Environment

Australian businesses can learn about circularity from Europe’s new product eco-design rules

Ross Thompson, Greenbox In the face of climate change, governments and businesses are either pushing or being inevitably pulled to reset their strategies, practices and systems from linear to circular. Legislation and regulations, along with certifications, are a key lever for this mega trend. Mandatory climate-related financial disclosure for big business in Australia and other jurisdictions are just the start of changing times. Keeping household and business products and materials in use is one part of the circular picture, and countries at the forefront of circularity are creating regulatory frameworks that design waste and pollution out of the system. Europe is at the leading edge of this seismic shift. The region provides an indication of what Australian companies might expect ahead and indeed will soon be impacted by when exporting. Let’s consider some notable features and implications of Europe’s new product eco-design rules, which came into force in July 2024: Sustainable products becoming the rule, not the exception The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulations (ESPR) are a framework for setting ecodesign requirements on specific product groups (almost all physical products) – implemented gradually over time based on prioritisation. Priority products range from steel and textiles to tyres, detergents and ICT products and other electronics. These rules will be developed based on scientific evidence, economic analysis and stakeholder consultation. The aim is to improve circularity, energy performance and other sustainability aspects of products placed on the EU market. This regulation brings in rules for a broader range of products and more expansive rules as appropriate. Towards a circular economy, it’s about better durability, reusability, upgradability, reparability, recycling, resource efficiency, carbon footprint and information transparency. Scanning products for sustainability, stop destroying unsold products, and ‘Green Public Procurement’ Novel measures in the ESPR are a ‘Digital Product Passport’, rules to address the destruction […]

Caroline Cherry is the WA Director of the Australian Energy Producers.

Accelerate new gas projects to fuel WA’s economy

Industry efforts in Western Australia to boost gas supply have eased concerns around potential shortfalls, but fast-tracking new gas projects remains critical to ensure reliable energy for the state’s households and industry. The Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) 2024 Western Australian Gas Statement of Opportunities (GSOO) today confirmed the state’s gas industry has led an improved near-term gas supply outlook compared to last year, with sufficient supply forecast through to 2027. “The GSOO confirms the industry has stepped up to provide more gas to the WA domestic market,” Australian Energy Producers WA Director Caroline Cherry said. “However, a forecast increase in WA’s gas consumption from 2027 reinforces the need for more investment in new gas supply. “The GSOO forecasts a risk of annual supply gaps that will require new sources of supply from 2030 onwards as a result of increased demand from industrial and commercial users coinciding with depletion of existing gas fields.” Ms Cherry said additional gas supply was critical to growing WA’s mining and manufacturing industries and to continue to provide reliable and affordable electricity, with gas generating 60 per cent of WA’s power. “Getting the state’s energy policy right to incentivise investment in exploration and project development will be key to securing WA’s long-term energy needs,” Ms Cherry said. “The GSOO identifies fast-tracking proposed projects and new gas fields as an action to eliminate the risk of a supply shortfall before 2030.” AEMO reinforced “These gas fields could be developed as separate or expansion projects to take advantage of the LNG export incentive under the updated Western Australian Domestic Gas Policy”. “The industry looks forward to continuing to work with the WA Government to unlock new supply and ensure affordable and reliable energy for WA homes and businesses,” Ms Cherry said.

Sense and Landis+Gyr partner for flexible energy transition in Australia and New Zealand

Sense, a leader in embedded intelligence that transforms the relationship between people, homes and the grid, and Landis+Gyr, a leading global provider of integrated energy management solutions have announced an Asia Pacific regional partnership. The partnership will initially focus on the fast developing Australian and New Zealand markets to support the energy transition to consumer energy resources (CER) systems. Landis+Gyr will extend Sense’s software into the company’s Grid Edge ready smart meters in Australia and New Zealand, leveraging Landis+Gyr’s proven and leading-edge deployments in North America with Sense to provide unprecedented, real-time analytics by utilising high resolution waveform sensing capabilities for utilities and consumers to manage energy more proactively. “The future of the grid is flexible, decarbonised, integrated, and powered by machine learning. With Australia leading the world in the uptake of rooftop solar and more than 80 per cent of New Zealand’s electricity generated by renewables, our partnership with Sense positions Landis+Gyr well to support distribution networks, retailers, metering services providers, and consumers to unlock more benefits from the future flexible grid with real-time insights,” explains David Maclean, Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific, Landis+Gyr. With Sense’s machine learning software integrated in Landis+Gyr’s Grid Edge ready smart meters, utilities will have improved visibility on the grid to identify fault conditions, predict peak demand and provide proactive safety alerts that ultimately support the growth and integration of consumer energy resources – areas where utilities need most visibility in the energy transition. For consumers, this will deliver real-time information through the identification of different household devices while integrating with other smart devices such as solar, batteries and EVs, enabling them to monitor, control, and track their energy usage.

Global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels continue to increase

Global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil fuels have reached a record high in 2024 but total emissions from fossil fuel and land use changes over the last decade have stabilised, according to the Global Carbon Budget. The report is produced by leading research international organisations, including CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, as part of the Global Carbon Project. It provides an overview of the global carbon cycle, including both natural and human-induced emissions. CO₂ is a long-lived greenhouse gas, and along with methane and nitrous oxide, it leads to human-driven climate change. It can persist for hundreds of years in the atmosphere. CSIRO’s Dr Pep Canadell, Global Carbon Project Executive Director, said the report shows global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels continue to rise despite significant increases in the adoption of renewable energy. “We have seen a 0.8 per cent increase in global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels in 2024, compared to 2023,” Dr Canadell said. “This equates to a total of 37.4 billion tonnes of CO₂ projected to be emitted in the atmosphere from fossil fuel use this year alone.” Key findings: · The growth in 2024 fossil emissions comes on top of a 1.4% growth in 2023 emissions. · CO₂ emissions from land-use changes such as deforestation have on average declined over the past decade. This means total emissions from both fossil fuels and natural sources have stabilised over the last decade. · Globally, fossil fuel CO₂ emissions come from coal (41 per cent), oil (32 per cent) and gas (21 per cent). · China contributed 32 per cent of total global CO₂ emissions, followed by the United States (13 per cent), India (8 per cent) and the European Union (7 per cent). · By the end of 2024, CO₂ concentrations are projected to reach 422.5 parts per […]

Partnership to revolutionise sustainable building materials industry

Wandarra Pty Ltd and Hexcore Pty Ltd’ strategic partnership combines Wandarra’s expertise in industrial hemp production with Hexcore’s innovative hemp composite technologies, setting a new standard for eco-friendly construction solutions. This partnership aims to transform the industrial hemp construction industry across Australia, in doing so addressing the Australian Government’s key initiatives in Carbon Reduction Emission and Housing Construction targets, supporting environmental sustainability by leveraging Wandarra’s regional resources and Hexcore’s cutting-edge technologies. Wandarra Pty Ltd, “BEyond Green”, is a leader in vertical integration of industrial hemp cultivation and processing, bringing in its cutting-edge ThriveTech™ – “Grow Better Now” and Trace360™ – “Seeds to Success” platforms to the table. These technologies ensure maximum yield, quality and traceability, making Wandarra a pioneer in the hemp industry. . Key Highlights of the Joint Venture: Innovative Products: The collaboration will focus on developing a new range of hemp-based construction materials that offer superior strength, durability, and sustainability. Environmental Impact: By leveraging the carbon-sequestering properties of hemp, the joint venture aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects whilst improving the regenerative properties of soil used for hemp crops. Economic Growth: This partnership is set to boost the North Queensland economy by creating advanced manufacturing jobs, creating long term demand for hemp crops with regional farms, alleviate building material shortages, investing in critical infrastructure and regional development. Research and Development: Both companies will pool their R&D resources to drive innovation and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving sustainable materials market. Hexcore Pty Ltd, renowned for its range of existing sustainable hemp composite materials, has been at the forefront of creating high-performance, eco-conscious construction products. Their commitment to reducing the environmental footprint aligns perfectly with Wandarra’s mission.

100% recyclable, 65% less plastic, no compromises

Arborgreen sees a better way to grow. One that protects without compromise. One that is as strong as it is sustainable. A way forward as revolutionary, as it is recyclable. A way that looks beyond today, to the impact we can make tomorrow. Available exclusively from Arborgreen, the new Mallee Elemental 65 tree guard moves the way to grow beyond plant protection, to what we can do to protect the future, by reducing the impact of plastic on the environment and by recycling and reusing what we have today, reducing the need for raw materials. Tested and proven to perform without the performance compromises of other sustainable tree guards, the Mallee Elemental 65 tree guard is made from UNiCOR, an innovative new fluted product with 65% less plastic than traditional tree guards, that is 100% recyclable though a national network of depots. Jason Gooden, Arborgreen Managing Director said, “Time is the most significant cost in any project. This is why the traditional fluted plastic tree guard has, until now, been the most popular tree guard—it is the fastest to install, the most durable, and the most reusable. The Mallee Elemental 65 Tree Guard is fast to install, durable, and reusable, and by reducing the plastic content by 65%, it is a product that not only protects trees but also protects the future.” The Mallee Elemental 65 tree guard is just the start, with new (and even more sustainable) products currently in development. Arborgreen is committed to helping Australia grow, by providing the best tools for better environments; if a solution exists, they’ll find it. If it doesn’t, they’ll make one. Marc Jarvis, Head of Marketing, Arborgreen adds, “Our new Mallee Elemental 65 Tree Guard is a testament to our mission of delivering innovative solutions that are as good for the […]

Free commercial heat pump upgrade now available in Victoria

Victorian businesses now have an un-missable opportunity to upgrade their old gas-powered hot water systems to energy-efficient heat pumps at no cost. It comes courtesy of the Victorian State Government’s Commercial Heat Pump Rebate program. This initiative is part of the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) scheme, which aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions across the state. Victoria has a 2050 net-zero carbon target. Efficient Energy Group – Victorian Energy Upgrades Partner Efficient Energy Group (link)https://www.efficientenergygroup.com.au/free-commercial-hot-water-system-for-businesses-vic/ (EEG) is committed to helping Victorian businesses switch to energy-efficient hot water systems. The company offers a free upgrade to a heat pump system in commercial buildings with gas hot water systems that are at least 10 years old. This offer is exclusive to commercial properties. Home offices do not qualify. CEO Joshua Liptak encourages all eligible Victorian businesses to take full advantage of this rebate, which covers both the cost of the heat pump system and its installation. He explains, “Switching fromgas to a heat pump is a win-win for businesses. It reduces your energy bills while contributing to a more sustainable future. This is a very simple but very effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and future-proof your business against rising energy costs.” Maximise Energy Efficiency with Heat Pumps Why heat pumps? Liptak explains, “Heat pumps heat water using ‘thermal transfer’. So, essentially, they extract heat from the air, and transfer it to the water. This makes them significantly more energy- efficient than traditional gas systems.” He adds, “By only using electricity as part of the heat extraction process and not to directly heat water, these pumps can produce up to three times more heat energy for the electrical energy they consume! This not only lowers operational costs but also helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint.” Key Benefits of […]

Climate smarts:The role of Australian companies in addressing climate change through technology

by Ross Thompson CEO, Greenbox Manufacturers across the Asia Pacific region – from Singapore to Sydney, Adelaide to Auckland – are central to decarbonisation. If Australia and its business ecosystem doesn’t ride the opportunity winds to its 2050 net zero target, don’t expect too much wealth and health to flow through the Australian economy in the years ahead. Current events and latest polls tell us that Federal and State Policies have taken too long to implement. Meanwhile, a majority in our households and the workplace are thinking ‘just get on with it.’ As the presidential election approaches in the US, should the Democratic Party keep its control, it is likely that significant investment into cleantech will continue off the back of President Biden’s administration signing into law the largest clean energy investments in America’s history. Add to this that the globally agreed target limit of 1.5C to avoid damaging climate change impacts was recently breached across an entire year for the first time, according to the European Union’s climate service, and it seems clear we need to take action – and soon. How we create and use technology is the biggest lever to manage climate change. The International Energy Agency estimates that 35% of the emissions cuts needed to meet 2050 climate goals will have to come from technologies not yet available. The window will close as governments and firms jostle for gamechanger tech in this great clean energy economy. Given the enormity of the task at hand to decarbonise Australia, there will always be pressing trade-offs as Australia looks to leverage its abundance of gas reserves as the transitional fuel towards its 2050 net zero targets (latest policy, backing gas until ‘2050 and beyond’). Aussie smarts should and must supply the inexorable demand created by the global transition to […]

Bioplastics-Innovation-Hub-1-credit-CSIRO AUS MN

CSIRO and Murdoch University launch Bioplastics Innovation Hub to end plastic waste

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and Murdoch University have launched The Bioplastics Innovation Hub, an $8 million collaboration that will work with industry partners to develop a new generation of 100 per cent compostable plastic. The Bioplastics Innovation Hub aims to revolutionise plastic packaging by developing biologically derived plastic that can break down in compost, land, or water. Dr Andy Whiteley, CSIRO Research Program Director, said the Hub aims to bring together experts in microbiology, molecular genetics, synthetic biology, biochemical engineering, advanced manufacturing and circular economy by translating advancements in bioplastics research to real-world applications. “Our primary focus is the development of 100 per cent compostable, bio-derived packaging for use as sprays, films, bottles, caps and wrappers which are engineered to fully break down in compost, land and in aquatic environments,” said Dr Whiteley. With global concerns over plastic pollution and fossil fuel depletion driving an increased demand for compostable bioplastics, the Hub will equip the plastics industry with the tools and expertise required to manufacture materials and continue to drive a plastic waste green economy. The first key focus area will be a co-investment with WA-based biotechnology company Ecopha Biotech Pty Ltd, to develop a new process for water bottle production using compostable bioplastics derived from waste products from the food industry. Murdoch University Deputy Vice Chancellor Research & Innovation Professor Peter Eastwood said managing the growing plastic waste crisis required innovative technological solutions, including bioplastics. “Together with CSIRO, Murdoch University will fast-track the production of novel compostable bioplastic and introduce a green plastic to the market which will significantly minimise the requirement for non-sustainable plastic production,” Professor Eastwood said. “We also aim to assist industry in establishing an advanced biomanufacturing sector, to commercialise compostable bioplastics that meet the manufacturing […]

K-Roc newly launched insulated wall and ceiling panels

Kingspan Insulated Panels (Kingspan)—a global leader in high-performance insulation and building envelope solutions has announced the launch of its new K-Roc wall and ceiling panels. The panels are manufactured locally in Australia at Kingspan’s factory in St Marys, Sydney. The primary advantage of manufacturing the new line in Australia is eliminating the need to ship from the United Kingdom. This change will reduce lead times and ensure that Kingspan’s contractors and clients have full confidence that their buildings will be constructed and completed on time. K-Roc panels are efficient and straightforward to install; they are prefabricated, which simplifies handling and reduces installation time. As a result, K-Roc™ panels can be used to close a building’s outer envelope quickly, letting trades get to work on the inside faster, reducing time on site. This efficiency shortens construction schedules and lowers labour costs, making projects more cost-effective and letting builders meet tight deadlines without compromising quality. K-Roc is suitable for applications where all customers, from designers to end users, are looking for high thermal performance, and high fire rating levels. The K-Roc™ products are bonded laminated materials. They achieve the necessary fire test results, as required by clause C2D10 (6)(g) of the National Construction Code (NCC). Therefore, it can be used wherever a non-combustible material is required by the NCC. K-Roc lets customers build smarter. Architects can select a product that’s high performing and simple to detail from the early design stage. The K-Roc series has six products: K-Roc™ AWP Wall Panel K-Roc™ Evolution Wall Panel K-Roc™ Rockspan Wall Panel K-Roc™ Firemaster Wall Panel K-Roc™ Firemaster Ceiling K-Roc™ Firemaster Ultima Wall Panel. The Ultima range is designed for additional fire resistance requirements. For example, K-Roc Firemaster Ultima Wall Panels are ideally suited for the construction of non-load bearing internal partition walls with fire […]

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