The waste sector in Australia has significantly advanced over time with developments in technology and research. This has not only introduced advanced/alternative waste technologies (AWT) but has also enhanced waste recycling programs and techniques. Despite all the advances, landfills still exist and need to be managed appropriately. This can create a significant expense for councils. Phytocapping is a relatively new technology that has been trialled in Australia and could provide a beneficial alternative technique for landfill remediation, especially for small to medium-sized sites.

The delay of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) until 2013 certainly slows investment in the renewable energy sector and favours only highly profitable/low CapEx projects. Despite the ETS delay, there are two incentives remaining for energy consumers to cut fossil fuel consumption: rising fuel prices and the generation of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

CSR's new HQ achieves a 5 Star Green Star - Office Interiors v1.1 rating for the fit-out of the Triniti III building in the Stockland Triniti campus at North Ryde.

A CO₂ mineral carbonation plant is set to be built in NSW, in a joint venture between GreenMag Group and the University of Newcastle, thanks to $3 million seed funding announced by the NSW Minister for Mineral Resources for a pilot project.

NIWA scientists put better nitrogen management on the farm to the test, assessing techniques for the mitigation of pastoral greenhouse gas emissions.

North Sydney’s skyline has a new iconic landmark addition following the practical completion of Investa’s Ark development. The development, with an estimated end value of $240 million, began on the site of the old North Sydney Telephone Exchange in 2006, and was designed by Rice Daubney Architects.

Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry The Honourable Richard Marles MP launched a zero-emissions demonstration home called AusZEH in Melbourne in April. The home at Laurimar in Melbourne’s north-east plans to set a precedent for sustainable living in Australia and is expected to use up to 70% less energy than a traditional home of similar size.

Sustainable water management and water-sensitive urban design is best achieved by a combination of underground in-system measures and pre-system surface treatments. Together with its underground solutions, Rocla now has stormwater treatment products from enviss for at-source surface treatment applications.

Wastewater biosolids have typically been considered a waste product and management has focused on disposal and volume minimisation. However, with rising energy costs and the focus on sustainability, lower carbon footprint and energy independence within utilities, there is increasing interest in recovering the energy inherently available in biosolids.

The application of two-stage turbocharging technology on Wärtsilä diesel engines has been developed through close cooperation between Wärtsilä and ABB Turbo Systems. Wärtsilä is focusing on developing advanced engine technology which, with the turbocharger, is able to reach the highest possible performance and become a cost-effective commercial solution. ABB Turbo Systems is delivering the turbocharging technology with defined performance in terms of airflow, pressure ratios and efficiency.

Troubleshooting energy efficiency for buildings may feel like searching for a needle in a haystack; but for the sustainability team at real estate group Mirvac, it’s all in a day’s work.

The National Water Commission has called for mining activities to be incorporated into water access and planning frameworks that are compliant with the National Water Initiative.

A Melbourne Zoo research project, to test a water treatment process to better manage bacteria levels in the Pygmy Hippopotamus pool, has secured funding through round seven of the Smart Water Fund.

Peacock Bros and Software Integrators have joined forces to produce a real-time waste management solution for truck fleets working on government waste management contracts. The solution, first developed for waste collection contractor J R Richards & Sons, includes real-time monitoring of every truck’s position, instant recording of waste bin pick-ups and a full history of the trucks’ activities during the day, including trips to the tip for unloading, breaks and time spent travelling versus time spent collecting.

With Queensland businesses reeling from a progression of double-digit electricity price hikes in recent years combined with a highly competitive commercial property rental market, many property owners are looking for a new competitive edge to help attract increasingly discerning tenants who are seeking smart ‘green’ buildings with low electricity consumption.