Withholding Tax ‘carrot’ for new green buildings welcomed but the ‘stick’ hurts existing green leaders
04 July, 2012The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has applauded the Gillard government for its commitment to Australia’s green building future, with the announcement that a smaller increase to the rate of Withholding Tax (WHT) will be applied to new building projects achieving 5 Star or 6 Star Green Star ratings.
Infrastructure Sustainability rating scheme launched in WA
03 July, 2012Australia’s first national Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating scheme was launched in Perth on 19 June 2012, by Main Roads Western Australia Managing Director Menno Henneveld.
Awards recognise Australia’s climate leaders
03 July, 2012A NSW cattle breeder, a national grocery distribution company, a community project restoring tropical rainforest and a government program helping farmers adapt to changing weather patterns have been named the 2012 NCCARF Australian Climate Adaptation Champions.
Australian Energy Research Institute appoints Chairman
03 July, 2012The Australian Energy Research Institute (AERI) at UNSW has appointed internationally recognised industry expert George Maltabarow as its inaugural Chairman, bolstering important links to industry and government.
Carbon price to drive energy transformation, claims CEC
02 July, 2012The Clean Energy Council has said that the commencement of the carbon price yesterday represents a key step in the transformation of Australia’s energy sector, moving Australia toward a clean energy economy that will shield us from higher costs over the long term.
Hundreds of Australian businesses support carbon pricing
02 July, 2012Almost 300 organisations have galvanised under the banner of Businesses for a Clean Economy to voice their support for putting a price on carbon.
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.
