Dr Manuel J Blanco has joined CSIRO as Director of the Australian Solar Thermal Research Initiative (ASTRI). ASTRI is an $87 million, eight-year international collaboration transforming the energy industry in Australia by bringing down the cost of solar thermal. [ + ]

The Canberra office of fitout and reburbishment company ISIS was recognised as one of the world’s most liveable buildings at the 2012 International Livable Buildings Awards. [ + ]

There is a fundamental crisis in planning in Victoria, University of Melbourne planning expert Dr Alan March writes in his new book The Democratic Plan: Analysis and Diagnosis. [ + ]

A report released by the Clean Energy Council has found that the market for energy storage technology in Australia will be equivalent to several coal-fired power stations by 2030, effectively transforming the way we think about electricity for our homes and businesses. [ + ]

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu has been selected to provide an Auction Solution to support auctioning of carbon units in accordance with the Clean Energy Act 2011. [ + ]

Scientists are trying to find out how to keep public parks and ovals green while using less water. [ + ]

Launched this week, the Energy Action Price Index (Business) will give businesses granularity and transparency on retail electricity price fluctuations. [ + ]

Lend Lease’s Barangaroo South project, part of the $6 billion Barangaroo urban regeneration development on Sydney Harbour, has been accepted as a pilot project for the newly released Green Star - Communities PILOT rating tool. [ + ]

Nilfisk-Advance Group has introduced the first fuel-cell-powered industrial combination sweeper-scrubber. [ + ]

Today saw the first intake of seawater into the second stage of the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant (SSDP), marking a major milestone in commissioning the WA Government’s $450 million expansion project. [ + ]

Understanding how our water catchments react to natural disturbances may offer hydrologists greater insight into how to manage our water supplies. Key to this is an understanding of the steady state and why water responds differently in different circumstances. [ + ]

Two piggery projects in New South Wales have been approved by the Clean Energy Regulator under the Carbon Farming Initiative. [ + ]

To adapt to rising sea levels, scientists have developed a calculator that can guide coastal planners on the height and positioning necessary for infrastructure to avoid inundation and erosion as sea levels rise. [ + ]

A new Western Australian sustainability consultancy, SUSOP, has won an international award recognising its innovative approach to helping resource companies improve their contribution towards achieving sustainable development. [ + ]

Water industry professional John Weaver has taken up a new appointment as General Manager for Australia and New Zealand of the Applied Water Systems Division of international water business Xylem Water Systems Australia. [ + ]