The Sustainable Packaging Alliance has received two significant Commonwealth government grants to support the development of its prototype rapid packaging environmental impact assessment tool, PIQET. [ + ]

ABB, power and automation group, has signed a Strategy Alliance agreement with the WA Water Corporation valued at approximately $15 million over four years to provide ongoing design and supply of SCADA, RTU and communication systems support and maintenance for the Western Australian water utilities network. [ + ]

Minister for the Environment and heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, said a new deal worth more than $10 million dollars agreed in August under the US-Australia Climate Action Partnership (CAP) would improve the economic viability of solar power throughout the world. [ + ]

The CH2 office building has opened in Melbourne, setting the benchmark for all future high rise buildings. [ + ]

Should Australia have a nuclear industry? According to the Prime Minister, John Howard, this is a debate we have to have. Cabinet has now signed off on his proposal for a panel of experts to investigate the economic, environmental and health and safety aspects of an expanded nuclear industry. It is due to report back to the Prime Minister by the end of the year. [ + ]

Thousands of tonnes of hazardous waste are being harnessed to manufacture Australian cement in an initiative to clean up the image of one of the world’s biggest polluting industries. [ + ]

ITT continues to strengthen its capabilities as a water treatment solutions provider. Kolon Industries has signed an agreement to exclusively supply membrane fibres and modules for ITT’s Membrane Bioreactors which are used in Reuse Systems and Drinking Water Systems. Kolon Industries will also support and provide ITT with long-term membrane fibre and module development. [ + ]

Australian scientists are developing a ‘magic wand’ to find out how dangerous soil and groundwater contamination is. [ + ]

This month, New Zealand’s top sustainable businesses will be gathering together in Auckland to celebrate their achievements, including energy efficiency programs, recycling, product innovation, involvement in the community and staff led initiatives. [ + ]

The Australian government has announced applicants for the $100 million Renewable Energy Development Initiative (REDI) will no longer have to wait for designated rounds of the program but may submit proposals throughout the year. [ + ]

WA’s future energy options will be under the spotlight at the Energy Options for Western Australia seminar at the Curtin University of Technology Council Chamber on 5 October from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. [ + ]

Australian householders overwhelmingly support government schemes that cut greenhouse gas emissions by helping save on energy and water use, a Newspoll survey in NSW and ACT has found. [ + ]

Australia’s diesel shortage can be solved by substituting and blending biodiesel, according to an Australian energy company. [ + ]

"Solar energy businesses can increase in value even faster than oil wells," said Australian entrepreneur and scientist Dr Zhengrong Shi. [ + ]

New Zealand needs to explore novel sources for producing biofuels if it is to play a greater role in meeting our energy needs, according to researchers at the University of Auckland. [ + ]