Industry News
New workforce development service will help SMEs improve their competitive edge
A Manufacturing Workforce Development Service (MWDS) has been formed to specifically work with manufacturing SMEs to support and help them access the Australian government’s National Workforce Development Fund (NWDF). [ + ]
Vanuatu coconuts go organic
Four hundred hectares of coconuts, farmed by 216 growers from Sanma Community Coconuts on Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu, are converting to organic. [ + ]
How green is green? ISO standards can help
A new ISO brochure will help both manufacturers and consumer representatives understand how a simple set of rules and guidelines provided by ISO standards can ensure that environmental claims made on products or labels can be trusted. [ + ]
Water recycling fellowship deadline extended
The Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence has extended its deadline for water professionals interested in applying for a water recycling industry-academic fellowship. [ + ]
General Mills and Häagen-Dazs announce sustainable vanilla sourcing program
General Mills and its ice-cream brand Häagen-Dazs have announced an initiative designed to foster greater economic vitality for smallholder vanilla farmers in Madagascar and ensure the availability of high-quality vanilla for future generations. [ + ]
Public asked to take sustainability ideas to online forum
Amid Melbourne’s season of sustainability, with the Transitions Film Festival and Sustainable Living Festival all running in the city’s CBD, members of the public are now being asked to take their sustainability ideas online. [ + ]
Steering Australia to sustainability: 2050 and beyond
Governor-General Quentin Bryce AC CVO today launched a new book from the Australian Academy of Science, designed to guide Australia’s approaches to long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability. [ + ]
Micro CT scanner to further carbon capture research
A new micro CT Scanner installed at Curtin University will enable advanced research into geosequestration, long recognised as a viable method for safely disposing CO2 underground. [ + ]
Innovation award for ‘inspiring’ company
The annual Innovator Award from Environmental Choice New Zealand has been won by fitness centre company Les Mills. [ + ]
German engineer sends his robot into the desert
Ridha Azaiz, an aspiring German engineer, wanted to build a robot that restores the efficiency of solar power systems by cleaning the panels so they function properly. [ + ]
ASBEC releases roadmap to net zero carbon housing
The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) has challenged industry to consider how the residential sector can be made climate friendly, with lower emissions and improved resilience to the impacts of climate change. [ + ]
CDM Smith acquires NTEC Environmental Technology
CDM Smith has acquired NTEC Environmental Technology (NTEC), a boutique consulting firm in Western Australia specialising in the simulation of hydrological processes and environmental impact assessment (EIA). [ + ]
Westpac to invest over $8 billion in five-year sustainability strategy
The Westpac Group has launched its 2017 sustainability strategy aimed at addressing the most pressing issues in society and the environment today. [ + ]
Carbon price helps food processer cut emissions and energy costs
A $1.17 million Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program grant, funded from carbon-price revenue, will help Primo Smallgoods to reduce emissions and slash energy costs. [ + ]
Nestlé Australia chocolates now all sourced from 100% sustainable cocoa
Nestlé Australia announced today that every chocolate it sells is now independently certified to ensure the cocoa is sourced and produced sustainably on farms with safe working conditions. [ + ]
