Green building addresses global change
22 November, 2013 by Lauren DavisThe University of Queensland's Global Change Institute (GCI), officially opened in August, was constructed to be a hub for research into sustainable building solutions. The building's purpose is reflected in its design, with environmentally friendly features meaning the institute is carbon neutral and consumes zero net energy.
Herbs and barramundi - the perfect complement for urban farming technology
19 November, 2013With the help of Commercialisation Australia, Urban Ecological Systems Australia (UESA) has developed a patented $5m integrated glasshouse and aquaculture polyculture system whereby herbs and barramundi can be simultaneously and sustainably produced. UESA has now won a five-year organic produce supply agreement with Coles.
Global study shows impact of climate change on rangelands
04 November, 2013A team of international researchers, including Dr Matt Tighe from the University of New England, has found that the arid rangelands which cover around 70% of Australia may be profoundly altered by the impact of climate change. This will be due to a relatively small change in soil nutrient levels over the next 100 years.
Australian Soil Consortium calls for food revolution
28 October, 2013The Australian Soil Consortium (ASC) - a group of farmers, agribusiness companies and scientists who are concerned for the future of one of the nation’s most valuable assets - says Australia needs a nationwide effort to raise soil fertility.
Improving storage life of fresh produce to reduce waste
19 August, 2013If we can add just one day to the life of fruit or vegetables through using novel microbial management methods we can make an enormous difference, according to a UWE research team. The team aims to develop a practical means of controlling food spoilage, storage life and shelf life of post-harvest produce while also minimising microbiological contamination from contact surfaces, collectively helping to reduce waste and improve food security and food safety.
The science behind infrastructure decisions
13 August, 2013Infrastructure is critical to Australia’s growing cities and our way of life - what role do scientists play in making sure we get our infrastructure priorities right? This article is a Q&A with one of Parsons Brinckerhoff’s scientists, Barbara Pedersen, as a contribution to National Science Week.
Environmental risk - a banking industry perspective
04 August, 2013 by Grant Scott*The Environmental Bankers Association of Australia (EBAA) provides information on risk management, sustainable product finance, community responsibility and due diligence to its members. CEO of EBAA Grant Scott provides us with an insight into managing environmental risk from a banking perspective.
New South Wales CSG report welcomed by scientists, resources minister
02 August, 2013The initial report on coal seam gas (CSG) activities across NSW, by the state’s Chief Scientist and Engineer, Professor Mary O’Kane, has been welcomed by federal Resources Minister Gary Gray as well as biogeochemistry researchers at Southern Cross University (SCU).
Food additive for sustainably farmed prawns
31 July, 2013Following 10 years of research and development, CSIRO scientists have perfected the prawn feed additive Novacq, giving prawn lovers access to more sustainably farmed prawns that still taste great.
Sustainable chemical manufacturing centre launched
31 July, 2013The $24.9 million Victorian Centre for Sustainable Chemical Manufacturing (VCSCM) was launched last week by the Victorian Minister for Manufacturing, David Hodgett.
Study reveals the seasonal influence of aerosols on Australia’s tropical climate
29 July, 2013The first long-term study of fine smoke particles generated by burning of the savannah - open woodland and grassland - has been completed. This means the seasonal influence of aerosols on Australia’s tropical climate can now be included in climate models.
Milestone achieved in bio-based acrylic acid process
12 July, 2013In August 2012, BASF, Cargill and Novozymes announced their joint agreement to develop a process for the conversion of renewable raw materials into a 100% bio-based acrylic acid. Yesterday, they reached an important milestone.
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the city
09 July, 2013Research conducted by the University of NSW and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate System Science has found that an expansion of concrete and asphalt on the fringes of our cities could see urban temperatures rise by as much as 3.7°C by the year 2050.
Rising CO2 levels are making deserts greener
03 July, 2013 by Lauren DavisSatellite observations from the past three decades have revealed that Earth’s deserts are getting greener. A collaboration between CSIRO and the Australian National University (ANU) has found that this increase in desert foliage is linked to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) through a process called CO2 fertilisation.
Seabed survey marks next step in wave-energy project
25 June, 2013Wave-energy technology company Ocean Power Technologies Australasia (OPTA) and its subsidiary, Victorian Wave Partners (VWP), have engaged Victorian company Professional Diving Services (PDS) to conduct a detailed seabed survey for the location of VWP’s proposed wave power station off the coast of Portland, Victoria.
