Dream Fuel within reach

Larry Burns of General Motors has outlined the imminent availability and inclusion of fuel cell technology for future production of their vehicles. This is now seen as the cleanest and best alternative power source for passenger vehicles as well as other applications such as commercial and heavy transport. Further than that, he said he sees this technology being applied to a wide range of situations like homes and small business and even locomotives.

The basis is so simple that a 25kW stack - sufficient for the average home - or a number of these stacks of fuel cells can be put to generating power for almost any need. That is how scalable it is and there is no need for different methods of production once the initial development has been put it place. Production costs are thereby reduced as a well as eth pollution from many and varied sources. Source: Sunday Telegraph 27th January 2002.

Congratulations to the following Environs Australia members for their recent achievements!

The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) won the “Sustainable Environment” award at the 2001 Premiers Award for Excellence in Public Sector Management. Their Eastern Hills Catchment Management Project was recognised as outstanding in the conservation and enhancement of the environment in Western Australia. This remarkable grassroots project has involved over 2000 volunteers establishing some 200,000 native plants across Perth’s Eastern Hills. Assisted by the 5 regional catchment groups and focussing on bushland protection and water quality management, the project has developed a culture of conservation within both regional institutions/agencies as well as local communities. For further information, contact Mick McCarthy on (08) 9479 4808. Source: Environs Australia - Best five minutes - January 2002.

South Sydney Councils host Environs NSW Office

Environs Australia’s new Sydney office location is now being hosted by South Sydney Councils , a long standing member. This support by the Councils is greatly appreciated, including the efforts of Councillor Jill Lay in the reaching an agreement that will provide benefits for both organisations. The Sydney office will focus on providing and expanding membership services and products for NSW councils. Contact Paul Bateson, NSW Program Manager on (02) 9228 5336 or email pbateson@environs.org.au. Source: Environs Australia - Best five minutes - January 2002.

Electronics Recycling Pilot

EcoRecycle Victoria, in conjunction with major electronics suppliers, has recently started a pilot in end-of-life recovery of TV's, VCR's and other electronic equipment. Mitsubishi Electric, LG Electronics, NEC Aust, Panasonic, Hitachi, Sony and others are all participating. Source: ReNew Jan-March 2002 issue.

RRPGP interest growing

Recently a number of new programmes have been approved under the Renewable Energy Power Generation Programme, including ATSIC Indigenous Community Support Project for $8m, Qld Working Property Rebate Scheme for $8m, Renewable Energy Diesel Replacement Scheme for $22.3m, Northern Territory's Renewable Energy Rebate Programme for $38.2m and WA's RAPS Programme for $18m. See www.greenhouse.gov.au/renewable/rrpg/index/html. Source: ReNew Jan-March 2002 issue.

Wind projects planned, approved and openned

Conditional approval has been given to Primergy and Wind Prospect's for a 40-50MW wind farm at Green Point south of Mt Gambier, South Aust. Another 55-70MW using 35 turbines has been planned for the Eyre Peninsula.

Late last year Pacific Hydro received approval for its 50 turbine 75MW project at Ararat, Vic, as well as winning the Expression Of Interest for a wind project on the Fremantle Dock site in WA.

Hydro Tasmania's 130MW Woolnorth wind farm and 46 kilometres of new 110kV transmission line gained final approval in Sept 01 and the 10.5MW Stage1 is due to be under construction before beginning of 02.

Stanwell's 22MW Toora wind farm is currently under construction by Vesta and Transfield Aust after receiving final approval. There are several other projects on the drawing board in SA, WA and Qld.

Western Power has openned its 21.6MW wind farm at Albany late 01 with others planned for sites along the WA coast. The Albany site runs 12 turbines and cost $45m, with a saving of 77,000 tons of greenhouse gas emission pa. Source: ReNew Jan-March 2002 issue.

Hemp finds growing markets

Some European and UK car manufacturers are seeing increasing value in using hemp fibre in their vehicles for the purpose of heat and sound insulation. Farmers of Industrial hemp as it is known, still require a licence to grow it in UK though its use is seen more and more as a benefit to the environment and wildlife, as well as giving a boost to the embattled farming industry in Britain. Car manufacturers are currently using about 10,000 tonnes a year of plant fibre, including Hempcore, and BMW with Mercedes will be increasing their demand.

Another use for hemp has been found in the construction industry and Suffolk Housing Council recently completed 2 houses using hemp in combination with lime. This hemp/lime mix is used in the floor and walls - brick or rammed - and creates good waterproofing and insulation which reduces energy consumption overall. Source: Sydney Morning Herald Weekend 9th March 2002.

Britain commits to increase in wind energy production

After a decade of delaying the issue, British Government now aims to produce 10% of total energy from renewable sources by 2010 and rasing that to 20% by 2020. from only a few companies involved in wind energy production 10 years ago, there are now 180 companies, including several leading power utilities. Wind production will be increased from 475mW to 675mW, powering about 550,000 homes.

Offshore wind farms are also a current focus with up to 500mW planned from 150 metre turbines positioned in the windiest parts of seas surrounding Britain. Source: Sydney Morning Herald Weekend 9th March 2002.

Greening of private equity investment

Investing in green projects is now perceived as a very rewarding way to maintain returns on personal and company investment portfolios.

Because there is now legislation requiring more renewable energy to be produced, cleaner production processes and practices such as managing waste streams more efficiently, companies are adding more of this type of projects. The market is now being provided with more energy efficient, biodegradable and environmentally responsible products.

Growing awareness of environmental efficiency as an indicator of  financial success, private equity funds will focus more on such investment opportunities and individuals will have greater choice. in consumer products that are sustainable. Source: Sydney Morning Herald Weekend 24th March 2002.

Recycled Roads

Local government is getting the idea. A recently resurfacing of a local road in the Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia, was carried out using the recycled material from previous road works on the Great Western Highway.

Approximately 5,000 tonnes of recycled asphalt material and another 2,700 tonnes of screened material was used, all of which would have gone to landfill only months before. This recycling exercise demonstrated the co-operation between numerous government authorities as well as the council's commitment to a sustainable future. Further more, this saved the ratepayers over $50,000. Source: Blue Mountains Gazette 5th April 2002

Ethical issues lure investors

Australians are more and more turning to consider ethical matters and two thirds have stated that they find them relevant and worth investing in with their superannuation. Some of the largest super funds have also taken this view and responded by creating new options for the $500 billion in funds across Australia. This sector is observed as growing with more options coming online.

In other world markets, it is also receiving attention and now 13% of all investment is in screened while only 1% in the local market is recorded to date. The Positive Screen chooses companies with proactive approach to socially and environmentally  responsible issues, or corporate governance. The Negative screen excludes companies that are deemed exploitative while Best of Sector chooses those companies with best practice within any industry. Source: Sydney Morning Herald Weekend 14th April 2002.

Bank takes a big step into Ethical investment

Westpac Bank has just purchased Rothschild and this now makes it the owner of the 3rd largest ethical funds manager in Australia with more than $235 million in ethical funds under management. This is made up of the $136 million of Rothschild and the $98 million of Westpac's screened investments. Source: Sydney Morning Herald Weekend 28th April 2002.

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