Primary Energy has announced an agreement with BP Australia for the off take of ethanol fuel that will ensure the construction of a $100 million production facility in Perth, Western Australia. [ + ]

Emerson has announced it has acquired Bristol Babcock from FKI in England, for $121 million. [ + ]

Federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley unveiled in March the Labor Party’s new blueprint for tackling climate change, including a commitment to reduce emissions by 60% by 2050. [ + ]

The 2006 National Pollution Inventory (NPI) has shown that the majority of measured contaminants and emissions being discharged into Australia’s environment is decreasing, particularly in relation to mining operations and water management. [ + ]

The NSW government has accepted recommendations from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal to reform the Sydney water industry. [ + ]

The Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) has developed a Waste to Energy guide, with funding support from the Australian Greenhouse Office (part of the Department of Environment and Heritage). [ + ]

The National Environment Centre and CSIRO have combined resources in the identification of water algae, through offering specialised training to the water industry. [ + ]

Retailers will have to offer an optional 10% Green Power component on new residential customer accounts under an ambitious greenhouse action plan that was unveiled by the NSW Premier, the Hon Morris Iemma, recently. [ + ]

Eco Expo Asia will be held from the 27-30 October at the recently opened Asia-World Expo venue, in Hong Kong. [ + ]

Nominations for the prestigious Banksia Environmental Awards are now open, providing a way for organisations to be recognised for their contribution to sustainability, environmental conservation and protection. [ + ]

An alliance of global companies has announced that energy self-sufficient buildings are a reality. The buildings will be designed and constructed so that they will use no energy from external power grids, are carbon neutral, and can be built and operated at fair market values. [ + ]

Residents of Victoria can now get rid of unwanted household paint by taking advantage of the free service, Paintback, which aims to keep paint out of the garbage and away from drains where it poses a threat to the environment. [ + ]

Transpacific Industries Group (TPI) and Australian Renewable Fuels (ARF) have formed a 50/50 unincorporated joint venture to develop a biodiesel production facility in Brisbane, Queensland. [ + ]

Dutch researcher Phil Ham has developed a mathematical model to calculate the natural degradation capacity of polluted groundwater. [ + ]

Installing on-site sewage systems in the wrong soil types can lead to potential environmental and health hazards, a Queensland University of Technology researcher has warned. [ + ]