Renewable energy on target for billions in investment: independent analysis
01 November, 2012An independent report from strategic consultancy SKM MMA shows that Australia’s 20% Renewable Energy Target has delivered $18.5 billion in investment, with the potential for $18.7 billion more if the policy is retained in its current form.
Solar Council rejects push to abolish SRES
23 October, 2012The Australian Solar Council has rejected a call by the Productivity Commission to abolish the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
Preliminary talks on EU carbon price reform hit home in Australia
25 September, 2012Preliminary talks held in Europe to reform the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) will flow through to Australian carbon prices, with the timing and size of any reform crucial for the Australian carbon price and for Australian companies, according to carbon analytics firm RepuTex.
Energy efficiency minimum standards a win for consumers
19 September, 2012The availability of low-quality, energy-intensive appliances imported from overseas will be reduced under new legislation passed through the Senate last week, in a move applauded by the Clean Energy Council.
Super trawler banned until proven sustainable
11 September, 2012The Stop the Trawler alliance has welcomed the federal government’s laws to prohibit super trawlers in Australia until science and consultation can demonstrate they will not damage our marine life and fisheries.
Are we planning away Victoria’s renewable energy future?
30 August, 2012Australia’s clean energy goals could be thwarted by recent amendments to the Victorian Planning Framework in 2011 for wind farm developments, a study by the University of Melbourne Law School has found.
Australia and European Commission agree on pathway towards fully linking emissions trading systems
29 August, 2012The Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, the Hon Greg Combet MP, and the European Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard, announced yesterday that Australia and Europe will be linking their emissions trading systems.
Queensland Government rejects drink container tax
23 August, 2012Queensland Government Environment Minister Andrew Powell has announced that the state has rejected the proposed national drink container deposit tax.
Solaris Paper welcomes Asia Pulp & Paper’s latest SVLK certification
07 August, 2012Australian tissue and paper supplier Solaris Paper and Paper Force has welcomed the latest announcement by its affiliate, Asia Pulp and Paper (APP), of a 4th SVLK certification. It has been awarded to APP’s PT Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper Mill in Serang, Java.
Review of Renewable Energy Target a threat to investment and jobs
27 July, 2012Major investment and jobs are at risk if the federal government changes the 20% Renewable Energy Target, the head of one of Australia’s largest companies told the audience at Clean Energy Week on Wednesday.
Property trusts capitalise on new finance for building retrofits
17 July, 2012A change in Victorian legislation will allow property trusts to gain access to finance for environmental upgrades, significantly increasing opportunities to retrofit buildings in Melbourne’s city centre.
Combet warns of price gouging on refrigerant gases
16 July, 2012The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, is concerned that prices being circulated by wholesale refrigerant gas suppliers show significant price hikes unrelated to carbon pricing. In many cases, these price rises have been similar in quantum across different wholesalers.
ACCC accepts informal undertaking for alleged misleading carbon price claims
06 July, 2012The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has accepted informal undertakings from Polaris Solar and ACT Renewable Energy for claims regarding the impact of the carbon price on household electricity prices that the ACCC considered were likely to mislead.
Withholding Tax ‘carrot’ for new green buildings welcomed but the ‘stick’ hurts existing green leaders
04 July, 2012The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has applauded the Gillard government for its commitment to Australia’s green building future, with the announcement that a smaller increase to the rate of Withholding Tax (WHT) will be applied to new building projects achieving 5 Star or 6 Star Green Star ratings.
Companies breach water-efficiency and labelling laws
28 June, 2012Eight companies from Victoria and Western Australia have agreed to improve their business practices and provide awareness training to staff after failing to comply with national water-efficiency labelling and standards legislation at their business premises.
