The ‘E-Waste or E-Resource?’ future forum took place on 28 June. Hosted by the ANZRP, the forum discussed the federal product stewardship legislation and whether it is enabling resource efficiency and the emerging circular economy. [ + ]

Kimberly-Clark Australia has been declared one of nine winners in the Environmental Sustainability category of The Australian Business Awards 2013. [ + ]

Satellite observations from the past three decades have revealed that Earth’s deserts are getting greener. A collaboration between CSIRO and the Australian National University (ANU) has found that this increase in desert foliage is linked to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) through a process called CO₂ fertilisation. [ + ]

As of 1 July, a uniform code applies across South East Queensland (SEQ) for the design and construction of new water supply and sewerage assets. The code is intended to make it easier for developers, engineers, consultants and service providers to deliver water infrastructure. [ + ]

Not-for-profit organisation Greenfleet has had two of its reforestation projects registered under the Clean Energy Regulator’s Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI). This makes it the first organisation to have multiple reforestation projects registered. [ + ]

CSIRO has announced the appointment of Dr Carol Couch as Director of the Water for a Healthy Country National Research Flagship - the largest research partnership focusing on water in Australia. [ + ]

The City of Sydney has contracted energy experts pitt&sherry and Exergy Australia to calculate how many greenhouse gas emissions could be saved through city-wide energy efficiency measures in buildings. [ + ]

PWN Technologies and Metawater have entered a strategic alliance to seek out and develop global business opportunities for the supply of ceramic membrane systems. [ + ]

Nominations for the WMAA 2013 Pam Keating Award are now open, offering $1500 to a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the environment industry in Victoria. [ + ]

Mark Butler (formerly Minister for Mental Health) has been named the Climate Change Minister in Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s new ministry, replacing Greg Combet who is retiring from politics. [ + ]

A national survey report, released today, reveals that a large majority of businesses support a national reduction in carbon emissions, preferably through an emissions trading scheme. [ + ]

At the recent Queensland Premier’s Sustainability Awards, Bundaberg Regional Council (BRC) won the prestigious Minister’s Award for Leadership. The award honoured BRC’s waste recovery efforts following three consecutive natural disasters over the 2013 Australia Day long weekend. [ + ]

‘Legacy’ is an industry campaign launched recently in Christchurch, supported by several of the city’s organisations and local developers. [ + ]

Consortium partners GE Australia and New Zealand and Downer EDI have been awarded contracts to work on stage one of the Boco Rock Wind Farm, providing engineering, procurement and construction services for the $350 million project. [ + ]

Nubian Water Systems, a provider of sustainable water solutions for the urban environment, has been selected as the vendor of choice by 720 Bourke Street’s hydraulic contractor, Richstone Plumbing. [ + ]