GE Australia has highlighted innovative local entries to its ecomagination challenge, with the winner to be announced by the end of November. The challenge attracted more than 40 entries from Australia highlighting a strong level of local innovation and progressive thinking about carbon reduction technologies.

Consulting engineer and environmental solutions company SEMF is to provide the engineering and project management capability for the development of a processing plant capable of producing high-quality biological soil conditioner and renewable energy from abattoir waste.

Origin Energy (Origin) and the Queensland Premier Anna Bligh have opened the new Darling Downs Power Station which will play an important role in assisting Queensland maintain a secure, efficient and reliable electricity supply, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

A consortium led by Mitsubishi Corporation is now the official shareholder of United Utilities Australia.

The National Water Commission has released its 2009-10 Annual Report. Acting CEO of the National Water Commission, James Cameron said, “This report outlines the Commission’s contributions to advancing national water reform in 2009-10.”

Melbourne packaging technology company Cardia Bioplastics Limited has developed a biodegradable plastic bag created from a blend of CO₂ (carbon dioxide) emissions and starch.

Sims Metal Management, the listed metal and electronic recycling company, has announced that its subsidiary Sims Group Australia Holdings Limited (SimsMM Australia) has signed an agreement for the purchase of the assets of Commercial Metal Recycling Services (CMRS).

The Australian Green Infrastructure Council has launched its Knowledge Hub - a free online resource focused on sustainability in Australia’s infrastructure sector.

Three new material calculators will ensure the Green Star environmental rating tools remain at the leading edge of best practice, says the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

Project Catalyst, a pioneering partnership helping to improve the quality of water flowing into Great Barrier Reef catchments has won a national Banksia Environmental Award.

Origin Energy has welcomed the release of the report by the Prime Minister’s Task Group on Energy Efficiency.

Westpac has announced a deal with the Carbon Trade Exchange (CTX), the first carbon trading exchange for companies or individuals looking to get involved in the voluntary carbon market and reduce their environmental footprint.

GE and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) have announced a strategic alliance which will include a combined investment of AU$20m over five years in R&D projects in the areas of healthcare and cleaner technology for energy and aviation.

National Australia Bank (NAB) has announced that it has fulfilled its commitment to become carbon neutral by September 2010.

South East Water is putting a new twist on the well-known idiom “one person’s trash is another’s treasure” through an innovative pilot project that will help industrial Port Melbourne customers play a greater role in managing their place in the water cycle.