Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, has announced the launch of its global training and certification program, EcoXpert, into the Australian market. The program has been developed to aid electrical contractors diversify and grow their business. [ + ]

Auckland companies can get a sustainability edge at the ‘business only’ afternoon at the Sustainable City Showcase at The Cloud on Queens Wharf on 22 November. [ + ]

Australia’s first carbon farming piggery has been registered and will be launched today at Blantyre Farms in Young, NSW, by Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Mark Dreyfus and CEO of Australian Pork Andrew Spencer. [ + ]

Emissions of greenhouse gases in the European Union (EU) fell on average by 2.5% from 2010 to 2011, although several countries increased emissions. Almost all European countries are individually on track towards their commitments under the Kyoto Protocol compared to last year. [ + ]

Queensland Urban Utilities CEO Louise Dudley has welcomed the release of the Healthy Waterways 2012 Ecosystem Report Card, the results of which were generally positive. [ + ]

The UK-based environmental firm SLR Consulting has recently carried out work on two waste and resource management projects on behalf of the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation (WA DEC). [ + ]

ABB has been awarded a $29 million order to provide complete electrical and automation systems for the conveyors at a new coal export terminal currently under construction in north-eastern Australia. [ + ]

The Australian Solar Council has rejected a call by the Productivity Commission to abolish the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). [ + ]

Australian estuaries may be more important than previously thought in capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere, according to new research from Southern Cross University’s Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry Research. [ + ]

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has unveiled a robust environmental strategy to address unprecedented levels of global biodiversity loss. [ + ]

Masdar has announced the awarding of the design and construction contract for its new headquarters complex, which will also house the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The headquarters will be one of the most advanced, sustainable, multiuse complexes in the United Arab Emirates. [ + ]

SLR Consulting Australia has announced the merger-acquisition of GSS Environmental (GSSE), an Australian provider of environmental consulting and project management services to clients in the mining, minerals, land development and natural resource sectors. [ + ]

As part of Melbourne Knowledge Week, a talk on Australian biotechnology is being held on 29 November from 5.30-7.30 pm at Hilton on the Park, Melbourne. [ + ]

On the morning of 14 November 2012, the north of Australia will witness a total solar eclipse. Panasonic, using only its HIT solar panels and lithium-ion batteries for storage, will produce a live broadcast of this incredible spectacle live via USTREAM. [ + ]

The seventh edition of Eco Expo Asia, a professional trade fair dedicated to green business in Asia, will be held from 27-30 October at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong. [ + ]