Conference focuses on sustainability in building and design

Developments in sustainable design will be the focus of RMIT University’s 6th annual Green Building & Design Conference, being held in Sydney 30 April – 1 May.

Water planning in Australia

Australia’s national water commissioners met in Brisbane to discuss progress on water planning across the nation and announced that no Australian jurisdiction can yet claim to have a fully effective water planning system.

Line-up confirmed for international conference

The World Cities Summit, an international conference on effective public governance and the sustainable development of cities, has confirmed a line-up of prominent speakers for its inaugural event in Singapore from 23–25 June 2008.

Energy-saving lighting

The Halogen Energy Saver is claimed to last on average twice as long as the incandescent light bulb and use up to 30% less electricity, which amounts to up to 36 kg of CO2 during the life of the light bulb.

Carbon trading may mean $14 billion tax bill for Australian businesses

The Taxation Institute of Australia has warned that the proposed carbon trading scheme could reap more than $14 billion in businesses tax unless the Australian government takes immediate steps to clarify the tax effects of the proposed carbon trading scheme.

Sustainability research to be boosted by institute

Research into sustainability will be boosted by the Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute. Headed by sustainability expert Prof Peter Newman, the institute is a multidisciplinary research centre that undertakes research focused on sustainable cities and regions, and sustainable global development, politics, policy and economics.

Economic analysis of the proposed emissions trading scheme

The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research says it is well advanced with a study of the likely costs to the New Zealand economy of the Emissions Trading Scheme on which the Finance and Expenditure Committee is hearing submissions.

Dangerous climate at peak science showcase

Rising sea levels, drought and rainfall will all be experienced in Canberra in the first week of May when ‘Dangerous climate change’ is featured at the Academy of Science’s peak annual event, Science at the Shine Dome.

NZIFST goes the extra mile on food sustainability

According to the organisers of the 2008 NZIFST conference which will be held in June in Rotorua, New Zealand, many people in the food industry are confused about what food sustainability means and how they can put it into practice.

Competition presents eco-future of home appliances

A compact washing machine that uses nuts that grow on trees rather than laundry detergent; a device that turns plastic shopping bags into compost; and a detergent-free compact dishwasher that uses the cleaning power of water alone are the products emerging from Electrolux’s Design Lab competition.

Green IT hits the CIO radar

Adoption of eco-friendly computing is fast emerging as a priority for technology decision makers. A report by independent market analyst Datamonitor, 2008 Trends to Watch: Green IT, predicts a surge in CIO interest and vendor initiatives in the green IT space.

Carbon neutral public service program update

Agencies in the core public service released their carbon emissions inventories and carbon reduction plans as the first step in New Zealand's Carbon Neutral Public Service program, announced Environment Minister Trevor Mallard. 

Young environmentalists recognised

For the first time in 2008, Australia’s young environmentalists aged 15 to 25 can apply for the Environment Minister’s Young Environmentalist of the Year Award.

Call for applications

Online climate tools benefit farmers

Two tools released as part of a Bureau of Meteorology project will make it possible for farmers to find out more about rainfall and climate.