Victoria’s Smart Water Fund has enlisted the methane-producing potential of algae and Flinders University expertise in a move to reduce the carbon emissions and the power bills of the state’s water sector through increased renewable energy use. [ + ]

A total of 115 Australians have been awarded 2012 Churchill Fellowships for a diverse range of research projects, with a number focusing their attention on enriching our knowledge and practice in the areas of environment and sustainability. [ + ]

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has accepted informal undertakings from Polaris Solar and ACT Renewable Energy for claims regarding the impact of the carbon price on household electricity prices that the ACCC considered were likely to mislead. [ + ]

Supported by a grant from The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Emerging Renewables Program, BlueScope Steel will develop a low-cost building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system for Australian residential, commercial and industrial rooftops. [ + ]

Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, today announced it is integrating Data Centre University, the globally recognised online resource of data centre courses, with its online, free, vendor-neutral, energy-efficiency learning program, Energy University. [ + ]

A study released today by carbon analytics firm RepuTex indicates that companies liable under the carbon price mechanism will pay up to 45% less than initially expected, with cost savings totalling over $10bn translating into significantly reduced carbon price impacts for Australian consumers and regional commodities buyers. [ + ]

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has endorsed New Zealand ‘no-tillage’ technology for reducing the impact of climate change on the production of crops. Now, the crusade to encourage more farmers to adopt no-tillage techniques on their properties has been taken to Europe. [ + ]

An international design competition will be launched on 11 September to attract plans to help transition the Latrobe Valley into a low-carbon future. [ + ]

Itron has announced that on 1 July 2012, water utility Sydney Water began the three-year-long installation of Itron’s high-efficiency meters to replace old meters that serve its residential and commercial customers in Sydney. [ + ]

The Cement and Concrete Association of New Zealand’s (CCANZ) 2012 Concrete³ Sustainability Awards are now open for entry, offering those in the construction industry the chance to be recognised for their sustainable achievements. [ + ]

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has applauded the Gillard government for its commitment to Australia’s green building future, with the announcement that a smaller increase to the rate of Withholding Tax (WHT) will be applied to new building projects achieving 5 Star or 6 Star Green Star ratings. [ + ]

Australia’s first national Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating scheme was launched in Perth on 19 June 2012, by Main Roads Western Australia Managing Director Menno Henneveld. [ + ]

A NSW cattle breeder, a national grocery distribution company, a community project restoring tropical rainforest and a government program helping farmers adapt to changing weather patterns have been named the 2012 NCCARF Australian Climate Adaptation Champions. [ + ]

The Australian Energy Research Institute (AERI) at UNSW has appointed internationally recognised industry expert George Maltabarow as its inaugural Chairman, bolstering important links to industry and government. [ + ]

Almost 300 organisations have galvanised under the banner of Businesses for a Clean Economy to voice their support for putting a price on carbon. [ + ]