Groundbreaking research on using ultrahigh-intensity blasting to improve mine productivity has been awarded the 2014 CEEC Medal by the Coalition for Eco-Efficient Comminution (CEEC). [ + ]

Software company Autodesk is offering secondary schools, vocational institutions and universities in Australia and New Zealand free access to the company's professional 3D design software and creativity apps. [ + ]

A trial of underground communal rubbish chutes in a Sydney inner-city suburb has replaced an unsightly, cluttered bin bay with new recycling and waste chutes linked to an underground storage system. [ + ]

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has launched the Future Green Leader Award to recognise and reward emerging sustainability leaders with creative ideas and commitment to the property and construction industry. [ + ]

The United Nations Global Compact Cities Programme has received a renewed commitment and investment from RMIT University, which is providing $5 million to the program over five years. The program is the urban component of the Global Compact, which is dedicated to the promotion and adoption by cities of 10 principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. [ + ]

The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) held its annual awards last week, honouring individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the global sustainability movement. [ + ]

Scientists from Seoul National University have converted cigarette butts into a high-performing material that could be integrated into computers, handheld devices, electrical vehicles and wind turbines to store energy. [ + ]

First Solar and The University of Queensland have begun construction on a 3.275 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) research facility at UQ's Gatton campus. [ + ]

The Australian Smart Lighting Summit, to be held in Melbourne from 18-19 August, will attract developers, contractors, lighting industry professionals and local government authorities. [ + ]

Townsville City Council is upgrading its utilities infrastructure in the CBD. The project involves upgrading approximately 12 km of water and sewerage underground pipework and construction of a new reservoir, as well as stormwater drainage and footpaths. [ + ]

A report detailing paint consumption and disposal in Australia, released by the National Paint Stewardship Scheme Implementation Working Group, will form a cornerstone in the development and economic modelling of a national voluntary paint stewardship scheme in Australia. [ + ]

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment's Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) has been revised to set a lower greenhouse gas emission rating for residential wood-fire heating. [ + ]

Speakers at the upcoming All-Energy Australia conference, to be held in Melbourne from 15-16 October, have claimed that the clean energy sector faces a difficult future unless it embraces transformation and collaboration. [ + ]

Pump manufacturer Nov Mono has secured major industry certification for its innovative InviziQ pressure sewer system (PSS). The system received the certification from the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) for various criteria, including meeting WSAA standards, technical compliances, manufacturing quality and performance. [ + ]

Accounting firm RSM Bird Cameron has outlined the initial impact of the abolition of the carbon pricing mechanism on businesses. [ + ]