Ridha Azaiz, an aspiring German engineer, wanted to build a robot that restores the efficiency of solar power systems by cleaning the panels so they function properly. [ + ]

The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) has challenged industry to consider how the residential sector can be made climate friendly, with lower emissions and improved resilience to the impacts of climate change. [ + ]

CDM Smith has acquired NTEC Environmental Technology (NTEC), a boutique consulting firm in Western Australia specialising in the simulation of hydrological processes and environmental impact assessment (EIA). [ + ]

The Westpac Group has launched its 2017 sustainability strategy aimed at addressing the most pressing issues in society and the environment today. [ + ]

A $1.17 million Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program grant, funded from carbon-price revenue, will help Primo Smallgoods to reduce emissions and slash energy costs. [ + ]

Nestlé Australia announced today that every chocolate it sells is now independently certified to ensure the cocoa is sourced and produced sustainably on farms with safe working conditions. [ + ]

Funding for a major Australian geothermal project and establishing Perth as one of the world’s top-five ‘geothermal cities’ were celebrated as some of the major achievements of the Western Australian Geothermal Centre of Excellence (WAGCOE) at its conclusion today. [ + ]

The Australian Academy of Science today opened applications for its 2014 round of prestigious awards, including career and early career researcher awards, travelling fellowships, research bursaries and conference support. [ + ]

Standards Australia has today announced a new Australian/New Zealand standard for electronic waste. [ + ]

From shopping centres to schools, and from hospitals to heritage-listed offices, 108 finalists from around Australia have been named in the 2013 Property Council of Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards. [ + ]

When energy officials proposed using crop residues to produce cellulosic ethanol, concerned scientists took to the fields to learn more about how these residues protect soil from erosion and enhance soil quality. [ + ]

A report by specialist recruitment firm envirosearch reveals that the landscape which has seen many professionals enter the environment and sustainability sector over the past decade may now be at a crossroads due to a cautious approach from the corporate sector. [ + ]

A University of Waikato scientist says we need to rethink the way we collect and store water. [ + ]

Australia’s massive expansion of coal exports and surge in exploration for coal seam gas will be the topic of discussion at a roundtable for healthcare leaders today in Canberra. [ + ]

Australia is assisting business to gauge energy consumption with the launch of an energy-efficiency rating system for data centres. [ + ]