$100 Million for stormwater harvesting and reuse projects

The Australian Government is calling for applications for funding to support eligible stormwater harvesting and reuse projects under the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan: stormwater harvesting and reuse grants round. Projects are sought that capture, treat and use stormwater to ease the pressure on drinking water supplies and deliver improved water quality to our urban waterways. Project funding is capped at 50 per cent of eligible capital costs, with a minimum project size of $2 million (eligible for funding of $1 million). Project work must be completed by 30 June 2016. Applications close Wednesday 7 December 2011. For more …

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What the papers say about carbon tax

Source AAP THE government’s clean energy plan contains some costly compromises, but retains its integrity by respecting fiscal discipline, acknowledging that adjustment must be gradual and recognising that the market should eventually set the carbon price, The Australian says in its editorial today. The bottom line is that targets can only be met through innovation. We must find cheaper ways to produce energy, and more efficient ways of consuming it. Providing the incentive to invest in research and development will allow Australia to determine its own destiny in a carbon-constrained world. And the built-in incentives that a price on carbon …

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Designing Food Sustainability and Resilience Systems for Cities

The impending food crisis and the current need for Food Security Policies have highlighted shortcomings in Urban Planning and land allocation for Food. There are both short term and long term solutions which will be canvased, with impacts ranging from allocation of land, urban planning, food education, food precincts and fresh food hubs. The proposal for and design of the Worlds First “Creative Commons” will illustrate how these sustainability issues can and are being addressed in an urban environment in Western Sydney, Australia with discussion of London and the USA. Information will cover Researching, designing and applying realistic and practical …

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A case study analysis of MCU Sustainable Banking – unique, innovative, competitive, “green” and successfull

The aim of this paper is to present a case study analysis of MCU Sustainable Banking Limited and contribute to the discussion on the importance and effects of various external environmental, social and governance factors on the success of investment institutions.  MCU is an innovative and leading, sustainable, financial institution that exemplifies the phrase “thinking globally, acting locally”.  MCU’s success supports the literature which suggests that corporate social responsibility (CSR) and being “green” are now mainstream and key ingredients in the complex combination of factors that contribute to the economic success and overall sustainability of financial institutions. Dr Gayle Mayes, …

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Exploding the Carbon Myths; The Carbon Response

The Carbon Response step by step guide to saving up to 70% of your energy use. How to significantly reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and increase your business profits at the same time? “Smart executives now recognize that companies can profit by providing solutions to problems like climate change”. Jeffery Immelt, CEO, General Electric. Beware of the carbon tax, apparently it could send businesses broke. Media is warning that electricity prices are going to spiral upwards with a carbon tax, like Chicken Little, it is just a fable that the sky is going to fall in when a carbon tax …

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Jewels in the Dustbin

As we confront the challenges of peak-oil and climate change there is significant emphasis on improving the performance of buildings, which is important. Architect John Cameron believes that good buildings are important, but they are no more than jewels in the dustbin if their urban context is not consistent with sustainability objectives. Urban design issues and the re-imagining of the public realm are vital prerequisites to a sustainable built environment. New urban extension and inner urban renewal can, and in some cases do address important sustainability and resilience questions. What about the rest? What about the post-war suburban aspirational belt …

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A 10-point plan for Coastal Australia: Report now available

A 10-point plan for coastal Australia: Towards A Sustainable Future for Our Coast 86% of all Australians live along the coast yet the major challenges facing the nation’s coastal communities are not being properly addressed. Continuing growth and development is placing the coastal environment at risk. Coastal communities are at risk from the impact of climate change. They are also at the forefront of having to deal with the impact of Australia’s ageing population. You can download the document from the National Seachange Taskforce website, http://www.seachangetaskforce.org.au/Publications/A10PointPlanforCoastalAustralia.pdf

Present at the Sustainability Business Conference in September 2011

The “Taking Care of Business: Sustainable Transformation” conference wil be held on the 15th & 16th September 2011 at the Radisson Resort, Gold Coast, Australia. If you would like to speak at the conference you have until the 15th of June 2011 to submit an abstract of your presentation here. Confirmed speakers include: Hon Kate Jones MP, Minister for Environment and Resource Management, Queensland Government, to open conference. Murray Hogarth, Director, The 3rd Degree, is a business environmentalist.  He advises corporate, government and community clients on climate and sustainability strategy and communications. Gary Horsfield, Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain …

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Sustainability Business Forums Opens

We encourage our members and delegates to discuss the challenges, opportunities and changes facing our industry/profession. Our goal is to collaborate and share knowledge and ideas for progression and seek answers from peers to improve the quality and processes within the Sustainability Business community. The Forum aims to share relevant and timely industry news, articles, whitepapers, research materials, case studies, and online tools to help the people and organisations foster innovative solutions. Privacy and trust are our core values, and we trust your judgment on how you use the site. Please remember that this Forum is for discussion and conversation …

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