Industry News
SA to ban plastic bags
TEC welcomes the introduction of legislation to the SA government tomorrow that seeks to ban single-use lightweight plastic bags in the state.
[ + ]Voting open for Banksia's people's choice award
Online voting for the Banksia People’s Choice Award is now open, as part of the annual Banksia Awards. The award is designed to give the Australian public a say on the environmental project they believe will make the most difference to their lives.
[ + ]Survey reveals opportunities
The majority of respondents surveyed in the Asia-Pacific region (64%) identified their region as having great growth potential, according to the 'Turning Up the Heat — an insight into M&A (mergers and acquisitions) in the renewable energy sector in 2008’ survey.
[ + ]Crystals could change the way solar energy is used
University of Queensland researchers have made a discovery that produces highly efficient miniature crystals which could change the way solar energy is used and harvested.
[ + ]Tropical forest sustainabilty: a climate change boon
Improved management of the world's tropical forests has major implications for humanity's ability to reduce its contribution to climate change, according to a paper published in the international journal, Science.
[ + ]Calls for e-waste management system via 'Take Back' policy and energy star rating
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has called on the ICT industry and Federal Government to consider adopting a two-pronged policy approach to reduce the environmental effects of e-waste by introducing a 'Take Back' policy for domestic and commercial ICT manufacturers.
[ + ]Sydney program to slash greenhouse gases
Sydney’s sustainability program CitySwitch Green Office is going national. The program, which began as a joint initiative of three Sydney councils, will welcome Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth to the program helping commercial tenants improve their energy efficiency and reduce harmful CO2 emissions which contribute to climate change.
[ + ]Garrett opens climate law and policy centre
A legal research centre devoted to climate change will be officially opened at The Australian National University by Environment Minister Peter Garrett. The ANU Centre for Climate Law and Policy (CCLP) has been established in response to a growing awareness of the legal dimensions of global warming.
[ + ]SA winemakers and grape growers go green
Premier Mike Rann has announced an agreement that makes South Australian winemakers and grape growers the first industry group in the nation to accurately track and reduce greenhouse emissions.
[ + ]Cleantechnology industry online portal launched
To facilitate more efficient business, government and research interaction, an online industry portal that will define the 'cleantech' sector in Australia has been created. The portal depicts over 350 Australian companies with original products and services in the sector and it is anticipated that many more will be added over the next few months.
[ + ]Fossil fuels to power vehicles to 2050
Despite high world oil prices and major efforts to develop alternative fuels, the world’s car fleet will continue to be powered predominantly by fossil fuels over the next 40 to 50 years, according to the director general of the world’s peak motoring body, David Ward.
[ + ]NZ firms join international climate neutral network
New Zealand businesses are set to strengthen their presence and leadership on the United Nations' Climate Neutral Network — with 16 joining so far and others poised to sign up, Environment Minister Trevor Mallard said at a Wellington meeting of the international network.
[ + ]Wastewater projects win international prize
Two of Murdoch University’s PhD students have won international Huber Technology Prizes in Munich, Germany. The prize rewards ideas, concepts and results of research that are a contribution to the re-use of energy and valuable materials from wastewater.
[ + ]Bacteria turns poisons into greywater
A wastewater idea that employs 'designer' bacteria to 'digest' poisons in industrial fluids has been developed by the Microbial Solutions company.
[ + ]Australian research highlighted at biosolids conference
Exploiting the solid by-product of sewerage treatment and reducing the amount of waste added to landfill were two of the driving factors triggering a six-year nationally coordinated study into biosolids, the results of which will be highlighted at the Australian Water Associations Biosolids Specialty Conference on 11–12 June in Adelaide.
[ + ]