In 2010 the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE) awarded a contract to the Australian company Geospatial Intelligence to supply high-resolution satellite image products for public use to support the first methodology approved under the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI). The product selected by DCCEE was the Australia-wide coverage of SPOTMaps tiles - a seamless image mosaic generated from imagery collected by the SPOT 5 satellite at a resolution of 2.5 m. [ + ]

Representatives from Airbus, GE Australia and Virgin Australia have been shown firsthand the progress being made to develop a viable biomass industry in regional Australia. [ + ]

Researchers from The University of Queensland (UQ) and Korea have combined their expertise in polymer patterning and materials science in a bid to develop new-generation solar cells. [ + ]

A recent spike in worldwide carbon emissions growth was caused by the rebound from the global financial crisis (GFC) and is likely to be a one-off, according to a study from the Australian National University (ANU). [ + ]

There has been a significant development in the odour control industry with the forging of an alliance between three major players - Odour Control Systems Australia, Bioaction and BL Camtek. [ + ]

Nuclear energy is the only viable non-carbon-based energy source for the future, despite the recent nuclear accident in Japan, according to a James Cook University (JCU) professor. [ + ]

The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has released the ‘National Waste Report 2010 Evaluation Workshops’ study. The ‘National Waste Report 2010’ was launched on 7 May 2010 and is intended to assist government, businesses and the community to make sound policies and decisions, and help individuals to contribute to waste minimisation in meaningful and achievable ways. [ + ]

New Zealand’s leading rural recycling program is running a rewards initiative this autumn to encourage more farmers to recycle. The Agrecovery Rural Recycling Programme is offering 10 rural retailer vouchers to the value of $500 as an incentive to ensure famers and growers protect the environment. [ + ]

There has been some confusion in the media recently regarding the role of the Climate Commission. The following statement is intended to clarify its role. [ + ]

Local, national and international experts will gather in Perth this week to discuss the latest approaches to climate change. The day-long seminar, ‘Advances in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Opportunities and Challenges’, will be held at Perth Convention Centre on Friday 16 March. [ + ]

University of Wollongong scientists are behind the establishment of a global consortium which is using sunlight to convert water into important chemical fuels such as hydrogen gas. The research promises a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by reducing CO₂ from fossil fuel use. [ + ]

From 1 January 2013, Green Star - Design ratings will be valid for two years, as the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) introduces time restrictions to strengthen the robustness of Australia’s environmental rating system for buildings. [ + ]

The Think Green Cities started yesterday and runs until 7 March 2012 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. The conference, co-hosted by the Green Building Council of Australia and Property Council of Australia, is bringing together the industry’s leading green thinkers, industry experts and manufacturers for three days of green building conversation, innovation and collaboration. [ + ]

Manufacturers can learn how to apply for the $1 billion Clean Technology Investment Programs at a series of information sessions hosted by AusIndustry around Australia. The sessions will help manufacturers and business operators interested in applying for assistance under the programs. [ + ]

EMSc - one of the UK’s leading energy-saving solutions manufacturers - is expanding into the Asia-Pacific region with the opening of an Australian office for its voltage optimisation solution, Powerstar. Powerstar reduces electrical energy consumption and has been proven to save up to 26.1% of consumed electricity. [ + ]