Industry News
Sneak peek at new rating tool for sustainable communities
After four years in the making, 38 sponsors and supporters, 135 members of technical working groups and committees, and 35 credits refined down from 85, the Green Star - Communities rating tool is almost ready for release. The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) will be hosting a ‘sneak peek’ of Green Star - Communities at Green Cities 2012. [ + ]
Australia and India collaborate on green energy management system
Imagine you’re at work and there is a power blackout. Your company’s electrical grid taps into your car batteries. Along with rooftop solar panels and the energy stored in hundreds of your colleagues’ vehicles, this keeps the wheels of industry turning. [ + ]
UQ heads international collaboration to strengthen crop management across the Pacific
The University of Queensland (UQ) is heading an international collaboration to further the sustainable development of high-value crops in the Pacific Islands. Dr Mike Furlong, from UQ’s School of Biological Sciences, is leading the $3.47m five-year Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) project to diagnose and research emerging pest and disease problems before they impact on newly intensified crops. [ + ]
Cane growers, conservationists and Coca-Cola meet in Townsville for the Project Catalyst Growers Forum
The Project Catalyst Growers Forum, being held at Townsville’s Jupiters Casino from 27-29 February, will see sugarcane growers meet with conservationists, natural resources groups and Coca-Cola to focus on reducing the impact sugarcane production has on freshwater quality and the Great Barrier Reef. [ + ]
Veolia celebrates installation of solar power at Arndell Park
On 23 February, Veolia Environmental Services celebrated the successful utilisation of solar power at its Arndell Park facility in NSW. A 50 kW solar panel system was recently installed at the facility and complements the various environmental initiatives that have already been implemented on site. [ + ]
Rockwell Automation on the Move in Melbourne
Rockwell Automation on the Move is soon to tour Australia, providing industry with a showcase of technology, products and services. The two-day event commences in Melbourne on 6 March with the participation of the Hon Greg Combet, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. [ + ]
Clean Technology Investment Programs move Australian manufacturing towards a cleaner future
Australian manufacturing is moving towards a clean energy future as $1 billion in funding will be provided to the industry to improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution. The Clean Technology Investment Programs, launched on 16 February, will provide grants to help manufacturers buy new plant equipment which reduces carbon pollution or cuts their energy costs. [ + ]
UQ wastewater innovation vies for international water prize
University of Queensland (UQ)-based start-up company Bilexys has been announced as a finalist in the US$200,000 Imagine H20 2011 Prize for Water Start-ups. The company approaches wastewater treatment as an opportunity to biologically convert the organics within wastewater into high-value chemical products, including sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide. [ + ]
Free Sulo 360 L bin trial
Sulo Australia is currently offering a free trial offer for its 360 L Mobile Garbage Bin (MGB) to councils that want to increase their domestic recycling capacity, reduce their landfill costs and comply with national waste reduction targets. The offer has already generated a lot of interest and positive feedback from councils, and has now been extended to 30 March 2012. [ + ]
Northern Water Treatment Plant supplying water to Townsville residents
Trility has announced that the $67 million Northern Water Treatment Plant (NWTP) at Kinduro near Townsville has commenced operation. [ + ]
Short-term exposure to most major air pollutants associated with increased risk of heart attack
Short-term exposure (for up to seven days) to all major air pollutants, with the exception of ozone, is significantly associated with an increased risk of heart attack, according to a review and meta-analysis of previous studies appearing in the 15 February issue of JAMA. [ + ]
NABERS training series now open for registrations
The 2012 NABERS training series for people to become accredited assessors or simply better understand how the NABERS rating tools work are now open for registration. Courses are being held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra.
[ + ]Reducing carbon pollution at the core of new study
Curtin University researchers have been awarded a $1.4 million grant to independently assess the injection capacity of carbon dioxide (CO2) at selected sites, to assist local communities, industry and government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. [ + ]
Forum promotes new water technologies
Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) and Isle Utilities have announced a partnership to deliver the Technology Approval Group (TAG) to Australian water utilities. TAG is an innovation forum designed to accelerate the commercialisation of new water technologies. [ + ]
Chloe Munro to take up new position as Chair/CEO of the Clean Energy Regulator
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, the Hon Greg Combet, has announced the appointment of Chloe Munro as Chair/CEO of the new Clean Energy Regulator with effect from 2 April. The Clean Energy Regulator will implement and administer the carbon price mechanism, the National Greenhouse Energy Reporting Scheme, the Renewable Energy Target, the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units and the Carbon Farming Initiative. [ + ]