From 7-9 March 2012, 21 speakers from a variety of backgrounds will share their thoughts and theories on sustainability at the annual EcoForum Conference & Exhibition at Australian Technology Park, Sydney. [ + ]

A Bristol University team has dissolved iron in liquid surfactant to create a soap that can be controlled by magnets. The discovery could be used to create cleaning products that can be removed after application and used in the recovery of oil spills at sea. [ + ]

To meet Grange Resources’ stringent requirements to protect the Savage River from its nearby mining operations, pitt&sherry designed a unique hydrocarbon separator to ensure no hydrocarbons were released into the river. [ + ]

Optimising the wastewater treatment process using analytical sensors with automated cleaning is a cost effective way to reduce maintenance, improve efficiency and ensure measurement accuracy.

The University of South Australia has teamed up with China’s Tianjin University in developing the new China-Australia Research Centre for Sustainable Urban Development (CAC_SUD) to address the challenges and opportunities surrounding urban growth in the 21st century. [ + ]

Sydney Water Analytical Services plays an important role auditing treated and untreated water samples from various locations in Sydney’s water network, and Watson-Marlow pumps have been an integral part of its services for over 10 years. [ + ]

The technology behind an Australian-produced electric vehicle charger could provide an answer to the challenges outlined in the government’s Energy White Paper, thanks to its potential to lower investment in electricity infrastructure by helping better use the existing capacity in the grid. [ + ]

A rapid screening tool developed by an RMIT University doctoral researcher could enable the instant detection of pesticide residues in Australia’s water catchments. [ + ]

A partnership between Social Firms Australia (SoFA) and e-waste recycling company MRI allows companies and local government to meet the new requirements of the National Waste Policy while being socially responsible. [ + ]

From behind the eight ball to ahead of the game: how Latrobe City Council is leading the way in transitioning to a low carbon economy

ABB has developed a technology for the comprehensive recycling of contaminated SF₆ (sulfur hexafluoride) gas, based on an energy-efficient cryogenic process.The new technology, developed by an Australian team at ABB’s Moorebank, NSW, facility, will be implemented at a dedicated SF₆ gas recycling centre at Moorebank. Australia will be the first country in a global rollout of this new technology. [ + ]

The Bioenergy Australia conference which was held on the Gold Coast in November showcased some of the most advanced and innovative bioenergy technologies being developed from around the world.

This past year has seen great change and uncertainty in the energy and regulatory market for business. From increases in energy costs due to network augmentations and more increases on this front expected, to the splitting of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) into two parts, to the introduction and/or adjustments of a variety of state-based schemes, along with more stringent requirements for the commercial building disclosure scheme, and now, an expected carbon tax along with a plethora of grant and tax-break incentives to come with it. While my intent is not to discuss the specifics of what all these changes will mean, one thing is for certain, energy prices will increase and the effects on many businesses will be difficult to ignore.

In a scrap yard in Switzerland, right in the middle of the beautiful Alps, you can find one of Eldan Recycling’s customers - Cablofer Recycling SA. The company is a scrap-metal processor dealing with ferrous and non-ferrous scrap on a 40,000 m² plot which has been collected from companies as well as from the general public.

ABB has launched a new concept for turnkey concentrating solar power plants (CSP) based on a low-cost, highly efficient and highly scalable technology that is claimed to use considerably less material, land and water than other CSP technology. The plants use 70% less material, require 40% less land and consume 80% less water per megawatt generated than parabolic trough designs.