The Australian Federal Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) was changed yesterday in response to pressure from businesses affected by the recession. It will now be delayed by one year to be phased in from July 2011. Other changes included: improved compensation for heavy polluters and trade-exposed industries; the price of carbon will now be fixed at $10, reduced from $20; and the rate of greenhouse gas reduction required will be 25% of 2000 levels by 2020, if the world agrees.

Curtin University of Technology has opened its multimillion-dollar Australian Sustainable Development Institute (ASDI), which combines the resources and brain power of 16 research centres.

The Minister for Water, Tim Holding, has announced $5 million in funding for 21 water conservation projects across Victoria through Round 6 of the Smart Water Fund.

The $1.3 billion Green Car Innovation Fund is now open for applications.

Caltex supports an emissions trading scheme but says proposed CPRS is flawed.

A combination of engineering and modern biotechnology has been harnessed to combat offending odours produced by many industries including wastewater treatment and secondary waste processing.

CSIRO has joined a global network of private and public sector organisations which aims to promote the sustainable, fair and efficient use of the world’s freshwater resources.

A West Australian renewable energy company has become the first organisation to benefit from the Australian government's $10 million Researchers in Business program.

The world’s first Linear Fresnel solar power plant in commercial operation has been developed in Spain by a company majority owned by Transfield Holdings, Novatec Biosol AG.

$16.4 million in funding has been provided to 19 companies to pursue green projects that will combat climate change and support 189 high-wage, high-skill Australian jobs.

Western Australia’s renewable energy capacity has been boosted with the announcement of $4.2 million in funding for the Mt Barker wind farm.

The Victorian government has recognised local businesses and groups for their work in promoting sustainability through the Premier’s Sustainability Awards.

Sydney recycler WSN Environmental Solutions has processed a quarter of a million tonnes of resources in its materials recycling facility (MRF) at Macarthur Resource Recovery Park at Narellan.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett has released a consultation paper — A National Waste Policy: Managing Waste to 2020 for public review and comment.

A multipurpose enviro-friendly insulation batt made from recycled materials is among four ideas in the construction industry to each receive $64,000 in Australian government assistance to bring them to market.