Environment
Ways for consumers to put the ‘sun tax’ in the shade
22 January
For those who can afford it, adding a battery could beat the “sun tax” that will further deplete the once-generous rate of return for rooftop solar pioneers. A third of Australia’s households have rooftop solar and almost three quarters of the...[Read More]
Festive frenzy: Christmas deliveries take climate toll
18 December
Santa might manage his present deliveries with just one sleigh, nine reindeer and a bit of magic, but for everyone else, Christmas shopping takes a greater toll. Every year, the volume of freight being delivered Australia-wide increases as more and...[Read More]
Exhausted: Australia lags Europe, US on car pollution
11 December
Australians drive some of the dirtiest vehicles in the world, according to a transport study, which found cars Down Under produce more pollution than vehicles in Romania, Croatia and Bulgaria, among others. But the National Transport Commission...[Read More]
Nuclear and renewables at odds over power bill shock
30 October
Rolling out nuclear power plants in Australia could add $1000 a year to household electricity bills, according to energy experts, and regulators should focus on lower cost, renewable power. The warning has been issued at a Smart Energy Council event...[Read More]
Why packing waste could be the secret to a cool summer
30 October
Air conditioners could be ‘packing’ an energy-saving secret in future after an Australian research breakthrough involving waste material and static electricity. RMIT University announced the discovery on Tuesday, which researchers say could make...[Read More]
Calls to upgrade regional connectivity as 3G shuts down
30 October
Telcos are being urged to boost mobile coverage in regional Australia as thousands of residents with old phones lose their ability to make calls or texts as the 3G network shuts down. Telstra and Optus on Monday joined TPG Telecom/Vodafone in...[Read More]
Time running out for Australian hydrogen, green iron
16 October
Time is running out for investors in genuine clean industries, but a time-stamp for green hydrogen could track production down to the hour to prove its credentials, an inquiry has been told. Proposed Future Made in Australia laws being considered by...[Read More]
Prosperity and climate action can go hand-in-hand
9 October
Protecting nature and combating climate change need not come at the expense of Australia’s prosperity, a global summit has been told. Climate change, energy, environment and water department secretary David Fredericks says his department is...[Read More]
Hybrids demoted to make way for electric Uber rides
9 October
Hybrid cars will no longer qualify as “green” vehicles on Uber’s rideshare service in Australia after the tech giant announced changes to prioritise electric cars on its platform. Uber executives announced the changes at a London event on...[Read More]
Plum market as trade deal reached with Vietnam
11 September
Horticulture producers say Vietnam is a plum market for their produce, as the Albanese government confirmed the reopening of the Southeast Asian market. After two years of negotiations between the Australian and Vietnamese governments, market access...[Read More]
Making the Most of Your Solar Panels
29 August
Solar energy offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to powering your home, 12-volt setup, or caravan. The benefits of harnessing the sun’s energy are substantial, ranging from reduced electricity bills to minimising your carbon...[Read More]
‘Why not walk?’ Google Maps to roll out green features
24 April
Google Maps will politely pester Australian travellers to take public transport or walk to their destination in one of several of green changes introduced to the service to celebrate Earth Day. Users who still intend to drive to their destination...[Read More]
Nature repair bill passes after Greens agree to deal
6 December
Land owners will be able to be paid to improve the environment on their properties after the Greens struck a deal with the government on its proposed nature repair market. Under the scheme, which passed the Senate on Tuesday, businesses and...[Read More]
Asia’s biggest battery will power Australian homes
11 October
More than one million Australian households will be powered by one of the world’s largest battery systems after the government approved a new renewable energy hub. The battery will be located in Melbourne suburb of Plumpton, where it will store...[Read More]
One giant leap for agriculture as farmers look to space
15 February
Nestled deep in the industrial and commercial centre of a major metropolitan city, a vertical farm has sprouted indoors and its backers are reaching for the stars. Researchers based in Melbourne’s Docklands are working with the space agency NASA...[Read More]