AMS Instrumentation & Calibration has been appointed the exclusive distributor for the optek range of analytical instrumentation in its territories. [ + ]

The Australian Government has released the RET Review report - an assessment of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) conducted by an independent panel. The review has been criticised by major players in the renewable energy industry. [ + ]

The Bob Brown Foundation presented its 2014 Environment Awards at a ceremony in Hobart today, with the chair of the foundation, former Greens leader Bob Brown, acknowledging three outstanding contributors to environmental protection. [ + ]

Sustainable office building 171 Collins Street has had its green credentials recognised at the Urban Taskforce Development Excellence Awards 2014, where it received the Sustainability Development Award for its innovation and initiative in implementing green building practices. [ + ]

As part of Keep Australia Beautiful Week (25-31 August), the National Litter Index (NLI) 2013-14 has been released. The report shows that the occurrence of litter nationally is continuing an overall downward trend. [ + ]

The Australian Government Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing $21.5 million funding for 12 solar projects as part of the first round of its Research and Development Program. [ + ]

Professional services organisation EY has moved to acquire sustainability consulting firm Net Balance. The acquisition is intended to be completed in late September, at which time Net Balance will be fully integrated with EY, including relocating staff to EY offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. [ + ]

NASA researchers have found that Earth's atmosphere contains an unexpectedly large amount of an ozone-depleting compound, despite the fact that the substance was banned worldwide decades ago. [ + ]

Over 40 councils, energy providers, road authorities, contractors and designers from across Australia gathered in Melbourne last week at the Australian Smart Lighting Summit to discuss strategies and new technology for public lighting retrofits aimed at reducing energy consumption and costs. [ + ]

Minister for Education Christopher Pyne last week announced 16 new Australian Laureate Fellowships. The scheme provides funding for projects by world-class researchers, including Scientia Professors Rose Amal and Veena Sahajwalla from UNSW. [ + ]

Research from the University of Alicante, Spain, has confirmed that most of the waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is not treated properly - and that the uncontrolled burning of such products produces brominated pollutants which have carcinogenic effects. [ + ]

Silex Systems has announced that plans for the Mildura Power Station Project, located in Carwarp in Victoria, have been suspended. The decision was based on factors including low wholesale electricity prices and the uncertainty surrounding the Renewable Energy Target. [ + ]

Researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) have successfully replicated one of the crucial steps in photosynthesis, opening the way for biological systems powered by sunlight which could manufacture hydrogen as a fuel. [ + ]

Researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a system which recycles materials from discarded car batteries into long-lasting perovskite solar panels, thus solving several environmental issues at once. [ + ]

Olympus Australia has established a long-term commitment to food charity OzHarvest. The charity was one of two selected by Olympus staff members to be supported by the company. [ + ]