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. [ + ]

With the carbon tax now operating and energy price rises kicking in, the economics around solar power are making it look even cheaper. [ + ]

The Clean Energy Council has said that the commencement of the carbon price yesterday represents a key step in the transformation of Australia’s energy sector, moving Australia toward a clean energy economy that will shield us from higher costs over the long term. [ + ]

Better understanding of the groundwater and surface water impacts of coal seam gas production is essential, according to Professor Sue Golding from the University of Queensland, an international expert on coal seam gas and carbon sequestration in sedimentary basins. [ + ]

The CDP Water Disclosure Australia Report, launched yesterday by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), finds that only 55% of the ASX 100 companies that responded to the CDP Water questionnaire report board-level oversight of water-related policies, strategies or plans. [ + ]

Nubian Water Systems announced yesterday the first in a series of steps to grow its water treatment and recycling business with the acquisition of UV-Guard Australia, an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technology and services business. [ + ]

VCS has approved a new methodology to quantify and credit GHG emission reductions from projects that substitute gasoline with ethanol in commercial fleets of flex-fuel vehicles. [ + ]

Australia now has its first registered Green Star - Communities PILOT project. The ‘loop’ precinct in Canberra has been registered for a Green Star - Communities PILOT rating under the Green Building Council of Australia’s (GBCA’s) PILOT rating tool for sustainable communities. [ + ]

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), the national power system and market operator, does not foresee any energy supply security impacts during the immediate transition period following the introduction of the carbon price on 1 July 2012. [ + ]

Eight companies from Victoria and Western Australia have agreed to improve their business practices and provide awareness training to staff after failing to comply with national water-efficiency labelling and standards legislation at their business premises. [ + ]

Canon Oceania is calling for applicants for its annual environmental grants program. Grants in-kind worth $40,000* are available to Australian and New Zealand organisations making a positive impact on their environment and community. [ + ]