Browsing: <a href="/tag/built-environment">Built environment</a> <i class="grey">•</i> <a href="/tag/energy-efficiency">Energy efficiency</a>

A new NSW scheme that makes efficiency upgrades a more lucrative prospect for building owners differs from a Victorian version in one key respect – improvements don't have to wait on unanimous agreement from tenants.

• NSW finalises pollution notification review terms after Orica incident
  
• NABERS building rating scheme goes 6-star
  
• Alinta Energy to upgrade Port Hedland gas-fired power plant

Federal and state governments have issued a regulatory impact statement on a proposal to mandate disclosure of the energy, greenhouse and water performance of residential properties when they are offered for sale or lease.

Research by NAB and ClimateWorks on retail sector energy efficiency opportunities concludes retailers could add an extra 3% to 14% to EBIT – but they would need to boost capital expenditure by about 25% to do it.

A trigeneration network switched on today in Sydney has adopted a commercial fix for a technical problem that has plagued the roll-out of tri-gen units in Australia – and it could prove a better model for Sydney City Council's efforts to deploy the technology, says Investa's Craig Roussac.

Developer Stockland saved more than $90,000 on energy bills last year at its award-winning new Sydney CBD office tenancy - highlighting the importance of planning sustainability initiatives in advance of a big move, according to the company's Davina Rooney.

Legislation passed by the NSW Parliament establishes a new funding mechanism to help building owners finance environmental upgrades, according to NSW environment minister Frank Sartor.

• Major study of Australia's cities confirm air pollution health risks
  
• NSW offers grants for energy efficiency courses and training
  
• VECCI 12-step sustainability program delivers cuts to utility bills
  
• New SA greens skills centre to target construction workers
  
• Lower rainfall will make logging unsustainable in WA south-west, WA EPA says
  
• CE Daily reader survey closing soon

• WA exempts aquaculture industry from environmental legislation
  
• Gladstone dredging project receives green light
  
• Coalition to suspend marine sanctuaries planning processes
  
• Greens propose tougher vehicle emission standards
  
• South Hobart council to buy energy use monitors in bulk for residents

The Victorian Government will introduce a bill mandating that the State cut greenhouse gas emissions to 20% below 2000 levels by 2020, give its EPA new powers to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and create a green carbon offsets scheme, says its long-awaited climate change white paper.