Earth Hour returns at 8.30pm this Saturday 23 March. It started with Earth Hour Australia and has now become a global event to show what one simple idea can achieve and what one person’s actions can inspire. This Earth Hour people aren’t just switching off their lights as a show of unity in protecting the planet, they’re taking action into their hands and pledging to switch on to renewable energy.
Canberra has set an Australian benchmark for low-cost large-scale solar generation with the announcement of the largest solar power facility to be built in Australia to date. When completed in 2014 it will produce enough renewable energy each year to power approximately 4,400 Canberra homes.
Short courses, TAFE and university courses can all provide skills and knowledge in renewable technologies. With enrolment time for next year approaching, the updated ReNew 2012 Renewable energy courses guide shows the many options available around Australia.
Global Wind Day is a worldwide event that occurs annually on 15 June. It is a day for discovering wind, its power and the possibilities it holds to change our world. Last year more than 230 events were organised in 40 countries all around the globe.
In conjunction with bankmecu, the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) presents a series of free online presentations to share practical knowledge about energy efficiency, sustainable building and water conservation at home. Webinars are broadcast live for view over your web browser, and will be available for playback on demand afterwards. The fourth webinar in the series on Tuesday 15 May will give an introduction to incentives available for solar PV systems, and things to consider before taking the plunge and buying, including size of system, what to buy, warranties, installation and choosing a supplier.
Lasy year’s All-Energy Australia exhibition was a sell out and featured over 230 exhibitors from 13 countries, filling over 3,000+ m2 of floor space. At the conference participants heard about the latest developments in the clean and renewable energy industry and its associated technologies in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. The All-Energy Australia 2012 Exhibition and Conference will be held in Melbourne on 10-11 October 2012. The 2012 conference program will include international keynote presentations, case study presentations, technical updates and panel discussions – the call for papers is now open.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon made sustainable energy one of his five priorities that will guide his second 5-year term. Specifically, he will direct the United Nations to extend energy’s reach in order to combat endemic poverty. Universal access to energy, improved efficiency and enhanced deployment of renewable sources are ambitious goals, and the Secretary-General is leading a Sustainable Energy for All initiative to make them achievable.
This initiative will call for private sector and national commitments and attract global attention to the importance of energy for development and poverty alleviation. In recognition of the importance of energy access for sustainable economic development and supporting achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, the United Nations General Assembly has designated 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.
WhichEnergy promotes solar energy consumer choice by providing the information consumers need – including ratings of solar products and retailers. For retailers it promotes best products and best practice – as ranked independently by consumers.
London’s new Blackfriars station – which is being built on a bridge spanning the River Thames – is on its way to becoming the world’s largest solar bridge as the installation of over 4,400 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels begins. The only other known solar bridge known in the world is the Kurilpa Footbridge constructed in 2009 in Brisbane, Australia. An 1886 Victorian-era bridge is the foundation for the new Blackfriars station. A new roof will incorporate over 6,000m² of PV panels, creating the biggest solar array in London by mid 2012. The solar panels will generate an estimated 900,000kWh of electricity every year, providing 50% of the station’s energy and reducing CO2 emissions by an estimated 511 tonnes per year. In addition to solar panels, other energy saving measures at the new station will include rain harvesting systems and sun pipes for natural lighting.
Sustainable House Day is celebrating its 10th year, and the event will continue to showcase some of Australia’s most sustainable homes to the public as millions of Australians continue to embrace renewable energy, recycling, and other practices suitable to their lifestyles.