The number of Australian homes with solar power systems has passed the one million mark, according to figures from the Clean Energy Regulator that confirm the milestone was reached in March. [ + ]

Kerbside recycling needs expansion and consistency across local government areas to help lift Australia’s recycling rate. This is one of the recommendations from research released today by the Australian Packaging Covenant (APC). [ + ]

A carbon price of between $50 and $100 per tonne of carbon dioxide would make coal- and gas-fired power less economical than renewable electricity, a UNSW study shows. [ + ]

As of 4 April, the Australian Green Infrastructure Council (AGIC) has been renamed the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA). [ + ]

A Curtin University researcher who has improved the reliability of wind-generated energy entering the grid was recently awarded the prestigious John Madsen Medal by Engineers Australia. [ + ]

Businesses in the Hunter region are receiving help to reduce their energy costs and save money under a new project being funded by revenue from the carbon price. [ + ]

The Board of Directors of Black & Veatch has selected a new chairman, president and CEO for the company upon the decision of Len Rodman to retire at the end of 2013 after 42 years of leadership, service and dedication to the company. [ + ]

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) will receive more than $1.8 million funding for three national projects designed to help farmers reduce emissions of one of the most serious greenhouse gases, nitrous oxide, in a move that would also lead to improved soil fertility and earn farmers valuable carbon credits. [ + ]

International design practice Hassell has registered Australia’s first Green Star - Interiors project, with its soon-to-open studio in Sydney set to be one of the nation’s greenest offices. [ + ]

Ethical superannuation company Australian Ethical has announced the launch of its Community Grants program, which will see over $100,000 made available to Australian not-for-profit organisations and community projects. [ + ]

Development of an energy measurement and rating scheme that will raise the bar for energy performance in New Zealand office buildings is well underway. [ + ]

China has laid out an ambitious road map to reduce emissions by 40-45% by 2020, including the world’s largest national carbon-trading scheme, at a high-level bilateral conference held last week at the University of New South Wales. [ + ]

Kraft Foods, in partnership with the RED Group and Coles, has donated purpose-built outdoor furniture for Westgate Park using recycled packaging from The Natural Confectionery Company (TNCC) range and a selection of Cadbury Dairy Milk products across its blocks and share packs. [ + ]

The Climate Action Reserve, North America’s premier carbon offset registry, and Carbon Trade Exchange today announced a partnership that allows carbon market participants to seamlessly trade Climate Reserve Tonnes (CRTs) through a commodities exchange for the first time. [ + ]

A new report from the Climate Commission today shows climate change is already impacting on extreme weather in Australia. [ + ]