Up to $5m funding available for water smart projects
26 June, 2008
Up 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, 2008
The 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, 2008
Carbon Planet, an Australian-based carbon management consultancy, has had its operations and services certified 'greenhouse friendly' by the Department of Climate Change.
Voting open for Banksia's people's choice award
18 June, 2008
Online 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.
Pharma companies getting serious about sustainability
18 June, 2008 by Kylie Wilson-Field
As 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.
The building blocks towards a more sustainable future
12 June, 2008 by Kylie Wilson-Field
Launched 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.
SA winemakers and grape growers go green
10 June, 2008
Premier 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.
Garrett opens climate law and policy centre
10 June, 2008
A 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.
NZ firms join international climate neutral network
05 June, 2008
New 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.
Cleantechnology industry online portal launched
05 June, 2008
To facilitate more efficient business, government and research interaction, an online industry portal that will define the 'cleantech' sector in Australia has been created. The portal depicts over 350 Australian companies with original products and services in the sector and it is anticipated that many more will be added over the next few months.
Wastewater projects win international prize
28 May, 2008
Two of Murdoch University’s PhD students have won international Huber Technology Prizes in Munich, Germany. The prize rewards ideas, concepts and results of research that are a contribution to the re-use of energy and valuable materials from wastewater.
Scholarship awarded
26 May, 2008
Waikato University postgraduate student Lisa van den Berg is one of three recipients of a Dick and Mary Earle Scholarship in Technology for 2008. Lisa’s thesis investigates the bio-resins derived from waste proteins of the meat industry.
Forum helps business go green
22 May, 2008
Companies in the printing, manufacturing and electroplating industries can learn how to cut waste and cut their costs, at a free forum hosted by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change.
Conference focuses on leading sustainable reform
22 May, 2008
The PACIA National Conference is on in Melbourne 16–18 June at the Bayview on the Park. The theme of the conference is Leading sustainable reform — a climate for change.
REM/SKM merger announced
21 May, 2008
South Australian environmental consultancy REM has merged with Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) to form a groundwater assessment and management centre of excellence.
