Archived News for Green Sector Professionals
The Australian Government has introduced into Federal Parliament the Product Stewardship Bill, which will help manage the environmental, health and safety impacts of products including televisions and computers.
Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell, said the new framework legislation will provide industry, communities and government with a consistent national approach to managing certain products. It aims to reduce hazardous substances, avoid and reduce waste, and increase recycling and resource recovery.
“Product stewardship is about everyone involved in the production, supply and use of products, sharing responsibility for the environmental impacts throughout a product’s life – from production through to disposal,” Senator Farrell said.
2011 Energy Report Released by ABARES
The Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics and Sciences has released its annual report into energy use and consumption throughout the country.
New CEO for Sustainable Business Australia
The CEO of Sustainable Business Australia (formerly Environment Business Australia), Fiona Wain, has stepped down from the position after 12 years due to ill health.
Duarte appointed director of UWA Oceans Institute
The University of Western Australia has appointed renowned oceans researcher Professor Carlos Duarte as Director of the Oceans Institute.
Australia strengthens solar technology research with Germany
The Australian Government has signed a new memorandum of understanding with Germany for research and development into solar technologies.
Garnaut update warns of climate change outlook
The Federal Government’s adviser on climate change, Professor Ross Garnaut, has released his update on the science of climate change finding that observations and research outcomes since 2008 have confirmed and strengthened the position of scientists who maintain that the Earth is warming and that human emissions of greenhouse gases are the primary cause.
New CSIRO environmental research clusters established
CSIRO has launched a new two new environmental research clusters.
Green Building Council assesses NSW performance
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), has assessed the NSW Government’s green building performance against five key criteria.
EPA gives green light to Oakajee development
The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority has given the green light to the $A6 billion Oakajee port and 570-kilometre rail development.
Tasmanian Government releases climate change reports
The Tasmanian Government has launched major reports to help Government, business and farmers better understand the impacts of climate change.
Draft planning framework for the Pilbara released
A new planning framework to guide development in the Pilbara has been released in response to many of the opportunities and challenges facing the region.
Built Environment Industry Innovation Council report released
Partnerships between Government, industry, academia, unions and small business have been demonstrated in a new report from the Built Environment Industry Innovation Council.
Report finds power bills hikes not related to renewable energy schemes
Sharp rises in household power bills are being driven by rising network costs and retailer margins not renewable energy according to new analysis.
Queensland announces new Wild Rivers initiatives
An Economic Development Mentor Support Network is part of package of new initiatives announced by Environment and Resource Management Minister Kate Jones as the next plank of the Bligh Government’s Wild Rivers program, aimed at providing Indigenous communities in the Cape with greater capability to capitalise on economic opportunities.
WA releases strategic energy discussion paper
WA Energy Minister Peter Collier has launched the latest initiative in planning for the State’s future energy needs.
Engineers Australia launches sustainability publication
Engineers Media, the publishing company of Engineers Australia, has launched Sustainable Engineering Australia, an electronic publication containing news and other information about one of the most important challenges for the engineering profession - sustainability.
Caring for Our Country review discussion paper released
A discussion paper on Australian Government investment in natural resource management has been released for public consultation, as part of the Caring for Our Country Review.
Economic and social impact of Murray-Darling Basin Plan paper released
ABARES has issued 'The economic and social effects of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan: recent research and steps'.
Coasts and Climate Change Council extended
The Federal Government has announced the extension of the Coasts and Climate Change Council until December 2011, saying its principal focus would be on advising government to ensure progress on coastal adaptation.
Life cycle inventory data for building products finalised
The Building Products Innovation Council is Australia’s peak body representing the building materials sector. It aims to provide a unified and coordinated approach to the rapid pace and expanding scope of regulatory change in the Australian building industry and the need for better environmental outcomes.
The Building Products Life Cycle Inventory will assist life cycle assessment practitioners, architects, designers, engineers, builders, developers and regulators to more accurately assess the impact building products and buildings have on the environment.
It is freely available to all industry stakeholders from BPIC.
For further information go to www.bpic.asn.au
ASBEC calls for coordinated approach to urban management policy
Australia needs a federal Minister and Department for Cities and Urban Development to ensure the nation meets its urban challenges, according to the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC).