Sydney to host world congress
14 July, 2008Mayors, senior government representatives, business leaders and industry experts from more than 100 of the world’s largest cities are due to arrive in Sydney in October for the 9th World Congress of Metropolis.
Climate change adaptation program launched
10 July, 2008CSIRO has launched a multimillion-dollar research program in Canberra which is designed to boost Australia's ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Sustainability principles for building construction sector established
10 July, 2008The ISO 15392:2008 standard establishes internationally recognised principles for sustainability in building construction.
Three new ways to access rainfall outlooks
09 July, 2008The Bureau of Meteorology has launched three additional 3-month rainfall outlook products. The products give new insights into the chance of rainfall for the coming season.
Consulting service for climate change issues
01 July, 2008 | Supplied by: Arcadis Pty LtdHyder Consulting, Renoir Consulting and TFG International have formed an alliance to provide an integrated consulting service on greenhouse gas emissions accounting and analysis, climate change regulation and business improvement strategies for companies and government agencies.
Produce carton
01 July, 2008 | Supplied by: Orora Fibre PackagingSureFresh, Amcor’s latest fresh produce carton that won a Sustainability Award at the 2007 Australian Packaging Awards, combines good strength with product appearance at point-of-sale and is offered as an alternative to returnable plastic crates, expanded polystyrene (EPS) and some non-recyclable wax-coated trays.
Up to $5m funding available for water smart projects
26 June, 2008Up to $5 million of funding for innovative sustainable water use projects is now available in a new funding round of the Smart Water Fund. Businesses, community groups, individuals and research organisations are urged to apply for the funding, which is available for water conservation, water recycling and biosolids management projects.
Biofuels deepen poverty and accelerate climate change
25 June, 2008The biofuel policies of developed countries like the US and the EU have dragged more than 30 million extra people into poverty, according to a report released by international aid agency Oxfam.
Greenhouse-friendly certification awarded to carbon management consultancy
24 June, 2008Carbon Planet, an Australian-based carbon management consultancy, has had its operations and services certified 'greenhouse friendly' by the Department of Climate Change.
Pharma companies getting serious about sustainability
18 June, 2008 by Kylie Wilson-FieldAs little as 12 months ago, it was hard to imagine that businesses like pharmaceutical companies would begin to seriously address sustainability, but in a recent study, UK-based consultancy Envirowise, an independent advisory service that helps businesses reduce their environmental impact, found that financial and environmental benefits from resource efficiency could be achieved for pharmaceutical companies. Working closely with the sector, Envirowise says that it has become clear that growing legislation has had a fundamental impact on the drive to improve environmental management and resource efficiency in the industry.
Voting open for Banksia's people's choice award
18 June, 2008Online voting for the Banksia People’s Choice Award is now open, as part of the annual Banksia Awards. The award is designed to give the Australian public a say on the environmental project they believe will make the most difference to their lives.
The building blocks towards a more sustainable future
12 June, 2008 by Kylie Wilson-FieldLaunched in 2002, the Green Building Council of Australia is a national, not-for-profit organisation, which says it is committed to developing a more sustainable property industry in Australia through the adoption of green building practices. The council, headed up by some of the property sector's most respected identities, has the support of both the industry and government and has recently announced that it has over 600 members.
Garrett opens climate law and policy centre
10 June, 2008A legal research centre devoted to climate change will be officially opened at The Australian National University by Environment Minister Peter Garrett. The ANU Centre for Climate Law and Policy (CCLP) has been established in response to a growing awareness of the legal dimensions of global warming.
SA winemakers and grape growers go green
10 June, 2008Premier Mike Rann has announced an agreement that makes South Australian winemakers and grape growers the first industry group in the nation to accurately track and reduce greenhouse emissions.
NZ firms join international climate neutral network
05 June, 2008New Zealand businesses are set to strengthen their presence and leadership on the United Nations' Climate Neutral Network — with 16 joining so far and others poised to sign up, Environment Minister Trevor Mallard said at a Wellington meeting of the international network.
