Christchurch Civic Building wins 2012 Supreme Concrete3 Sustainability Award
17 October, 2012Athfield Architects has taken out the 2012 Supreme Concrete3 Sustainability Award for its extensive refurbishment of the new Christchurch Civic Building on Hereford Street.
Financing energy-efficiency improvement works
16 October, 2012 by Chris Nunn, NDY Sustainability Leader* | Supplied by: Norman Disney & YoungRising energy prices are foremost in people’s thoughts these days and although most are aware that investing in energy efficiency ‘pays back’, split incentives can be a barrier to investment. Environmental upgrade agreements (EUAs) are a new finance mechanism that promises to overcome this barrier.
Pooling together for success with water
16 October, 2012waterAustralia has a mission to create growth and international business opportunities for companies that supply to the water sector. Les Targ, CEO waterAustralia, talks to Sustainability Matters about the organisation’s achievements to date and what he sees for the future of the water industry.
Carbon capture and storage - is it a reality?
15 October, 2012Debunking the myth that carbon capture and storage (CCS) is not a reality, the Global CCS Institute has estimated that carbon abatement from eight CCS projects already operating is greater than that achieved by all other energy-related climate efforts combined to date in Australia or the UK.
Energy-efficient ‘enlightened’ innovator wins Cleantech Competition 2012
09 October, 2012A low-cost LED lighting design which provides energy savings of up to 93% has won the 2012 Australian Clean Technologies (Cleantech) Competition.
Fuji Xerox Australia ProfitAccelerator sustainability guide
09 October, 2012 | Supplied by: Fuji Xerox Australia Pty LtdThe ProfitAccelerator sustainability guide identifies potential opportunities that the carbon legislation will bring and highlights the financial benefits of adopting sustainable business practices.
AUT learning precinct is digital, adaptable and sustainable
08 October, 2012 by Lauren DavisSince November 2010, construction has been underway at AUT University for the city campus’s new sustainable learning complex, the WG Precinct. It has been a long wait, with planning having begun in 2006, but the project is nearing completion and will officially open in February 2013.
Spotless announced as finalist in 2012 Banksia Environmental Foundation annual awards
05 October, 2012Catering, cleaning and facilities manager Spotless has been named as a finalist in the prestigious 2012 Banksia Environmental Foundation awards in the category of ‘Leading in Sustainability & Setting the Standard in Large Organisations’.
Airius Air Pear thermal destratification fan
05 October, 2012 | Supplied by: VIM SustainabilityThe Airius Air Pear thermal destratification fan thermally equalises the space while also moving air around. The air is moved in any direction without turbulence and noise (or ducts) and in many cases in non-conditioned buildings the unit will be more effective to run than ceiling fans.
International speakers at 2012 National CCS Conference
04 October, 2012Carbon capture and storage’s (CCS) role in achieving sustainable development in China will be discussed by Dr Peng Sizhen, Deputy Director General, Administrative Centre for China’s Agenda 21 (ACCA21), at the National CCS Conference in Perth this month.
Latest population growth rate figures “alarming”
04 October, 2012The latest figures that show Australia’s growth rate has risen to 1.5% are “alarming”, according to Sustainable Population Australia (SPA).
First Australian carbon units issued
04 October, 2012The Clean Energy Regulator issued carbon units for the first time under the carbon pricing mechanism on 27 September 2012, signalling the commencement of the Australian carbon market. Three applicants received free carbon units under the Jobs and Competitiveness Program which were issued via the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units (ANREU).
Brightgreen wins sustainability award
03 October, 2012Melbourne-based LED lighting company Brightgreen took out the top honour - the Premier’s Recognition Award - at the Premier’s Sustainability Awards 2012 on Tuesday night. The lighting design company was recognised for developing the DR700 LED replacement light bulb, which is claimed to reduce power costs by up to 80%.
Western Australia at the forefront of international carbon research
03 October, 2012A new national research and development facility launched in Perth last week will play a critical role in reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by answering the key questions surrounding the storage of commercial-scale carbon dioxide (CO2).
China’s carbon trading pilot schemes will cover 2000 businesses
03 October, 2012The Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus, last week met China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Vice Chairman, Xie Zhenhua, to discuss action on climate change.
