Businesses in pulp, paper and packaging in United States are achieving sustainability performance improvements and productivity gains. The 2014 Sustainability Report by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) outlines the sector's metrics and progress towards sustainability goals for 2020. Key points are also summarised in a video on YouTube. Achievements include: 63% recycling rate for paper 15% reduction in GHG emissions compared to 2005 8% reduction in … [Read more...]
This site has information on legislation, regulations, guides and programs such as: Environmental management Waste, recycling and industrial waste management Air and water quality See http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/ … [Read more...]
Legislation, information and fact sheets on topics including: Air quality Climate change Contaminated sites Environmentally sensitive areas Environmental offsets Waste legislation See https://www.der.wa.gov.au/ … [Read more...]
A central source of information on environmental management requirements in Queensland including: Waste reduction and recycling strategy Environmental licences and permits Duty of care guidelines for cultural heritage protection Environmental impact assessment guidelines. See http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/pollution/ Business focused information is available at https://www.business.qld.gov.au/business/running/environment. … [Read more...]
ThinkBrick Australia commissioned Energetics to undertake a full Life Cycle Assessment of the Australian clay brick industry. This involved collecting data directly from the industry on clay extraction, manufacturing processes, transport requirements, construction elements, and end-of-life disposal. They report that the embodied emissions of a typical Australian house represent only 11% of the total emissions over a 50-year life cycle, regardless of walling materials. See … [Read more...]
Amcor Fibre Packaging upgraded the steam and boiler system at one plant resulting in energy and carbon savings. Amcor sourced some government funding to support the project and expects a 100% return of investment within a four year period. From this project they have achieved: about 412 tonnes of greenhouse gas abated 6% reduction in gas use. For more information about Amcor's sustainability initiatives see: www.amcor.com/sustainability … [Read more...]
ABnote identified several strategies to support sustainability in their facility design and management, providing energy and water savings of up to $22,000 at one plant. These included: Ensuring that evaporative air conditioning units are working properly Installing water-efficient fixtures in new plants Sensor systems for lighting and environmental controls Upgrading toilets to dual flush Installing rainwater tanks installed for non-drinking water use ‘Green teams’ doing audits to … [Read more...]
Oxford Cold Storage uses 200 kilolitres of water every day for their evaporative cooling systems. With concerns about long term water supply and threat of price increases they applied for funding from the Australian Industry Group for a feasibility study to ascertain how water could be sourced from roofs and plant buildings. The study showed that 62% of potable water needs could be met by capturing water from the two roof areas (based on average yearly rainfall) saving almost $26,000 in … [Read more...]
The policy has a number of strategies for how govenments will support improved waste management and resource recovery. These include the Australian Packaging Covenant and proposed national product stewardship legislation. The aims of the National Waste Policy are to: avoid the generation of waste, reduce the amount of waste (including hazardous waste) for disposal manage waste as a resource ensure that waste treatment, disposal, recovery and re-use is undertaken in a safe, scientific … [Read more...]
The NSW Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme (GGAS) (sic) closed on 30 June 2012. The GGAS Registry will continue to be supported into the future to enable the trade and surrender of certificates by interested parties. The Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) is the NSW-based mandatory energy efficiency scheme for electricity retailers and other liable parties under the Electricity Supply Act. The ESS reduces electricity consumption in NSW by creating financial incentives to invest in energy … [Read more...]
This website and many of the products have been produced with the assistance of funding provided by the Australian Government; including through the Green Skills Agreement and the Clean Energy and Other Skills Package.