By Tony Wood, Grattan Institute The federal government has announced a long-awaited climate change target for 2035, committing to a reduction in emissions of between 62 per cent and 70 per cent below 2005 levels. Environmentalists claim the target is a failure, while some business groups and the opposition are likely to slam it as…
The air conditioning and refrigeration industry has called for government heat pump rebate schemes to be suspended until safety and performance standards are implemented. The Australian Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association warned on Monday that New South Wales and Victorian rebate programs are plagued by safety risks, poor performance and fraud. AREMA managing director Greg Picker…
By Melita Jazbec, University of Technology Sydney; Monique Retamal, University of Technology Sydney; Nick Florin, University of Technology Sydney, and Stuart White, University of Technology Sydney Australians largely support transforming the economy to increase recycling, repurpose products and reduce waste, according to a new report from the Productivity Commission, but they are being impeded by…
The NSW and federal governments have announced that they will spend $28.1 million each over five years to establish a Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence in Newcastle, aimed at developing workforce skills needed to support the energy transition. According to a release from the state government on Tuesday, the funding will “accelerate the…
Many Australian manufacturers are wary of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, thinking they have little to offer, or are not yet ready for deployment. Here Lisa Balk looks at how AI can support manufacturers reach net zero. The global manufacturing sector stands at a critical crossroads. On one hand, it is an economic powerhouse that fuels…
Building-integrated photovoltaics company ClearVue Technologies has entered the net-zero modular housing market through a pilot project with Australian modular housing manufacturer Prefabulous Pty Ltd. Perth based ClearVue is providing a combination of its advanced solar PV glazing and integrated solar cladding panels for use in a Prefabulous ‘FabZero’ Prototype (pictured). If successful, the collaboration will…
By Anna Malos, Monash University; Josh Solomonsz, Climateworks Centre, and Matthew Benetti, Climateworks Centre Australia’s push for net-zero emissions received a welcome boost on Thursday, with the release of an official report showing how Australia can seek to cut domestic emissions across each sector of the economy. The Climate Change Authority prepared the report, which…
A new $60-million Biosustainability Hub at The University of Queensland will use synthetic biology to help businesses transition to net zero. Funded by government, industry and UQ, the Biosustainability Hub aims to be is a one-stop-shop for big companies to transform their production practices and create carbon neutral economically viable products and materials. Hub director…
The economic value of government investment in collaborative research has again been shown in an authoritative new report – this time in meeting Australia’s net zero ambitions. The report, from consultants ACIL Allen, analysed 13 Cooperative Research Centres’ (CRCs) direct and indirect contributions to Australia’s decarbonisation efforts. The Mapping and Quantification of CRCs’ Work on…
Casella Family Brands, the maker of Yellow Tail and Peter Lehmann wines, has switched on the largest solar PV facility in the Australian wine industry at its facility at Yenda, NSW. CEO of Casella Family Brands John Casella said the facility was a major step forward for the industry and his business. Casella said: “We’re…