sustainableIT now offers Efficient IT solutions from 1E to Australasian organisations

Solar cell turns windows into generators

Imagine a world where the windows of high-rise office buildings are powerful energy producers. It might sound strange, but for the past four years, a team of researchers from Flinders University has been working to make the idea of solar-powered windows a reality - and they may have succeeded.

REC solar modules rated as global best performers in 2011

Photon Laboratory, which conducts the most recognised field performance test in the world, has announced that REC solar modules ranked first in the module field performance test during 2011.

Aussie green jobs hit a record high. So do carbon emissions.

The pursuit of green-collar jobs - employment that contributes to protecting the environment and reducing humanity’s carbon footprint - is a key social and economic driver here in Australia. Currently, green job ads are at an all-time high. But as carbon emissions and temperatures continue to rise, we must continue looking for new ways in which to reach a green future.

Collaboration to develop new-generation solar cells

Researchers from The University of Queensland (UQ) and Korea have combined their expertise in polymer patterning and materials science in a bid to develop new-generation solar cells.

Fission for a safe new energy source

Nuclear energy is the only viable non-carbon-based energy source for the future, despite the recent nuclear accident in Japan, according to a James Cook University (JCU) professor.

Mallee biomass farm tour impresses aviation industry leaders

Representatives from Airbus, GE Australia and Virgin Australia have been shown firsthand the progress being made to develop a viable biomass industry in regional Australia.

Global emissions surge back after GFC

A recent spike in worldwide carbon emissions growth was caused by the rebound from the global financial crisis (GFC) and is likely to be a one-off, according to a study from the Australian National University (ANU).

Seminar to examine responses to climate change

Local, national and international experts will gather in Perth this week to discuss the latest approaches to climate change. The day-long seminar, ‘Advances in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Opportunities and Challenges’, will be held at Perth Convention Centre on Friday 16 March.

Toyota unveils super-efficient and affordable hybrid future

Toyota has heralded an affordable compact hybrid car that will cut fuel use and emissions in half without resorting to expensive technologies or manufacturing methods. Toyota’s FT-Bh Concept, which is having its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, is about the same size as a Yaris but has shed well over 200 kg to tip the scales at 786 kg. The FT-Bh, which stands for Future Toyota B-segment hybrid, targets fuel economy of just 2.1 L/100 km and CO₂ emissions of just 49 g/km - almost twice as good as the Prius.

NICTA leads $5m geothermal ‘big data’ analytics initiative

NICTA is leading a multimillion-dollar, ICT-enabled, geothermal energy initiative announced by the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE).

Using sunlight to split water

University of Wollongong scientists are behind the establishment of a global consortium which is using sunlight to convert water into important chemical fuels such as hydrogen gas. The research promises a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by reducing CO₂ from fossil fuel use.

Hospital to maximise the power of the sun in Hervey Bay

ABB has officially signed a contract with Queensland Health to design, supply and install a 266-kilowatt roof-mounted solar panel system at the Hervey Bay Hospital located on the Fraser Coast in Queensland. The system will generate around 385 megawatt-hours of renewable energy each year, saving an estimated $20,000 on electricity costs and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 400 tonnes annually.

Powerstar opens Australian office

EMSc - one of the UK’s leading energy-saving solutions manufacturers - is expanding into the Asia-Pacific region with the opening of an Australian office for its voltage optimisation solution, Powerstar. Powerstar reduces electrical energy consumption and has been proven to save up to 26.1% of consumed electricity.

Veolia celebrates installation of solar power at Arndell Park

On 23 February, Veolia Environmental Services celebrated the successful utilisation of solar power at its Arndell Park facility in NSW. A 50 kW solar panel system was recently installed at the facility and complements the various environmental initiatives that have already been implemented on site.