Climate Change Adaptation Framework launched
28 June, 2012In response to the impacts of climate change on the built environment, the ASBEC Climate Change Task Group has launched a 10-point framework calling for a stronger role for government to improve the resilience of urban communities against extreme weather events and predicted future climate change.
Canon Oceania appeals for applicants to its annual environmental grants program
28 June, 2012Canon Oceania is calling for applicants for its annual environmental grants program. Grants in-kind worth $40,000* are available to Australian and New Zealand organisations making a positive impact on their environment and community.
Companies breach water-efficiency and labelling laws
28 June, 2012Eight companies from Victoria and Western Australia have agreed to improve their business practices and provide awareness training to staff after failing to comply with national water-efficiency labelling and standards legislation at their business premises.
National energy market system prepared for carbon price introduction
28 June, 2012The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), the national power system and market operator, does not foresee any energy supply security impacts during the immediate transition period following the introduction of the carbon price on 1 July 2012.
Australia’s first Green Star - Communities PILOT project registered
28 June, 2012Australia now has its first registered Green Star - Communities PILOT project. The ‘loop’ precinct in Canberra has been registered for a Green Star - Communities PILOT rating under the Green Building Council of Australia’s (GBCA’s) PILOT rating tool for sustainable communities.
Award for technological solutions to tackle basic supply challenges
27 June, 2012The Siemens Stiftung (foundation) has launched a worldwide competition aimed at identifying and granting better access to appropriate technological solutions as one of the key levers for sustainable development. The ‘empowering people. Award’ was announced at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20.
Australian businesses believe carbon pricing is here to stay, says EIU survey
27 June, 2012 | Supplied by: GE EnergyAlmost three-quarters (72%) of Australian firms believe the carbon price is here to stay, in one form or another, and 85% of firms directly impacted already have a carbon reduction strategy in place, according to a new business survey.
Award to commemorate Bob Hawke’s Landcare action
26 June, 2012A new agricultural accolade will be named in honour of former Prime Minister and Landcare advocate Bob Hawke.
Price gouging, due to carbon price, could lead to class action litigations
26 June, 2012Businesses that try to price gouge - or improperly inflate prices - following the introduction of the carbon price in July could be opening the door to a new wave of consumer class actions.
Preparing for the carbon price
25 June, 2012 by Chloe Munro*Preparations for Australia’s carbon pricing mechanism shifted into high gear on 2 April when the Clean Energy Regulator came into being.
Timber towers and social sustainability
25 June, 2012The second of the three little pigs built his house out of wood and although in the fairytale the wolf blew it down, the head of UniSA’s Zero Waste Research Centre - Professor Steffen Lehmann - says piggy number two may have been onto something.
The evolution of sustainable communities
25 June, 2012 by Adam Beck, Executive Director - Market Development and Sustainable Communities | Supplied by: Green Building Council AustraliaBuilding rating tools have evolved and are not just about the building but the spaces in between - the entire communities. Adam Beck discusses this evolution and the Green Building Council of Australia’s (GBCA’s) recent launch of the Green Star - Communities rating tool to recalibrate Australia’s understanding of sustainability at the community scale.
Building tomorrow’s markets: governments and businesses join UNDP to boost sustainable agriculture
19 June, 2012The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday presented an initiative to boost sustainable agriculture in developing countries through partnerships between governments, businesses and smallholder farmers to coordinate the production and export of key commodities like coffee, grains and cocoa.
ALS Water Sciences Group joins GHD
19 June, 2012The Water Sciences Group (WSG) of Australian Laboratory Services (ALS) has joined engineering, architecture and environmental consulting company GHD.
Castle Hill RSL Club cuts carbon footprint with cogeneration
18 June, 2012 | Supplied by: Simons Green EnergyOn 15 September 2011, Castle Hill RSL Club’s C2K Aquatic Centre turned on a new source of electricity and heat in order to improve energy efficiency while reducing its energy costs and its carbon footprint. After just five months of operation, the results prove that the cogeneration system installed by Simons Green Energy has significantly reduced energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
