Sustain 450 Blog Feeds

NEPM 2013 Contaminated Land DQO & PARCCS Auditing

Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:43:38 +0100

Sustain450 provides technical support to EPA Accredited Site Auditors in NSW, VIC and SA to review environmental consultant DQO & DQI (PARCCS) practices.

RMI - Reinventing Fire

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 03:51:51 +0100

David Burns of Australia has been featured by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) as a National Solutions Council member, October 2012. The Rocky Mountain Institute is the world's leading organisation advancing design, super efficiency, affordability in renewables, and public information to help the world become sustainable.

Industrial Ecology

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 06:14:36 +0100

Does Green Chemistry offer the ultimate solutions for our cities to become sustainable?

Manly Wonderpool - Good or Bad Idea?

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:50:21 +0100

The debate to REBUILD or NOT-TO-REBUILD the Manly Cove 'Wonderpool' between the Manly Ferry Wharf & Ocean World in Sydney Harbour is a hot and contentious topic. Is it a Good or Bad Idea, and does it show respect for natural landscape?

Do You Have the #GreenGene?

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:28:00 +0100

US based Green Business Directory www.whoisgreen.com has launched a global survey to determine what makes people Go-Green? The aim of the #GreenGene survey is to characterize the traits of business people who are either contemplating a green strategy, or have taken action to address sustainable business practices.

What Makes NYC Green?

Sun, 13 May 2012 21:42:45 +0100

New York is a global business hub, has parks, subways, green buildings, bike lanes down the middle of the city, accepts organic produce, and a bustling population of 19 million people. So what is it about New Yorker's that defines this metropolis as one of the world's greenest cities?

Green Chemistry

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 07:02:46 +0100

Green Chemistry is the latest 'goto-profession' when it comes to reinventing everyday consumer products and processes in a sustainable world, see Nike, Interfaceflor, and now J&J. According to Prof. John Warner of the Warner Babcock institute in Boston for green chemistry, read more ....

Patagonia & Jerry Lopez in Manly

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:39:00 +0100

Patagonia Manly just had my two favourite surfing legends visit - Jerry Lopez and Wayne Lynch.

SEVEN STAGES OF SUSTAINABILITY

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:41:15 +0100

Business leaders typically navigate an organisation through various stages to find the sustainable zone, including Greenwashing. Does Greenwashing deserve a place in this journey?

Sustain450 Provides Industrial Ecology Design

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:03:17 +0100

David Burns chosen by The Weston Group to lead sustainable design for the first purpose-built Industrial Ecology Park in Australia. Read more ...

Sustainability is Impossible without a Carbon Tax

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:45:09 +0100

Business understands the huge efforts required to achieve sustainability. If we trust the science, accept that climate change is real, and listen to the majority of economists that say that a carbon tax leading into an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is the cheapest way to act, then...

Whoisgreen.com Launches in NYC

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:15:35 +0100

New York: startup WhoIsGreen.com has today launched a unique online directory that will help consumers find sustainable businesses and green products. Whoisgreen.com founder David Burns and KAYWEB Angels are inviting businesses and individuals to REGISTER ...

Manly Beach Storm Water PIPES

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 22:46:12 +0100

Removal of the storm water pipes from Manly Beach and two additional discharge points terminating at the base of the sea wall will restore the natural landscape. Restoration of the beach by eliminating polluted water draining onto the beach is essential to create a clean and safe amenity, without loss of waves ...

Sustainable Manly 2015

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 20:21:37 +0100

The Manly Master Plan is an important first step in revitalising the CBD, and one that can tempt developers towards the benefits of Green Star designed buildings. The CBD plan prioritises social sustainability in preparation for a clean-carbon economy, which has my support. Read more ...

So, What is a 'Sustainable Home' ?

Wed, 04 May 2011 08:30:09 +0100

Sustainability means different things to different people, depending upon ones experience and perspective. The best way to define sustainability is to begin by deriving your own values and actions dependant upon your commitment and affordability. The following categories shape the criteria: Efficient, Sustainable, & Restorative Homes. Read more...

Make your Home Energy CHEAP.

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 03:14:43 +0100

New & Retrofit: A master GREEN and AWAY switch combination near your kitchen will reduce household electricity bills by up to 50%. Read more ...

SCIENCE is about FACTS, Integration is for Community.

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:57:34 +0100

Carbon Tax, ETRS, Innovation Fund, or Do Nothing? These are important options before us. Photo Credit: ScienceImage - CSIRO Scientist Luisa Pentland investigating new technologies for urban water treatment.

Beyond Zero Emissions - Cars

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 06:06:18 +0100

Matthew Wright from Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) has a master-plan for Australia to become a zero carbon nation by 2020. Mathew Wright's master-plan includes the electrification of Australia's car fleets. Read how this will be achieved ...

Welcome In 2011

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 01:08:59 +0100

This is the year for individuals, business, and governments to adopt sustainable strategies that mesh economics and environmental practices, to achieve outcomes that are easier and cheaper. Read how I have meshed both financial and green strategies that prove Amory Lovins quote, 'if it exists, it must be possible'.

Future Trends in Energy Management Systems (EMS)

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 11:43:45 +0100

EMS is a crucial tool required to digest WHEN, WHERE, and WHY resources are consumed, and the first action in making buildings and facilities sustainable. Very few facility managers possess real-time information to effectively manage their electricity, gas, and water expenses. Image: Sydney Opera House upgrade and EMS.

How to Design a Solar Feed-in-Tariff

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 09:04:55 +0100

The Kristina Keneally NSW Labor government will be remembered for their overly-generous gross feed-in-tariff, and then killing it 12 months later without any transition period, leaving homeowners and the solar industry in limbo. David Burns of Sustain450 advocates how residential solar can provide benefits for all stakeholders. Read more ...

Gross Feed-In-Tariff Electricity Meters

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:49:12 +0100

Gross feed-in-tariff electricity meters are now available in NSW, Australia. I have provided my financial solar payback example for reference.

Sustainable Homes - where do I start?

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:36:04 +0100

Sustainable home owners typically possess a comprehensive appreciation of where our energy & water come from. Leading architects MISHO & ASSOCIATES, and CAROLINE PIDCOCK each present an affordable design, that respects water, energy, and building resources. VIEW THE IMAGES.

SMART Car ForTwo EV update - A Sustainable Choice

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:31:50 +0100

Green Cars provide better feul efficiency by incorporating hybrid petrol/ electric engines, low emission diesel, or EV drive-trains compared to traditional vehicles. Expect the SMART ForTwo EV to appear in AUS within 3-4 years.

Nyngan Locust Plague 2010

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:56:33 +0100

Will the NSW DPI (Agriculture) and the APVMA control permits be enough to prevent toxic insecticides from entering food supplies that may end up for sale on supermarket shelves?

NABERS & Mandatory Disclosure

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:15:22 +0100

The Australian Government's new Mandatory Disclosure and commercial Building Energy Efficiency Certificate (BEEC) legislation takes effect from Nov 2010, starting with a 12 month transition period. The new Act applies to commercial space having a NLA > 2000m2 and at least 24months old. Is your building EXEMPT?

Australian Science: Emerging Renewables

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:31:39 +0100

Australian science is positioned to provide fantastic renewable energy solutions. In the shaddow of a federal election without vision, Maryella Hatfield's film 'The Future Makers' showcase energy solutions that are ready to come online. Which one do you think offers the most promise?

WIRES - Fatso & Fuzzy's Brushtail Possum Rescue

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:24:32 +0100

Meet little brother and sister brushtail possums, Fatso & Fuzzy. These two little guys came into WIRES foster care as miniture joeys after their mum was killed by a car on Sydney's North Shore, Dec 2009. READ their amazing story and learn how YOU can help SAVE Australian Wildlife.

What is the Best Energy Strategy from Here?

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 05:40:35 +0100

Where does passive design, energy efficiency, renewables, fossil fuels, and nuclear fit into the energy solution? VIEW TED debate on YouTube NOW.

"Reinventing Fire" - RMI 2009 San Francisco

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 05:51:44 +0100

The annual Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) Symposium held in San Francisco Oct 2009 had a strategic focus on energy efficiency and ihow to transition away from dependance on oil. VIEW 'Reinventing Fire' on YouTube NOW.

Climate Changes Skeptic, Cynics, and Supporters

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 05:48:41 +0100

Our beliefs on Climate Change separate us into three groups: Skeptics, Cynics, and Supporters. VIEW YouTube debate between Lord Monckton and Rupert Rosner NOW.

Socceroos Wear Sustainable Jersey

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 04:52:09 +0100

Australia's Qantas Socceroos wear a high tech jersey at The WorldCup in South Africa. Will the Socceroos new strip make the difference for their 2010 campaign?

BP Oil Spill

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 11:47:16 +0100

Did you know that there have been 267 major oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico since 1960? Each of these spills has released more than 34 tons of oil into the environment. Our obsession with oil is one of my greatest concerns. We all should share responsibility for this.

China Sets Bold Renewable Target for 2020

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:25:00 +0100

If You think China is NOT Serious about Renewable Energy, You Better Read This! China gets serious about solar electricity as it shapes its domestic energy supply networks.

Look for Eco & Fair Trade Labels on Product Purchases

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 06:37:16 +0100

Responsible manufacturing companies provide Eco & Fair Tade Labels to help consumers make informed choices. Eco & Fair Trade Labels provide chemical inventories, instructions for recycling, and take an active position not to harm children.

KeepCups - TakeAway Coffee

Mon, 31 May 2010 12:05:25 +0100

I love my KeepCup. I take it on business or just meeting a friend at the local cafe. My KeepCup is made from pure materials and helps me to do my part to minimise landfill waste. Michael at Manly's FusionPoint Cafe always cracks a smile when he sees me with it.

Sustainability Starts at Home

Mon, 31 May 2010 06:26:12 +0100

Our sustainable home incorporates design, energy efficiency, renewables, and only relies upon mechanical solutions where there are no other alternatives. Read how our home started as seven written values on a piece of scrap paper.

Nuclear Power vs Energy Efficiency & Renewables

Mon, 31 May 2010 06:19:15 +0100

The debate between nuclear power versus energy efficiency and renewables is heating up. By definition, nuclear is not sustainable....... a topic appropriate for political debate in Australia.

The Three BIG Themes from Greenbuild 2009

Mon, 31 May 2010 06:18:21 +0100

Greenbuild 2009 and the associated Resential Summit held during October in Phoenix attracted 28,000 delegates attending LEED accredited educational sessions, workshops & presentations. This was supported by 1500+ trade exhibitors showcasing sustainable action from living roofs to engineering & design solutions based on biomimicry.

Responsible Packaging

Mon, 31 May 2010 06:15:37 +0100

Excessive packaging is a huge community problem, especially for local landfills funded by council rate-payers struggling to cope with unnecessary packaging. Singapore Airlines and Westpac are the latest corporates to demonstrate their ignorance when it comes to displaying their community waste responsibilies.

Extended Producer Responsibility

Mon, 31 May 2010 06:06:57 +0100

Discarded waste - this picture tells a thousands words. If discarded waste containers and packaging can end up on remote picturesque islands, then ecosystems everywhere are at risk unless business embraces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

Energy Efficient BMW 3 Series on the Way

Mon, 31 May 2010 06:05:06 +0100

The new BMW 3 Series gets huge energy efficient transformation, get ready to see it hit roads from 2012.

Who Should be the Chief Sustainability Officer ?

Mon, 31 May 2010 06:03:42 +0100

Read the Verdantix research report on what type of person is best suited to be a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). Are you a potential CSO candidate?

How to Avoid High Electricity Prices

Mon, 31 May 2010 06:01:51 +0100

NSW electricity prices are expected to increase by up to 42% by 2013, depending upon retailer and region. Are you ready and do you know how to minimise your electricity bills?

Rocky Mountain Institute sponsor 'Reinventing Fire'

Mon, 31 May 2010 05:36:49 +0100

The Rocky Mountain Institute has just announced that its National Solutions Council has choosen 'Reinventing Fire' as the 2010 project initiative.

Landscapes that are Naturally Native

Mon, 31 May 2010 05:35:24 +0100

"A successful landscape design should do more than beautify an outdoor space - it should also complement the building, adding value to the property, and provide extra living space or habitat for wildlife. If it also follows sustainable principles, you've got a winning combination", Debbie MacDonald April 2010 (ABC Gardening Australia Magazine).

Sustainable Words Matter when advocating Sustainability

Mon, 31 May 2010 05:11:14 +0100

Sustainable Words Matter according to UK PR company Futerra who funded a study by OnEarth. This study identifies words that work.

Sustainability is NOT Green

Sat, 01 May 2010 03:31:48 +0100

Sustainability is Blue, is the new Green