Industry News
Integrating renewable energy sources into the grid
Professor Jay Apt has developed an extensive body of work looking at how renewable energy sources can be better integrated into the existing electricity grid. [ + ]
Engineers challenged to build vertical gardens
Participants in the Vertical Farming design challenge will build indoor vertical gardens using IoT technologies and methods that have the potential to change how food is produced around the world. [ + ]
Robot boats to respond to major weather events
Roboticist Dr Matthew Dunbabin has developed a flotilla of robotic boats that could monitor the effects of major weather events and provide early warning on potential environmental disasters. [ + ]
What do you know about your water supply?
The 2015 Australian Water Survey asks respondents what they think and know about water in Australia. The information provided will assist in engaging and empowering communities to help make sure that water is readily available and protected in the future. [ + ]
New operating guidelines for commercial property managers
The Better Buildings Partnership has launched Operational Waste Guidelines to help building owners, property managers and waste companies to work more effectively using a standard across their portfolios. [ + ]
$155,000 in funding for 38 community groups
The SUEZ environnement Community Grants have been awarded for 2015, recognising 38 community groups across Australia with over $155,000 in funding to help realise their project dreams. [ + ]
Sticky tape could help to develop thinner solar cells
Scientists have used sticky tape to create atom-thick layers of phosphorus, called phosphorene, whose properties could open the door to ultrathin and ultralight solar cells and LEDs. [ + ]
Labor's plan for a 50% renewable energy target
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has announced an ambitious plan for Australia's future electricity mix, stating that a Labor government will commit to at least 50% renewables by 2030. [ + ]
Kiwi students compete to save energy
Two student accommodation facilities at the Victoria University of Wellington have been pitted against each other in a competition to see which can save the most power compared to the previous year's usage. [ + ]
Government policy that impacts on waste and recycling industry
CEOs and executive directors from the Victorian Government's environmental departments will lead discussions at the Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo 2015 about the state's environmental agenda, including existing and future programs that impact on the waste and recycling industry. [ + ]
Xylem names new managing director
Jim Athanas has been named the managing director for water technology provider Xylem Oceania. To be based in Sydney, he will be responsible for driving revenue and market share expansion. [ + ]
Recharging electric vehicles
Audi Australia Pty Ltd and Origin Energy Limited (Origin) now have a partnership that is designed to help owners of the new Audi A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) further lower their impact on the environment. [ + ]
An app to tackle gaps in recycling knowledge
Victorian smartphone users will soon have access to reliable information on how to recycle locally, with the Sustain Me mobile application set to launch on 29 July. [ + ]
Flinders to develop solar-powered driverless vehicles
South Australia will become the first Australian state to legislate to allow driverless vehicles on the roads. [ + ]
Soft plastic recycling bins coming to NZ supermarkets
New Zealand's Packaging Forum has announced an initiative that will enable shoppers to dispose of their used soft plastic bags in special recycling bins located at supermarkets and retail premises. [ + ]