Murdoch’s scientists are showing off the latest developments in cutting-edge bioelectrical systems that turn wastewater into electricity.

It came as no surprise today that the Labor government’s emissions trading scheme was defeated for the second time in the Senate. Under the new coalition rule of Tony Abbott, only two liberal senators crossed the floor and voted for the ETS legislation. They were Senators Sue Boyce and Judith Troeth. At 33 votes for to 41 against, their votes were not enough. Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Matthew Warren said the defeat was a lost chance to start the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The federal government will introduce a new, simpler form of assistance to companies seeking to take their ideas to market from early January 2010.

More silage wrap is set to be recovered off New Zealand farms following the announcement that two leading producers have joined the Agrecovery Wrap Recycling program.

The Green Building Council of Australia has announced the release of a revised Timber credit, effective 1 January 2010, which allows for equal consideration of the Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) schemes.

SITA Environmental Solutions (SITA) has entered into an exclusive agreement with Organic Waste Systems (OWS) in order to deliver anaerobic digestion solutions in Australia as an add-on option to its composting and recycling facilities.

Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority has installed Sydney's most unique Christmas tree on George Street, The Rocks, which is made entirely of recycled plastic bottles.

A new $130 million program to help improve the energy and water efficiency of low-income and disadvantaged Australian households has been announced by Environment Minister Peter Garrett.

The Environment Protection and Heritage Council has released a National Waste Overview providing a summary of key facts and figures on waste and recycling in Australia.

A team of South Korean scientists has succeeded in producing the polymers used for everyday plastics through bioengineering, rather than through the use of fossil fuel-based chemicals.

Green Invest Ltd, an Australian environmental solutions company, will provide audit and facilitation services to help more than 400,000 householders across metropolitan Victoria reduce their carbon footprint.

The Commonwealth government is providing $26 million towards Australia’s newest research supercomputer, to be hosted at the Australian National University.

As part of its commitment to helping customers reduce their environmental impact, Fuji Xerox Australia has launched a new campaign to educate businesses about paper procurement.

Despite the economic effects of the global financial crisis (GFC), carbon dioxide emissions from human activities rose 2% in 2008 to an all-time high of 1.3 tonnes of carbon per capita per year, according to a paper published in Nature Geoscience.

The Prime Minister's Water Wise Award recognises water-efficiency excellence by the commercial and industrial sectors. Projects will need to demonstrate notable recent water savings and a reduction of water use in comparison to other similar facilities.