Browsing: <a href="/tag/finance-awards-good-practice">Finance, awards, good practice</a> <i class="grey">•</i> <a href="/tag/carbon-law-policy-nger">Carbon law, policy/NGER</a>

The Federal Government has formally axed the $1.2 billion clean technology grant scheme, with Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane abolishing three bodies responsible for assessing grant applications.

Manufacturers and other businesses could be deterred from seeking financial support through the Emissions Reduction Fund because they won't receive money upfront, says the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.

• Hunt hints at price repeal attempt in November
  
• Government to host Direct Action roundtables
  
• Low Carbon Australia won't issue loans
  
• APEC leaders acknowledge carbon crediting mechanism

Carbon pricing is only one way to deal with climate change – but it's the best way, says BHP Billiton in its sustainability report released today.

Seminars coming up around Australia over the next few months will cover topics including environmental compliance, energy efficiency, bioenergy, carbon and water management at mines.

The way in which global top-500 companies report their greenhouse gas emissions is potentially misleading, according to a new report from the Carbon Disclosure Project, which also shows that linking executive pay to emissions reduction leads to improved performance.

There could be serious consequences for business if the Coalition repeals the carbon price, according to the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Emissions reduction fund spending won't change despite cuts to some other 'direct action' components, Shadow Climate Change Minister Greg Hunt has told CE Daily, while Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey has flagged large cuts to coal programs and 'suspension' of a major renewables scheme.

Cuts proposed today by the Coalition mean most companies would have only one pathway to federal energy efficiency and clean energy funding – competing against farmers, foresters and other businesses for 'emissions reduction fund' money.

A breakdown of who is seeking Clean Energy Finance Corporation support shows the agriculture and waste sectors have been quick to recognise the opportunities, and other parts of industry are likely to rapidly follow suit, says CEFC chief Oliver Yates.