Browsing: Built environment

A new environmental pressure group, working closely with online activist group GetUp!, aims to harness the power of consumers to push retailers to sell only plantation-sourced furniture, flooring and paper.

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.

• ACCC approves levy on paint sales to fund recycling trial
  
• NSW council releases sea-level rise policy
  
• Gunns asks Tasmanian EPA to vary pulp mill permit
  
• Time to rebuild public transport infrastructure, ACF says
  
• ESAA urges Garnaut to rethink power sector proposals

• Government delays green tax breaks scheme
  
• Expect 'modest' abatement from forests and soils, CSIRO tells Senate
  
• NZ wind farm decision-makers obliged to consider 'national interest'
  
• Don't scapegoat renewables, Climate Institute says
  
• Major emitters to meet next week

The Australian Green Infrastructure Council says its sustainability rating tool, to be trialled mid-year ahead of a 2012 launch, will help investors decide which projects to support and make tender processes cheaper and more equitable.

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.

A Gillard Government consultation paper on a $1 billion program providing a 50% bonus tax break for building retrofits is seeking views on which projects to reward under the scheme.

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.

• City of Sydney unveils $950m trigeneration plan; seeks green infrastructure experts
  
• Improving existing buildings crucial in efforts to cut emissions, says Carbon Trust
  
• Academy crunches the numbers on Australia's low-carbon power options
  
• AGL challenges 'tyranny of dominant thought' on hidden wind costs

• Council to pay $131,000 penalty for EPBC Act breach
  
• Court fines quarry for breaching production limits
  
• New guide details how to use crushed glass in construction work
  
• Albanese issues urban policy paper