The 2015 Australian Water Survey asks respondents what they think and know about water in Australia. The information provided will assist in engaging and empowering communities to help make sure that water is readily available and protected in the future. [ + ]

Roboticist Dr Matthew Dunbabin has developed a flotilla of robotic boats that could monitor the effects of major weather events and provide early warning on potential environmental disasters. [ + ]

The Better Buildings Partnership has launched Operational Waste Guidelines to help building owners, property managers and waste companies to work more effectively using a standard across their portfolios. [ + ]

The SUEZ environnement Community Grants have been awarded for 2015, recognising 38 community groups across Australia with over $155,000 in funding to help realise their project dreams. [ + ]

Scientists have used sticky tape to create atom-thick layers of phosphorus, called phosphorene, whose properties could open the door to ultrathin and ultralight solar cells and LEDs. [ + ]

Two student accommodation facilities at the Victoria University of Wellington have been pitted against each other in a competition to see which can save the most power compared to the previous year's usage. [ + ]

Jim Athanas has been named the managing director for water technology provider Xylem Oceania. To be based in Sydney, he will be responsible for driving revenue and market share expansion. [ + ]

CEOs and executive directors from the Victorian Government's environmental departments will lead discussions at the Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo 2015 about the state's environmental agenda, including existing and future programs that impact on the waste and recycling industry. [ + ]

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has announced an ambitious plan for Australia's future electricity mix, stating that a Labor government will commit to at least 50% renewables by 2030. [ + ]

South Australia will become the first Australian state to legislate to allow driverless vehicles on the roads. [ + ]

Victorian smartphone users will soon have access to reliable information on how to recycle locally, with the Sustain Me mobile application set to launch on 29 July. [ + ]

Audi Australia Pty Ltd and Origin Energy Limited (Origin) now have a partnership that is designed to help owners of the new Audi A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) further lower their impact on the environment. [ + ]

New Zealand's Packaging Forum has announced an initiative that will enable shoppers to dispose of their used soft plastic bags in special recycling bins located at supermarkets and retail premises. [ + ]

The Property Council of Australia, the Total Environment Centre and the City of Sydney are asking the Australian Energy Market Commission to change the rules that govern the electricity market. [ + ]

HydroRevolution has announced plans to build a commercial solar desalination plant in the Panoche Water and Drainage District in California's Central Valley — said to be the first of its kind in the region.