Posts Tagged ‘business’
The Blue Economy: Public Lecture
Posted in Events by Kate Archdeacon on June 9th, 2011
| 10 June , 2011 | ||
| 1:00 pm | to | 2:00 pm |
The mission of The Blue Economy is to prove 100 manufacturing innovations with viable business models that could generate 100 million jobs in 10 years, all with zero waste impact on the environment. Each innovation is inspired by science and draw on biomimetics and the laws of physics. They cover the full gamut of industrial activity, from energy to mining to medicine to banking. The innovations are summarized on the ZERI website and distributed around the world in partnership with UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), UNIDO ( United Nations Industrial Development Corporation), and The Club of Rome.
Gunter will also discuss his current initiative, which is to replace all nuclear power in Germany with renewables within 10 years without subsidies or hikes in tariffs. It uses a combination of three proven technologies:
- vertical wind turbines within existing high tension transmission towers
- biogas generation from waste water treatment plants and organic solid municipal waste
- solar using innovative film
Register for the event here.
Friday, June 10, 2011 at 1:00 PM
Theatre A, Elisabeth Murdoch Building
The University of Melbourne
—
In-Home Displays for Energy Management
Posted in Movements by Kate Archdeacon on May 31st, 2011
From “Origin of an energy revolution” by Giles Parkinson:
The roll-out of in-house display systems for energy use promises to revolutionise the way the consumers understand and consume energy. Origin, the largest retailer in the country, has kicked it off by announcing the largest pilot scheme of in-home displays in Australia – one that will involve 5,000 households over the next six months. But the rollout has far greater implications than consumer experience: it also promises to revolutionise the way that energy utilities conduct their business.
[..]
A report released last year by Ernst & Young entitled Seeing Energy Differently described the challenge facing energy utilities in dealing with the providers of new “smart technology” and responding to the demands of improved efficiency. Basically it came down to two options: either the utilities form partnerships with third parties to help consumers manage their energy and evolve the model into a new, sophisticated form of energy service; or they stonewall and come under competitive attack all along the value chain.
[...]
Origin has chosen as its partner the Colorado-based Tendril, which provides an in-home display that allows customers “unprecedented visibility” into energy usage, personalised estimates of monthly electricity bills and the ability to control household consumption. It allows communications over the web, mobile phone and home area networks, and can link with smart appliances and electric vehicles. And, of course, the energy company can see this information too.
Exactly how that business model will evolve is not yet clear because there are so many different factors that can still be brought to bear. But for Australian energy consumers, in-house displays – which look something like the dashboard displays in your car – are not far away. After the six-month pilot, Origin intends to then roll out the displays to all its 4.6 million customers – although the extent to which this can happen will depend on the rollout of the underlying infrastructure, which in this case is smart meters.
Craig [Phil Craig, the head of retail at Origin Energy] says that by the end of the decade, consumers can expect to have smart appliances in their home that can respond to a pricing signal and turn themselves off. There will be charge points in the garage where the plug-in electric vehicle can choose the best time to charge itself, or even send electrons back into the grid. And, says Davis [sic], there could be much larger solar systems on our homes.
[...]
“It will be a whole different model. Energy will be a more engaging product, people will be more interested and more actively thinking about it. We have got to try and stay ahead of the trends, adapt and try to understand what the new business model looks like.”
And the cost? The rollout of smart meters has gotten bad press, because so far it has involved higher electricity bills with little ability to modify behaviour.
Craig says the in-home displays should change those dynamics. But the cost that people will be paying in years to come will be governed as much by generation and network costs, as it will by in home displays. And other factors will also come into play, such as solar, which will be more economically viable and could lead to larger systems. “It depends how people react. But we will be putting power into the hands of consumers, so if they want to do something about it, they can change the nature of their consumption.”
Read the full article by Giles Parkinson on Climate Spectator.
—
A quick search seems to indicate that the In-Home Displays (IHD) are being offered to households in the Australian Government’s Solar Cities program – below are a couple of links for more information. KA
—
EcoStore Founder @ Melbourne Sustainability Drinks
Posted in Events by Kate Archdeacon on May 27th, 2011
| 1 June , 2011 | ||
| 6:00 pm | to | 8:00 pm |
Malcolm Rands is the Founder and CEO of Ecostore Company Limited. Since 1994, ecostore have researched and brought to market NZ’s leading range of healthy, eco friendlier household cleaners, body care, pet care and organic gardening products. Products that look after the health of the users as well as the planet. ecostore products are now available in all supermarkets and health stores throughout NZ, as well as in over 1000 supermarkets in Australia, outlets in Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK, and supermarket chains in the USA including 150 stores on Manhattan Island NYC. ecostore is currently a Deloitte Fast 50 company and was the 2009 NZ Sustainable Business of the Year.
Malcolm has been awarded the Green Ribbon Award from the Ministry for the Environment, plus two environmental awards from the Auckland Regional Council. Known for two years as the weekly “ecoman’ on TV1’s Good Morning Show, he gave advice on how to ‘green up’ your life. He continues to be a frequent media commentator and regular radio guest on both sides of the Tasman. Malcolm has been added to the World Class NZ international network and is the chair of the Fairground Foundation the sister not for profit organisation of ecostore.
Having been active in the sustainable scene for over 25 years, Malcolm co-founded NZ’s first permaculture eco-village in 1986, and was a foundation member of the sustainable business network. Malcolm will be sharing the key events and motivations in his journey so far, mistakes made and what not to do! He will also share his insights into when the public will buy into the sustainability journey!
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday the 1st June from 6 – 8pm.
Details and RSVP on the Melbourne Sustainability Drinks website.
—
Electric Vehicles: Local Manufacturer Seeks Survey Participants
Posted in Seeking by Kate Archdeacon on May 16th, 2011
Image: jurvetson via flickr CC
“Do you think Electric Vehicles the future of our daily lives? Do you have thoughts to share about this important topic? This is your opportunity to participate in a private online forum sponsored by a major vehicle manufacturer about the future role of Electric Vehicles in every day life. Your opinions will directly influence the makers of business decisions within the motoring industry. This is genuine research, not a sales pitch. Click here (http://webq11.researchnow.co.uk/wix/p501345723.aspx?src=90) if you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you.”
Background Information from the Market Research Agency:
Latitude Insights is a market research agency who on behalf of a major vehicle manufacturer has been asked to run a short 6 week online community to offer [Sustainable Melbourne] site visitors the chance to have a critical impact in helping to make important business decisions for the manufacturer. We believe that this is a unique opportunity for your visitors to be directly involved in having their opinions and thoughts heard directly by a leading vehicle manufacturer in Australia.
Please be assured that in no way are we trying to sell you or your members anything at all at any stage both in the survey or in the community itself. The client who has commissioned this research is launching an electric vehicle to the market and is requesting feedback from those who would be interested in purchasing such a vehicle to ensure that they are best placed to make this a commercially viable launch. They see the importance that EV’s will have in the future and see this as their first step in ensuring that the public is informed about these cars both now and in the future.
—
Regarding the image above – as far as I know, Castrol has nothing to do with this survey – I just thought the poster was too good to miss. KA
—
School for Social Entrepreneurs: Applications Open
Posted in Movements, Seeking by Kate Archdeacon on May 13th, 2011
Source: Social Traders
Have an idea to set up a project or business that will benefit your community? Are you already running a social business or community enterprise and need help to make it sustainable? Need a combination of personal support and business skills development to move your project or business forward? Want to be part of a vibrant community of like-minded people working to create change?
The School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) runs a nine month action learning program for entrepreneurial individuals with ideas or businesses that have a community benefit.
The next Melbourne program starts 22 August 2011 and applications are due 31 May.
Refer to the SSE website for detailed information about the program, the learning approach and frequently asked questions.
www.sse.org.au
—
Farmers Cannot Afford to Ignore Climate Change: Article
Posted in Movements, Opinion by Kate Archdeacon on April 8th, 2011
Image: Looking Glass via flickr CC
From “Climate Change Convert” by Kate Dowler in The Weekly Times:
Farmers cannot afford to ignore climate change, whether they believe in the science or not. And if agriculture does not have a seat at the negotiations table with big industries such as coal, they will “end up on the menu”.
This is the view of leading Western District farmer, Mark Wootton, a self-described climate-change sceptic turned renewable energy lobbyist. The trained geographer says his view changed as the weight of scientific evidence that human actions were causing climate change grew, and he now accepts the validity of the mainstream scientific view. Now he argues that whether they “believe” the science of climate change or not, farmers can benefit by learning more about carbon markets. And he says farming is to play a big role in solving climate change but to enable this, governments urgently need to put more money into extensive agricultural research and development.
Mr Wootton began looking at climate change from a business-risk perspective in the late 1990s. “The risk is there’s a high probability that the science is absolutely correct,” he said. “From a farmer’s perspective, I think we have to accept we’ve moved into a carbon-constrained world. Forget about the politics and look at the risk to your business.” Mr Wootton runs 5000ha at Hamilton with wife Eve Kantor. They produce beef, wool, lambs, crops and agroforestry. He also chairs the Climate Institute, a non-partisan, independent research organisation. “My fear now is there’s a high probability that the climate is changing much quicker than the scientists’ earlier models showed,” he said, “What is unfortunately becoming clearer is that predictions were way too conservative.”
“From a business perspective, I’ve concluded the cost and advantages of acting are not detrimental to our business; if we can be more energy-efficient, if we can be better converters of feed so we produce less methane, if we can use shelter belts for stock protection and increasing lambing percentages – all of those aspects we can do on an integrated, carbon-constrained farm, then they are good for business.”
Read the full article by Kate Dowler in The Weekly Times.
—
The Business Benefits of Moving to a Low Carbon Economy: Sustainability Drinks
Posted in Events by Kate Archdeacon on April 1st, 2011
| 6 April , 2011 | ||
| 6:00 pm | to | 8:00 pm |
Jennifer Lauber Patterson is a specialist in environmental and energy markets with over 20 years experience in the banking and energy sectors. During her time in the energy industry Jennifer held a number of senior roles before transitioning to banking in 2004, taking up the position of Director, Electricity, Emissions and Renewables at ANZ. In this role she established ANZ’s carbon and renewable derivative business. In 2009 Jennifer moved to NAB where she is currently heading up the development of the bank’s carbon trading capability.
Jennifer will be presenting notes from a discussion paper that focuses on the business benefits of Australia moving to a low carbon economy. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday the 6th April from 6 – 8pm.
Please note that it is essential to RSVP every month. Due to the ever increasing popularity of the event, it may not be possible to accommodate people who do not RSVP. This is not a sponsored event; i.e. you buy your own drinks, as we choose to come together in the spirit of a shared interest.
Wednesday the 6th April from 6 – 8pm.
Melbourne Sustainability Drinks has a new home!
Location: Slate Bar & Restaurant Mezzanine, 9 Goldsbrough Lane Melbourne VIC 3000
As space is limited it is essential to RSVP. Spaces go quickly, so respond now: http://www.melbournesustainabilitydrinks.com/rsvp
—
Some Key Points On Carbon Pricing from MEFL
Posted in Movements, Opinion, Policies, Research by Kate Archdeacon on March 10th, 2011
Source: Moreland Energy Foundation
Moreland Energy Foundation have released a bulletin on the Carbon Pricing debate (and upcoming Get Up rally) with the hope of clarifying some of the facts involved. Thanks MEFL!
Image of 2006 fuel prices from phatman via flickr CC
Key points on carbon pricing
Both parties agree to 5%: Both parties have committed to reduce emissions by 5% by 2020.
It will cost to cut emissions: Any policy designed to reduce emissions will have a cost to the government (i.e. taxpayers) and/or the economy, at least in the short term. However, a carbon price also has potential to stimulate green industries and create new jobs.
What’s the best way to reduce emissions? If we cut through the media storm, the real question we and our Parliament should be asking is what is the best, most efficient, most effective way to reduce emissions.
Government’s position: The Government argues that its plan for a carbon price (an emissions trading scheme with a fixed price for 3-5 years, which will operate as a tax for this initial period) is the most efficient way to reduce emissions because it is a market mechanism. It says it will provide compensation out of the money it raises from the carbon price to assist householders and businesses. Note that even with compensation, there is an incentive for businesses to reduce emissions in order to avoid paying the tax.
Opposition’s position: The Opposition argues that its plan to directly fund businesses to reduce emissions will be cheaper.
It won’t kill the economy! Whatever you think about the merits of the parties’ arguments, it is clear that neither plan would destroy the economy:
- We’ve been through worse: The impacts of either plan will be less significant than many other impacts we have experienced in recent years, including the impacts of events like the global financial crisis, currency fluctuations, oil price rises, conflict in the Middle East, and over $40 billion of big new investments in electricity infrastructure (poles and wires) over the next five years
- Others have done it: What’s more, much stronger policies to cut emissions (via taxes, emissions trading and other mechanisms) than those proposed by either major party have been introduced around the world in economies that are still running smoothly and in many cases thriving (for example, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, an emissions trading scheme involving a number of American states)
- There are opportunities: Reducing emissions can create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth, and has done so in countries with strong clean energy policies such as Germany and China
- There are risks if we don’t act: Not changing to a low emissions economy is a significant risk, because high emissions activities are being phased out around the world and Australia could be left behind.
MEFL’s position
MEFL believes that the introduction of a carbon price is an important first step in reducing emissions. We accept that market mechanisms help deliver the most cost-effective solutions to complex problems such as greenhouse gas pollution. However, a carbon price will not in itself be sufficient to drive the required emissions reductions and the corresponding social and economic responses. We urge the Government to develop complementary policies and programs designed to support renewable energy and energy efficiency, and assist businesses and communities to respond to carbon pricing appropriately and with minimal disruption. In particular, we encourage the Government to promote energy efficiency as an effective and long-term way to counteract any price increases resulting from the introduction of a carbon price, both for businesses and households.
www.mefl.com.au
—
Greening Your Office: Working Towards Zero Waste
Posted in Events by Kate Archdeacon on February 4th, 2011
| 18 February , 2011 | ||
| 8:30 am | to | 10:30 am |
Source: Metropolitan Waste Management Group
Image: London Permaculture via flickr CC
This a FREE event as part of the Waste Wise Melbourne Network, in conjunction with the 2011 Sustainable Living Festival*
Hear from Melbourne businesses who are effectively engaging staff in creating to create an office culture of ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’, with minimal contamination, high recycling rates and declining waste to landfill. Find out their secrets to success and be inspired to start aiming for ‘zero waste’ in your own workplace.
Presenters include:
- Sarah Arbuster, Environment and Projects Coordinator, Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
- Maryanne Kelly, Municipal Contract Manager, SKM Recycling
- Peter Hardy, EMS Coordinator, VOC Operations Team, GHD
- Lorraine Lilley, Project Manager, FluoroCycle, Lighting Council Australia
Date: Friday 18 February, 2011
Time: 8.30 – 10.30am
Venue: ‘The Green House’, Lower Terrace of Birrarung Marr next to Federation Square
RSVP by Friday 11 February, details on the website www.mwmg.vic.gov.au
*For more information of this year’s Sustainable Living Festival go to the festival website – festival.slf.org.au.
—
Towards Zero Emissions: Business & Design
Posted in Events by Kate Archdeacon on February 3rd, 2011
| 16 February , 2011 | ||
| 5:30 pm | to | 8:00 pm |
Source: Design Victoria
Can Australian businesses reach zero carbon emissions? If so, how do we do it?
The latest science tells us that it is increasingly important to maintain a safe climate for our planet. Discover the emerging opportunities that the field of sustainability presents your business to move towards being part of the solution for a sustainable society. Join us at this keynote presentation with Alan Pears and Bill Jones who work towards the target of zero in their day-to-day work. Their work covers areas including energy efficiency, sustainable energy, whole systems thinking, and greening the supply chain. Alan and Bill will showcase examples on how to design for significantly reduced and ultimately zero carbon. They will share the strategies they have used, and challenges they have faced in creating positive change for a low carbon future.
What you will learn
- Strategies for businesses to drastically reduce energy demand to make zero emissions possible
- Strategies for businesses to green their supply chain
- Examples from products that assist in the move to zero carbon
- Insight from one of the first businesses in Australia to have their entire product range certified as carbon neutral.
Speakers
- Alan Pears – Co-director of Sustainable Solutions and Adjunct Professor at RMIT Centre for Design: Alan Pears is an Adjunct Professor at the Centre for Design, and co-director of environmental consultancy Sustainable Solutions. He has been expert in the field of Sustainable Design since the energy crisis of the 1970s.
- Bill Jones – Managing Director, Sustainable Living Fabrics: Bill Jones is CEO of Sustainable Living Fabrics, the first company with their entire product range to be certified carbon neutral under the Carbon Neutral Program.
Moderator
- Dr Stephen Clune – Sustainable Products and Packaging Researcher, RMIT Centre for Design
Seminar details
Wednesday 16 February 2011
5.30 pm to 8.00 pm
Registration: 5.15 pm
Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), Federation Square, Melbourne
The seminar includes networking opportunities and light refreshments.
Free bookings
RSVP by Friday 11 February 2011
Bookings are essential for catering. Please book early as places are limited.
To RSVP please click ‘Register for Event’.
Please direct further enquiries to David McLachlan on +61 3 9925 4195 or events@designvic.com
Related links
Sustainable Living Fabrics – greenliving.com.au/slf
RMIT Centre for Design – rmit.edu.au/cfd
Sustainable Living Festival – festival.slf.org.au
—