The recycling rate for post-consumer packaging in Australia has fallen by 2.9% to 61.3% for 2014–15, according to the Australian Packaging Covenant (APC). [ + ]

The winners of the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Airconditioning and Heating (AIRAH) Awards 2015 have been announced. [ + ]

In the lead-up to Christmas, Tasty Fresh Food Co and the St Vincent de Paul Society are expanding their 20-year partnership with a major giving initiative. [ + ]

The third Australian Summer Study on Energy Productivity will take place from 24–26 February 2016 at the Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific. [ + ]

The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) is calling on seafood-loving Australians to shop sustainably this festive season. [ + ]

The Paris Agreement on climate change was approved by 195 nations over the weekend, each of which has pledged to do its bit to limit global warming and prepare for its impacts.

Methane emissions from Australian cattle are 24% lower than previously estimated, according to data based on eight years of research into ways to reduce emissions in livestock. [ + ]

The University of Queensland has a portfolio of 'blue carbon' research projects which seeks to better understand the role of oceans and their ecosystems in reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change. [ + ]

For those of us eagerly awaiting the outcome of COP21, the release of a newly drafted agreement will provide a fascinating insight into how discussions are progressing. [ + ]

The Ararat Wind Farm has secured a $200 million debt financing package, along with an additional $76 million in bank guarantees. [ + ]

The Autodesk Entrepreneur Impact Program enables start-up companies who innovate for positive environmental or social impact to apply for free access to Autodesk software so they can get to market faster. [ + ]

Dutch architect Janjaap Ruijssenaars has developed a method to generate free energy in a sustainable way at home. The patent-pending technique, whereby energy is released by perpetually unbalancing a weight, offers an alternative to solar and wind technology. [ + ]

The market for the corporate renewable energy power purchase agreement is on the rise according to a global report by Baker & McKenzie. [ + ]

As part of its plan to put power back in the hands of consumers, ZEN Energy has launched ZEN Communities — an 'end to end' service to deliver low-cost renewable energy direct to entire communities. [ + ]

The City of Melbourne has developed an innovative tool that will allow the city to predict the impact of extreme climate events and prepare for the city through investments in smart infrastructure. [ + ]