Archive for the ‘Events’ Category
Events refer to local (ie. Melbourne-based, Australian) events that contribute to urban sustainability. Event topics often refer to themes such as water, food, energy, and urban design and built form. Sustainable Melbourne strongly encourages environmental organisations and institutions to post their own events. To do so visit the “How to use this site” page and follow the prompts.
Green Office Briefing: September & October
Posted in Events by Kate Archdeacon on September 3rd, 2010
| 23 September , 2010 | ||
| 12 October , 2010 | ||
| 26 October , 2010 |
Simple steps to green your office
The shift towards a low carbon economy and introducing environmentally friendly practices into the home has been embraced by Australians, with many people doing their part to reduce energy, water and waste consumption. However, a new trend is emerging with an increasing demand for businesses that embrace environmentally friendly practices. Consumers, suppliers and employees alike are choosing business that can demonstrate environmentally friendly policies and practices over those that cannot. The importance for businesses to adopt and integrate business practices that result in reduced carbon emission outputs is quickly becoming an essential business success factor.
The Green Office Briefing was developed for small to medium-sized and large business who wish to educate their staff to become more environmentally conscious and empower them to implement green practices in the office. The two hour briefing clarifies common myths around the usage of electrical appliances and is an essential guide to manage paper use, electricity consumption, waste disposal and purchasing attitudes in and around the office. The interactive hands on briefing empowers staff to take immediate action.
What will be covered?
* Myths and realities
* Identifying opportunities to save energy, paper, water use and waste
* Green office equipment
* How to use green office equipment
* Actions to reduce energy, paper, water usage
* Actions to purchase environmentally responsible office equipment stationary
* Actions to reduce your office waste
* Actions to promote sustainable transport
Dates
23/09/10: East Melbourne
12/10/10: Dandenong
26/10/10: East Melbourne
Visit the website for more information.
—
Carbon Management 101: September
Posted in Events by Kate Archdeacon on August 31st, 2010
| 9 September , 2010 | ||
| 14 September , 2010 |
Transition to a low-carbon economy – what does it mean for your business?
Why we developed this course
Keeping track of current national and international developments towards a low-carbon economy can be challenging. Businesses that understand how the transition to a carbon-constrained economy will impact upon their business operations will not only save money, they will also be better placed to capitalise on new business opportunities.
The Carbon 101 information session was developed in response to the requirements of small and medium-sized businesses. The briefing will help you cut through the ‘carbon jargon’. Carbon 101 is an essential guide to measuring and managing your business’s carbon footprint, and identifying opportunities for making environmental and financial savings.
What will be covered
* Navigating the labyrinth of terms, research, facts and figures.
* An outline of new government regulation and legislation.
* Identifying steps to start reducing carbon emissions immediately.
* An explanation of the effects of a low-carbon economy on small and medium-sized businesses.
* Energy-efficiency information specifically tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises.
Who should attend
All business representatives interested in climate change and the impact of the low-carbon economy on small and medium-sized businesses.
Dates
09/09/10: Dandenong
14/09/10: East Melbourne
Visit the website for more information.
—
Clive Hamilton: The dirty politics around climate change
Posted in Events by Mark Ogge on August 27th, 2010
| 6 September , 2010 | ||
| 6:30 pm | to | 8:00 pm |
A monthly discussion group hosted by Beyond Zero Emissions focusing on energy solutions to climate change.
Professor Clive Hamilton is a well known Australian author and public intellectual who ran as the Greens candidate in the by-election for the federal seat of Higgins in December 2009. In June 2009 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to public debate and policy development. He is author of ‘Scorcher: The dirty politics of climate change’ (2007) and his latest book is ‘Requiem for a Species: Why we resist the truth about climate change’ (2010).
Clive will be discussing the current political situation around climate change in Australia, in particular the dirty politics of the fossil fuel and energy intensive industry lobbies, and the current climate movement and whether renewable energy companies that stand to make profits from science-based climate policies have a role in this movement. He will also discuss our involvement at an individual and community level. He will appear via Skype video link.
Monday 6th September 2010 6:30 – 8pm
The Wood Theatre, ECO & COMMERCE-Rm:G09-Flr:G, University of Melbourne VIC
Please RSVP: query-environment@unimelb.edu.au
A big thank you to The Office for Environmental Programs (OEP) at the University of Melbourne for supporting us in bringing you this event.
—
CERES Global: India 2011
Posted in Events by ceres on August 26th, 2010
CERES Global is a unique cultural exchange program where participants can experience the richness of other cultures while gaining insight into different ways of sustainable living. CERES Global Trips to India, Indonesia and East Arnhemland provide people with the opportunity to experience and share in the impressive environmental and community development work carried out by village communities. This summer we’re heading to incredible India. For the last six year CERES Global India trips have spent time with Women’s Self Help Groups all over India. From the tropical south to the foothills of the Himalayas CERES Global volunteers have been involved in helping women develop small business enterprises to empowering women through training programs.
Information Sessions for 2011 CERES Global India Travel Program:
CERES Global is currently looking for women with an interest in women’s empowerment and training to join our next trip. If you would like to find out more please come along to our next Information Session to see and hear about the projects we’ve supported over the last six years, meet past travellers, enjoy some Indian food and drink, and find out how you can be involved.
Contact Vanessa at ceresglobal@ceres.org.au or on 0425 856 666.
—
How Australian Agriculture Can Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Lecture
Posted in Events, Research by land-environment on August 25th, 2010
| 2 September , 2010 | ||
| 5:30 pm | to | 6:30 pm |
Melbourne School of Land and Environment: Professor Deli Chen on ‘How Australian agriculture can reduce greenhouse gas emissions – the role of improved fertiliser and water efficiency’
The application of nitrogen fertiliser in agriculture is essential for world food production – about half of the world’s population would not survive without it. Nitrogen fertiliser use in Australia has increased almost 30 fold since the 1960s. However, nitrogen fertiliser is not used efficiently and often more than 50% is lost to the environment. Agriculture in Australia is the second largest contributor of greenhouse gases, accounting for an estimated 16% of our total emission. Approximately 19% of the total is emitted as nitrous oxide mainly due to the use of nitrogen fertiliser. In his inaugural Professorial Lecture, Deli Chen will outline the main reasons for the poor efficiency of fertiliser nitrogen use and discuss options for improving its efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Professor Deli Chen is the discipline leader in Soil Water, Nutrients and Greenhouse Gases, Melbourne School of Land and Environment, University of Melbourne, and Deputy Director of the Australia-China Centre on Water Resource Research. Professor Chen has active international collaboration with scientists in China, the US and Europe, and has worked on several large projects funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research during the last 15 years. He has also worked closely with industry including Incitec-Pivot and other fertiliser producers.
Professor Chen was recently awarded the JA Prescott Medal for excellence and achievement in the field of soil science by the Australian Society of Soil Science.
Thursday 2 September 2010, 5.30-6.30pm
Arts Education Building (Building 199), level 2, corner Grattan and Swanston Streets, University of Melbourne, Parkville.
Registrations: www.land-environment.unimelb.edu.au or ecl@unimelb.edu.au
—
Sustainability National Forum: SIRF Rt
Posted in Events by Kate Archdeacon on August 24th, 2010
The first ever SustainAbility National Forum will be held at Bayview on the Park in Melbourne. Comprising a full day of learning and networking under one roof, experts and practitioners will present big picture vision and practical case studies in the area of sustainability.
Tuesday September 7
Speakers:
Keynote: Professor John Thwaites, Climate Works Australia: Low Cost Carbon Roadmap for Australia
Olivia Tyler, Global Environment Manager, Fosters Group: Sustainability creates commercial value
David Wait, Data Facilities manager at Insurance Australia Group (IAG): “Put your Jacket On! Rationalising heating and cooling
Jürgen Schneider, Regional General Manager, Siemens Ltd, Victoria and South Australia: Picture the Future
Kiam Yoong, Environmental Sustainability Manager, Zoos Victoria: Making your Engagement last!
Dan Atkins, Co-founder and Managing Director of Shaper Group: The New Business Model
Geoff Lawyer, Director, Complete Colour Printing: “For the Good of All” – employee engagement that works!
Bjoern Wilhelms, Department Manager Corporate Sustainability, Australian Arrow Pty Ltd: Visualising Sustainability
Michael Cox, Program Manager Sustainability Victoria: 5 Star Sustainability
Visit the website for more information and to register.
—
Designing for the Asia Pacific: Unlimited
Posted in Events by Kate Archdeacon on August 20th, 2010
Unlimited: Designing for the Asia Pacific is a new international initiative supported by the Queensland Government to promote the value of design thinking in shaping a positive future for the Asia Pacific region.
From October 4-10, 2010, Unlimited hosts its first event in Brisbane, Australia. Beyond the traditional design festival, Unlimited: Designing for the Asia Pacific explores economic, social and environmental challenges impacting our region, and takes a close look at how design is making a difference.
A diverse program of talks, exhibitions, seminars and workshops, for business leaders, the public, and the design industry, will develop a deeper understanding of the ways in which design is shaping the world around us.
Join us online and for the first Unlimited event – we welcome your thoughts, your creativity and your own design story…
—
Advanced Permaculture Principles and Planning Tools
Posted in Events, Movements by Holmgren Design Services on August 19th, 2010
This four-day residential course is designed to deepen understanding of permaculture principles, and improve conceptual skills and planning tools for permaculture practitioners, designers, activists and teachers. A Permaculture Design Certificate and prior reading of Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability are highly desirable for participants to successfully gain from the course, and contribute to it. The core of these courses is the presentation and workshopping in groups of the format of design principles from Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. Additional presentations and group work focus on Reading Landscape, Landscape Mapping, Energy Descent Scenarios and Community Mapping. David Holmgren presents permaculture ideas through practical projects and personal example, providing a refreshing and unorthodox approach to the environmental issues of our time.
Saturday 18th to Tuesday 21st September 2010
Hepburn Primary School, Main Road, HEPBURN VIC 3461
Cost $530, includes meals and camping on-site.
For more info email info@holmgren.com.au or phone 03 5348 3636. www.holmgren.com.au
—
Beyond Engineering – The Value Of Water & Other Natural Resources: Public Lecture
Posted in Events, Research by Kate Archdeacon on August 16th, 2010
Image: noodle_snacks via flickr CC
Dr Brian Davidson, Senior Lecturer, Department of Resource Management, University of Melbourne:
Technologists spend significant effort delivering natural resources, but the context we work in is economic. Water is a critical resource, but without an understanding of its value, water delivery projects are problematical. Is water overvalued or undervalued?
Catchment Management Authorities (the true suppliers of water) cannot readily alter prices, raising them to update or improve infrastructure or reducing them to sell more water.
According to market theory the absence of a functioning market in water means that it isn’t priced correctly, so how is it possible to make a meaningful rational decision on whether to invest in new infrastructure or undertake some economic adjustment? If water were traded more freely would water be allocated so that it maximised social benefit? Or could it be that the desired outcomes that are believed to come from the market may not be achieved?
The same may be considered true for many natural resources. The aim in this talk is to examine these theoretical and practical questions, to make a judgement call on whether they hold and in light of that to suggest an alternative way some of the benefits that are meant to be derived from a free market may be delivered to all water users.
Wednesday 18th August 2010 6:00pm
Theatre 3, Alan Gilbert Building (Cnr of Grattan St & Barry St)
The University of Melbourne
Public welcome — no entry charge
Presented by IEEE Society on Social Implications of Technology
—
Cycling for Sustainability: Otesha Trivia & Dinner Night
Posted in Events by Otesha on August 16th, 2010
The Otesha Project (Australia): Cycling for Sustainability is a not-for-profit organisation that offers bicycle tours and educational programs to engage youth about sustainable consumption. Using theatre, multimedia, and interactive workshops, Otesha (Aust.)’s creative focus provides a unique approach to understanding environmental and social justice issues, enabling youth to become role models and sustainability advocates.
Our first fundraising event for our 2011 tour is going to be just as creative and fun. No ordinary trivia night, trivia, Otesha style, will be interactive, and targeting all kinds of thinkers; so grab four to five mates, think up a name, and secure a starting place among a host of other trivia loving, bike riding peeps. There’ll be a prize for the winning team as well as a lucky door prize. We’ll have a raffle on the night for some cycling related gear and you’ll be able to purchase some home made treats. Trivia is compulsory, dinner is optional; but once you step through the door and smell our amazing pizzas and vegetarian curry you’ll be watering at the mouth and wishing your stomach wasn’t full! There’ll also be yummy drinks like organic chai and also some locally brewed beer and organic wine – by donation.
Raising Funds for: The Capital City Tour: Melbourne to Canberra 2011
When: Friday 3rd September 2010
Time: 6.30pm – late
Where: Loophole Community Centre, 670 High St, Thornbury
Cost: $10 for Trivia; $10 for dinner and a drink
RSVP: Kate – kate@otesha.org.au or Vanessa – ness_j@hotmail.com
Please visit www.otesha.org.au for more details about our program and our Capital City Tour.
—