria which operates as Places Victoria sought to specify a comprehensive portfolio of best-practice building technologies including an integrated water-cycle management system for The Nicholson project in inner suburban East Coburg. As well as reducing the use of valuable drinking water, the provision of a non-potable water supply at The Nicholson has helped insulate residents from rising costs for water and sewerage. [ + ]

In view of soaring energy prices and ambitious climate-protection targets, modern industry is experiencing unprecedented pressure to make production processes as efficient as possible. In addition to this, companies also have to maintain and increase their competitive edge, as well as strive to ensure sustained economic success. [ + ]

A new cutting-edge research group has been launched to investigate the impact that the coal seam gas, mining and agriculture industries have on Queensland’s most valuable underground resource - water. [ + ]