Waste management research company AcuComm has found that the environmental and cash benefits of materials recovery are taking root across the world. The company identified 20 new or upgraded recycling plant developments in the June edition of Waste Industry Sales Monitor. [ + ]

A proposed ASTM International standard will help industry adopt more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices by informing manufacturers how they can incorporate sustainability into their daily operations. [ + ]

The City of Sydney took part in the Household Chemical CleanOut earlier this month, collecting more than 27 tonnes of unwanted hazardous materials from residents. [ + ]

University of South Australia commercialisation company Itek Ventures has entered into an exclusive licence agreement with Hyflux International to apply and eventually commercialise its coating technology in the global water treatment market. [ + ]

The 2014 Clean Energy Council Industry Awards were presented at the GE Australia Gala Dinner last night, held as part of Clean Energy Week. [ + ]

Australian Engineering Week 2014, to be held from 4-10 August, will highlight the impact engineering makes on our lives, our communities and the world around us every day. An array of inspirational, educational and thought-provoking events will be held around Sydney during the week. [ + ]

Kingspan Energy has commenced construction of what is claimed to be the largest single rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Australia, located at the IKEA Tempe store in NSW. IKEA is moving to roll out solar PV systems across its stores nationwide, and this will be the largest of its projects. [ + ]

Clean Energy Week - an annual event for the renewable energy and energy efficiency industry - kicked off this morning in Sydney. The theme of this year’s event is 'Energy at the Crossroads'. [ + ]

A University of Queensland (UQ) study has found that people who have environmentally friendly lifestyles at home often engage in environmentally harmful behaviour when they go on holiday. [ + ]

The City of Sydney has signed an environmental upgrade agreement (EUA) to help fund an energy-efficiency upgrade to one of the city's commercial office buildings. The $700,000 agreement will fund energy-efficient lighting, air conditioning and building management system upgrades to St James Hall. [ + ]

Consumer goods company Unilever has unveiled the first phase of its global #BrightFuture campaign in Australia and New Zealand. The campaign encourages employees to think about how they can create a brighter future and take small, everyday actions to make sustainable living commonplace. [ + ]

The 7th edition of the Industry Code of Practice for the Management of Biohazardous Waste (including Clinical & Related wastes) - formerly the Industry Code of Practice for the Management of Clinical and Related Wastes - will be launched on 23 July at the National Energy from Waste Symposium. [ + ]

Researchers from the University of Adelaide are using new magnetic materials to develop energy-saving electrical motors and generators. [ + ]

A new report from 202020Vision has analysed tree canopy cover in Australia's most urban, dense, local government areas (LGAs), revealing the complexities and barriers in addressing increased greenery. [ + ]

The carbon tax was given the axe today as senators voted for the scheme's repeal. [ + ]