Engineering consultancy Norman Disney & Young (NDY) has confirmed the appointment of Tony Arnel to the position of Global Director of Sustainability. As well as being a founding Director and Chair of the Green Building Council of Australia, Arnel is also the former Chair of the World Green Building Council. [ + ]

Sydney Aquarium installed the Envirobank recycling machine in January this year. Similar to a vending machine, customers can deposit an empty plastic bottle, aluminium can or plastic cup into the Envirobank and they will be guaranteed a reward voucher for instant redemptions. [ + ]

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has welcomed the introduction of the nation’s first rating scheme for sustainable infrastructure projects. The Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme, launched by the Australian Green Infrastructure Council (AGIC), comprises a rating tool, assessment process and education and training programs.

After four years in the making, 38 sponsors and supporters, 135 members of technical working groups and committees, and 35 credits refined down from 85, the Green Star - Communities rating tool is almost ready for release. The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) will be hosting a ‘sneak peek’ of Green Star - Communities at Green Cities 2012. [ + ]

The French Red Cross and the Veolia Environnement Foundation have renewed their partnership for a further five years. Started in 1998 when Hurricane Mitch devastated Nicaragua, the aim of the partnership is to provide populations in difficulty with access to the essential services of drinking water, energy and waste collection. [ + ]

The Project Catalyst Growers Forum, being held at Townsville’s Jupiters Casino from 27-29 February, will see sugarcane growers meet with conservationists, natural resources groups and Coca-Cola to focus on reducing the impact sugarcane production has on freshwater quality and the Great Barrier Reef. [ + ]

Imagine you’re at work and there is a power blackout. Your company’s electrical grid taps into your car batteries. Along with rooftop solar panels and the energy stored in hundreds of your colleagues’ vehicles, this keeps the wheels of industry turning. [ + ]

The University of Queensland (UQ) is heading an international collaboration to further the sustainable development of high-value crops in the Pacific Islands. Dr Mike Furlong, from UQ’s School of Biological Sciences, is leading the $3.47m five-year Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) project to diagnose and research emerging pest and disease problems before they impact on newly intensified crops. [ + ]

On 23 February, Veolia Environmental Services celebrated the successful utilisation of solar power at its Arndell Park facility in NSW. A 50 kW solar panel system was recently installed at the facility and complements the various environmental initiatives that have already been implemented on site. [ + ]

Rockwell Automation on the Move is soon to tour Australia, providing industry with a showcase of technology, products and services. The two-day event commences in Melbourne on 6 March with the participation of the Hon Greg Combet, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. [ + ]

Australian manufacturing is moving towards a clean energy future as $1 billion in funding will be provided to the industry to improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution. The Clean Technology Investment Programs, launched on 16 February, will provide grants to help manufacturers buy new plant equipment which reduces carbon pollution or cuts their energy costs. [ + ]

University of Queensland (UQ)-based start-up company Bilexys has been announced as a finalist in the US$200,000 Imagine H20 2011 Prize for Water Start-ups. The company approaches wastewater treatment as an opportunity to biologically convert the organics within wastewater into high-value chemical products, including sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide. [ + ]

Sulo Australia is currently offering a free trial offer for its 360 L Mobile Garbage Bin (MGB) to councils that want to increase their domestic recycling capacity, reduce their landfill costs and comply with national waste reduction targets. The offer has already generated a lot of interest and positive feedback from councils, and has now been extended to 30 March 2012. [ + ]

Trility has announced that the $67 million Northern Water Treatment Plant (NWTP) at Kinduro near Townsville has commenced operation. [ + ]

Short-term exposure (for up to seven days) to all major air pollutants, with the exception of ozone, is significantly associated with an increased risk of heart attack, according to a review and meta-analysis of previous studies appearing in the 15 February issue of JAMA. [ + ]