A coalition of the world’s biggest cities, five banks, one former president and companies and groups that modernise ageing buildings has pledged to invest billions of dollars to cut urban energy use and releases of greenhouse gases, according to an article published today in the New York Times. [ + ]

New research confirms that avoiding deforestation can play a key role in reducing future greenhouse gas concentrations. [ + ]

The House of Representatives Industry and Resource Committee will continue its inquiry into the development of Australia’s non-fossil fuel energy industry with a new case study into selected renewable energy sources. [ + ]

University of Queensland and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have teamed up to develop and patent the technology to convert sugar cane into ‘green’ plastics and chemicals. [ + ]

Three of Australia's top universities have formed an alliance to lead the country in climate change research, education and policy. [ + ]

Lincoln Ventures, a technology company owned by Lincoln University, plans to offer a revolutionary new device that will allow industrial and wastewater treatment plants to rapidly test toxicity levels in discharges and provide a new level of environmental protection. [ + ]

From 1 April 2007, NSW councils no longer need to invite tenders for the supply of mobile garbage bins (MGB). [ + ]

National Greenhouse Accounts released show that Australia has steadied emissions growth and is on track to meet its Kyoto target. The Minister for Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, said that the accounts showed that there had been no growth in emissions between 2004 and 2005. [ + ]

Asia’s 3 million contaminated sites represent a huge export opportunity for Australia’s growing clean-up industry, according to one of the nation’s contamination scientists. [ + ]

The Australian government will invest $18.5 million over five years, partly funded from the existing Greenhouse Gas Abatement program, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from underground coalmining activities. [ + ]

This year’s Designbuild will be a landmark event for the Australian building and design, championing the green building cause. [ + ]

Event: The Banksia Awards
When: 19–20 July 2007
Where: Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour [ + ]

Water savings and water accountability were highlighted through inspection of the newly developed ‘FlowLab’, capable of certifying water control infrastructure, to improve the efficiency of irrigation systems through improved metering. [ + ]

Eco Expo Asia will take place 27-30 October 2007 at AsiaWorld Expo. Nearly 8000 visitors from 79 countries and regions visited the inaugural event in 2006, featuring 128 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions. [ + ]

International Composting Awareness Week 2007 (ICAW) is being celebrated across Australia between 6 and 12 May. [ + ]