Local, national and international experts will gather in Perth this week to discuss the latest approaches to climate change. The day-long seminar, ‘Advances in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Opportunities and Challenges’, will be held at Perth Convention Centre on Friday 16 March. [ + ]

University of Wollongong scientists are behind the establishment of a global consortium which is using sunlight to convert water into important chemical fuels such as hydrogen gas. The research promises a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by reducing CO₂ from fossil fuel use. [ + ]

From 1 January 2013, Green Star - Design ratings will be valid for two years, as the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) introduces time restrictions to strengthen the robustness of Australia’s environmental rating system for buildings. [ + ]

The Think Green Cities started yesterday and runs until 7 March 2012 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. The conference, co-hosted by the Green Building Council of Australia and Property Council of Australia, is bringing together the industry’s leading green thinkers, industry experts and manufacturers for three days of green building conversation, innovation and collaboration. [ + ]

Manufacturers can learn how to apply for the $1 billion Clean Technology Investment Programs at a series of information sessions hosted by AusIndustry around Australia. The sessions will help manufacturers and business operators interested in applying for assistance under the programs. [ + ]

EMSc - one of the UK’s leading energy-saving solutions manufacturers - is expanding into the Asia-Pacific region with the opening of an Australian office for its voltage optimisation solution, Powerstar. Powerstar reduces electrical energy consumption and has been proven to save up to 26.1% of consumed electricity. [ + ]

Engineering consultancy Norman Disney & Young (NDY) has confirmed the appointment of Tony Arnel to the position of Global Director of Sustainability. As well as being a founding Director and Chair of the Green Building Council of Australia, Arnel is also the former Chair of the World Green Building Council. [ + ]

Sydney Aquarium installed the Envirobank recycling machine in January this year. Similar to a vending machine, customers can deposit an empty plastic bottle, aluminium can or plastic cup into the Envirobank and they will be guaranteed a reward voucher for instant redemptions. [ + ]

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has welcomed the introduction of the nation’s first rating scheme for sustainable infrastructure projects. The Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme, launched by the Australian Green Infrastructure Council (AGIC), comprises a rating tool, assessment process and education and training programs.

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. [ + ]

The French Red Cross and the Veolia Environnement Foundation have renewed their partnership for a further five years. Started in 1998 when Hurricane Mitch devastated Nicaragua, the aim of the partnership is to provide populations in difficulty with access to the essential services of drinking water, energy and waste collection. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

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. [ + ]