The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and Sundrop Farms have announced an in-principle agreement for the CEFC to co-finance a major greenhouse development at Sundrop’s farm in Port Augusta, South Australia. [ + ]

Lighting Council Australia has officially taken on responsibility for the FluoroCycle scheme. The voluntary scheme aims to reduce the amount of harmful mercury entering the environment from the disposal of waste mercury-containing lamps. [ + ]

Researchers at Monash University, working under the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES), have developed an ionic liquid-based thermocell which provides a source of electricity from the harvesting of waste heat. [ + ]

A company introducing green energy from wastewater technologies to Australasia is forging partnerships to help companies more easily afford the most sustainable and cost-efficient solutions for their individual site’s needs. [ + ]

The initial report on coal seam gas (CSG) activities across NSW, by the state’s Chief Scientist and Engineer, Professor Mary O’Kane, has been welcomed by federal Resources Minister Gary Gray as well as biogeochemistry researchers at Southern Cross University (SCU). [ + ]

Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla, Director of the UNSW Centre for Sustainable Materials and Research and Technology (SMaRT), will next week present her keynote at a breakfast event, revealing how it is possible to take a good idea in the research phase and turn it into a strong commercial reality. [ + ]

Engineers Without Borders Australia (EWB) this year celebrates a decade of bringing clean water, sanitation and energy to needy communities worldwide. The organisation is the City of Sydney’s official charity partner for the 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve. [ + ]

Consulting, design, construction and operations firm CH2M Hill has released the white paper ‘Sustainability Goals that Make an Impact’. The study focuses on the link between sustainability goal-setting, environmental and financial performance and stakeholder recognition, making the case for more tangible goals. [ + ]

The $24.9 million Victorian Centre for Sustainable Chemical Manufacturing (VCSCM) was launched last week by the Victorian Minister for Manufacturing, David Hodgett. [ + ]

The Federal Minister for Climate Change, Mark Butler, has announced that construction will soon begin on the largest solar power station in the Southern Hemisphere. [ + ]

Following 10 years of research and development, CSIRO scientists have perfected the prawn feed additive Novacq, giving prawn lovers access to more sustainably farmed prawns that still taste great. [ + ]

A smartphone app and website which the public can use to report incidents of environmental pollution have been developed by students at Victoria University’s School of Engineering and Computer Science. [ + ]

The Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and Urban Water, Amanda Rishworth, yesterday announced the opening of the $100 million fourth funding round of the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program. [ + ]

The first long-term study of fine smoke particles generated by burning of the savannah - open woodland and grassland - has been completed. This means the seasonal influence of aerosols on Australia’s tropical climate can now be included in climate models. [ + ]

Livable Housing Australia (LHA) has launched a free app which will guide the design and construction of homes that are more liveable for all Australians at all stages of life. [ + ]