Conferences & Events

Behaviour Change for Economic, Social and Environmental Sustainability

"He that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils; for time is the greatest innovator." Francis Bacon



Systemic behavioural change is essential if organisations and communities are to move towards a more sustainable economic, social and environmental future.

This landmark event, presented by the 3 Pillars Network and the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, brings together a diverse and passionate group of corporate leaders, policymakers, psychologists, social scientists, program implementers, and organisational experts to:

• Unravel the complexity of influencing behaviours around the three pillars of sustainability
• Identify what approaches are worth consideration
• Explore levers and barriers for behaviour change
• Create a practical plan for implementation
• Measure and evaluate the outcomes of behaviour change initiatives
• Share key learnings from case studies across a variety of disciplines

This is not your usual conference.

Prepare to be challenged and engaged.

Our aim is to arm you with the insight and inspiration to affect behaviour change for greater sustainability across organisations and communities.

Speakers include:

Jeremy Rifkin, author of The Empathic Revolution
and President, Foundation of Economic Trends (US)



Paul Stern, Director of the Committee on the Human Dimensions of Global Change (CHDGC) at the National Research Council (US)



Sam Graham-Felsen,
Barack Obama's Chief Campaign Blogger, 2008 Presidential Campaign

Robert Swan, OBE and Polar Explorer

Peta Ashworth, Earth Science and Resource Engineering, CSIRO

EARLY BIRD RATES APPLY UNTIL 10th September

Places strictly limited, book early to avoid disappointment

Online: www.3pillarsnetwork.com.au

Phone: 02 9555 4203

Email: registrations@3pillarsnetwork.com.au

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RMIT University - Green Building and Design Conference 2010

Greening the Existing Building Stock

Dates:
3rd – 4th September 2010

RMIT Centre for Design Website:
www.rmit.edu.au/cfd

Venue:
State Library of Victoria
Corner Swanston and La Trobe Streets
Melbourne

Register now and be ready for the challenge of transforming our existing building stock for a sustainable Australia.

The 8th Annual Green Building and Design Conference will explore innovative trends and practices in building retrofits. Public policy developments and initiatives, academic analyses and several case studies will address the opportunities inherent in sustainable building renovation in the commercial and the residential sector and illustrate successful strategies.

Hosted by the RMIT Centre for Design, this conference brings together architects and designers, policy makers, energy consultants, building owners and the building industry.

Take advantage of the conference to network with experts, expand your knowledge and be inspired to implement new strategies in your current and future projects.

Visit the conference website to view the program and the outstanding line-up of speakers.

The wide range of pertinent topics include -

• Renovating for a different future
• City of Melbourne’s 1200 Buildings Program
• Mandatory disclosure of building performance
• Material recycling
• Building transformation
• Wind energy
• Non-technical aspects of energy efficiency in office building
• Sustainability and heritage
• Life cycle perspective of renovations

Numerous site visits demonstrating the retrofits of commercial and residential buildings round out the program.

Attendance at the conference can be extended into a professional training single course at RMIT University.

Attendance can be in person or online..

Conference Fees (incl. GST):

Full fee: $ 1045

Register early by 30 July and save $275!

Discounts for group bookings are also available.

Online virtual participation fee: $ 770 (For those who are unable to attend personally)

Register online at www.shortcourses.rmit.edu.au or telephone RMIT Short Courses on 03 9925 8111.

If you would like more information on the conference or single course, visit www.rmit.edu.au/cfd/gbd2010 or contact Nicola Willand at nicola.willand@rmit.edu.au


Program Sponsor




Media Partners

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National Economic Development Conference 2010

25th – 28th October, Novotel Brighton Beach, Sydney

The peak national event for those working to generate sustainable economic, environmental and social prosperity.

Businesses, government agencies, peak bodies, industry associations, consultants, commentators and business leaders will be amongst the speakers and fellow delegates.

Topics:

• National economic analysis from government and industry
• Expert financial panel – focus on access to finance for SMEs
• Structure of the economic development role within local government – detailed case studies
• Collaboration between universities, SMEs and councils – new research
• Recovery needs of SMEs – council, industry and government responses
• New tools to aid business collaboration
• Breakouts on urban and non-urban issues – 18 workshop choices
• World Cafe to incorporate your views on collaboration
• Professional development Masterclass

Speakers include:

• Don Holbrook, Director, International Economic Development Council
• Dr James Rowe, Senior Planner, Economic Development, Manukau Council, New Zealand
• Craig James, Chief Economist, Commsec
• Stephen Cartwright, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Business Chamber
• Sam Moyston, Director, Institute for Sustainable Solutions, University of Sydney
• Craig Doyle, Manager, Sutherland Shire Hub for Economic Development
• Sian Lewis, General Manager, Westpac Retail Business Banking
• Jaap Jonkman, General Manager, NAB Business banking NSW/ACT

REGISTRATIONS

Register now by going to http://www.halledit.com.au/lgsd2010 or contact Denise McQueen on 03 8534 5021 or denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au

SPONSORSHIP/EXHIBITION

For sponsorship and exhibition enquiries, contact the Conference Director, Emma Stirling, on 03 8534 5017 or emma.stirling@halledit.com.au

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6th Australia-New Zealand Climate Change & Business Conference

10-12 August, Sydney

The 6^th Australia-New Zealand Climate Change and Business Conference will be held in Sydney, Australia, on 10-12 August 2010 with the New South Wales Government as Foundation Sponsor. The conference is the pre-eminent climate change conference for business in this region, designed by business for business. The conference serves as the major gathering point for business leaders and chief policy makers and allows exchange of information across the Tasman.

The 2010 conference will focus on how business is moving forward on climate change response in a time of policy uncertainty. Plenary sessions will examine:

• The potential for reduced emissions from key sectors: how and how much?
• Australian and New Zealand policy response to business requirements
• What is needed to unlock and leverage investment in low emissions technology
• Adaptation as a priority response
• The international policy framework and the potential impact on this region
• Inside China and the USA
• The power of complementary measures: what’s working internationally
• Climate change science and communicating the challenge

Additional workshops and concurrent sessions will look at practical lessons learned, including:

• New Zealand’s implementation of an ETS
• International carbon markets
• Energy efficiency best practice
• Summary findings from a full year of NGER reporting
• The growing role of land use
• Cleantech update
• Participating in voluntary markets with/without an ETS

The 2010 conference will again feature an exhibition that will be themed around the conference program.

For further program details and registration, please see the website at: www.climateandbusiness.com.

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2010 National EMS Conference

A Framework for Collective Action

What: 2010 National EMS Conference
When: 12-13 October 2010
Where: Waterfront Campus, Deaking University, Geelong, Victoria
Website: www.ems.asn.au/events/2010/

The Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Association and Deakin University invite you to the 2010 National EMS Conference at the Waterfront Campus in Geelong, Victoria.

The theme of the conference, Framework for Collective Action, has been chosen in response to the increasingly complex solutions put forward to address the big issues of our time. This Conference seeks to explore if there is a simpler solution to carbon emissions, urban sprawl, habitat loss, water availability and the other global concerns.

Call for Abstracts

The call for abstracts is now open for papers or case studies. You do not have be a proponent of, or expert in, EMS to participate in this Conference and may submit a paper of your choice around the theme, "Framework for Collective Action". However as a starting point you might like to consider:

• How can EMSs be used to achieve local and global goals?
• Social aspects of EMS & the roles people play in the EMS cycle.
• How is collective action happening?
• Where are the real successes of EMS?
• Do we need an ETS when we have EMS?

Abstracts are due 30 June 2010. Full papers due 31 August 2010. Papers will be peer reviewed and published online on the EMS website.

All submission is online at: www.ems.asn.au/events/2010/papers.htm

Invited Speakers

• Jennifer Smith Grubb, founder of Sustainable Silicon Valley (California USA)
• Fiona Armstrong, strategic health policy advisor and expert in governance and frameworks
• Dan Atkins, founder and director Sustainable Business Practices

Early Bird Registration

Early Bird Registration is now open. EMSA Members can register for the Conference at the special rate of $495 and non-members for $615. You can join EMSA for $88. Student and group discounts are available.

For registration and more information visit the website: www.ems.asn.au/events/2010/

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National Conference Practical Responses to Climate Change

Hosted By

Early Registration closes on Saturday, 3 July 2010

The National Conference Practical Responses to Climate Change will provide a forum for engineers, scientists, planners and academics to present and debate current and future practices for adapting to changes in our environment from the catchment to the coasts. It is an inaugural conference of the National Committee of Water Engineering.

The Conference Program will feature keynote presentations from international and national experts, plenary panels that will provide an opportunity for interactive discussion between the panel and the audience, and peer reviewed technical papers.

The three day program will focus on four streams: Coasts & Estuaries, Water Resources, Catchments, Floodplains & Waterways and Planning and Policy

Our international and national keynote speakers are:

• Dr Jaap Schellekens, Expert Advisor at Deltares, Netherlands
• Dr Kevin Hennessy, Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Australia: Climate Change Science Update
• Dr Francis Chiew, Senior Leader at CSIRO Land and Water, Australia: Climate Impact on Water Resources
• Mr John Ginivan, Executive Director - Planning Policy at the Department of Planning and Community Development, Australia: Policy and Pragmatism in the Real World
• Mr Angus Gordon, former CEO of Pittwater Council: Terror Australis - Local Government in Deepening Water
• Mr Rob Skinner, Managing Director, Melbourne Water: Sustainable Cities of the Future

To view the Conference program and register for the Conference please visit the website www.climatechange2010.org

For information on Sponsorship and Exhibition opportunities at the Practical Responses to Climate Change 2010 Conference, please contact the Conference Office.

ICMS Pty Ltd
84 Queensbridge Street,
Southbank VIC 3006
Telephone:+61 3 9682 0244 Fax: +61 3 9682 0288
Email: climatechange2010@icms.com.au

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Power Shift 2010

Power Shift 2010 is a series of youth climate summits that will inspire, educate, empower and mobilise young people to take action on climate change. These summits will bring together hundreds of young Australians to learn about the latest climate science and solutions, plan how to take action in their communities, and show our leaders that young people demand a safe climate future.

Power Shift 2010 will be a part conference, part festival, part training and part celebration of the power of young people to change the world!

Power Shift 2010 is being run by the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and is happening in the following locations.

Power Shift 2010 Adelaide: July 31st to August 1st (University of Adelaide)

Power Shift 2010 Canberra: August 7th to 8th (Australian National University)

Power Shift 2010 Geelong: August 14th to 15th (Deakin University Waterfront Campus)

Participants will hear from inspiring speakers, participate in interactive workshops, meet like-minded young people and plan how to create positive social change in their communities.

Speakers confirmed so far include:

• Senator Nick Xenaphon
• Senator Christine Milne
• Dr David Karoly - Scientist and lead author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
• Arron Wood - 2007 Environmentalist of the Year
• John Hepburn - Greenpeace Australia
• Viv Benjamin - National Campaigns Director at The Oaktree Foundation
• Simon Sheike - National Director of online advocacy organisation GetUp!
• Dan Adams- 2008 Young Victorian of the Year

...with more to be announced in the coming weeks! (speakers will vary between the 3 summits)

For more information, go to the Power Shift website at:

http://www.aycc.org.au/projects/power-shift-2010-2/

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Local Government Sustainable Development Conference 2010

August 24 - 25th 2010, Dockside Convention Centre, Sydney

~ PROVIDING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ~

The Local Government Sustainable Development Conference 2010 is the leading sustainable development conference for local government, with CEOs, Mayors, Councillors and senior managers from local councils around Australia attending each year.

The national Conference will showcase leading edge examples of outstanding environmental initiatives by Australian local governments, including the winners of the Australian Sustainable Cities Award and the International Liveable Cities Awards as well as international best practice case studies.

Topics will include:

• Climate change and energy efficiency
• Integrating sustainability into economic imperatives
• Future directions for asset management
• Practical approaches to water management
• Sustainable planning and urban design
• Waste management and resource recovery
• Land remediation
• Community engagement in environmental initiatives
• Green purchasing and procurement

Invited speakers include:

• Chris Davis, Commissioner, National Water Commission
• Cr Paul Bell, President, Local Government Association of Queensland
• Professor Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability, Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute
• Professor Gary Jones, Chief Executive, eWater CRC
• Kelly Pearce, Assistant Secretary, Waste Policy Branch, Department of Environment and Heritage
• Rod Welford, CEO, Australian Council of Recyclers
• Dave West, Founder, Boomerang Alliance
• Pete Williams, CEO, Deloitte Digital
• Ian Blair, Director, Quadraco Asia-Pacific
• Martin Brennan, Deputy CEO, ICLEI Oceania
• Tom Roper, President, Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council
• Wayne Wescott, Chair, Local Government Task Group, Green Building Council of Australia
• Dr Ralf Haese, Project Leader, Coastal Research and Management, Geoscience Australia
• Sean Rooney, Sustainability Program Manager, Sinclair Knight Merz
• Marcus Spiller, Director, SGS Economics and Planning
• Dan Atkins, Managing Director, Shaper Group
• Cr Angelo Tsirekas, Mayor, City of Canada Bay
• Shayne Silcox, Chief Executive Officer, City of Melville
• Bob Gaussen, Managing Director, Review Today Pty Ltd
• Percy Allan, Research Director, Review Today Pty Ltd
• Michele Leembruggen, 1200 Buildings Program Coordinator, City of Melbourne
• Colin Pitman, Director, City Projects, City of Salisbury
• Charles Turner, Manager Asset Management, Bayside City Council
• Greg Hunt, Executive Officer, South East Councils Climate Change Alliance

REGISTRATIONS

Register now by going to http://www.halledit.com.au/lgsd2010 or contact Denise McQueen on 03 8534 5021 or denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au

SPONSORSHIP/EXHIBITION

For sponsorship and exhibition enquiries, contact Brian Rault on 03 8534 5014 or email brian.rault@halledit.com.au

PLATINUM SPONSOR

SUPPORTING PARTNER

NETWORKING DRINKS SPONSOR

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2010 NSW Coastal Conference — Batemans Bay!!

Eurobodalla Shire Council is proud to host the 19h NSW Coastal Conference in Batemans Bay on 10 - 12 November 2010. The conference has been held annually for the past 18 years and has grown to become one of the most successful coastal industry events held in Australia.

The NSW Coastal Conference for 2010 is to be held at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club and will focus on the theme “Coastal Management – all aboard making it work!” This conference will be of particular interest to participants involved with coastal management, research, education and service provision and policy – as well as representatives from government, students, user groups and community volunteer organisations.

The 2010 NSW Coastal Conference is a three day event which comprises of plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, discussion groups, field trips (addressing some of the local coastal and marine management issues) and networking events.

*** Call for Abstracts Now Open***

On behalf of the Conference Committee for the 19th NSW Coastal Conference we are pleased to advise you that on-line submission of abstracts is now available on the NSW Coastal Conference website www.coastalconference.com . Abstracts are invited for consideration as an oral presentation or poster.

The deadline for abstract submissions is Monday 28th June 2010.

2010 NSW Coastal Conference Topics Include:

• Science - the latest data and projections; coastal geomorphology and latest modelling and GIS techniques; understanding measured and projected sea level rise in NSW; integrating coastal ecology and management.
• Planning - Who is doing what? What’s working, what’s not? Cooperative approaches for coastal and estuary management. Responding to the effects of climate change and sea level rise on coastal infrastructure and ecology and landuse planning.
• Social and Economic - the social and economic impact on local communities; valuing land and infrastructure lost to sea level rise; social cost of retreat strategies.
• Legal and Policy - available legal options and policies, policy development and implementation (from all government sectors).

For further information, please contact the Conference Managers:

EAST COAST CONFERENCES

Jayne Hindle, Susan Contempree, Amy McIntosh

T: (61-2) 6650 9800 F: (61-2) 6650 9700 M: 0423 242 100

PO Box 848, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Australia

coastal@eastcoastconferences.com.au

www.eastcoastconferences.com.au

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News

New climate change initiative for Victoria’s Latrobe Valley

More than $55 million has been allocated by the Victorian Government to support sustainable new jobs and investment in the Latrobe Valley.

The Victorian Climate Change White Paper Action Plan incorporates a $25 million Latrobe Valley Advantage fund and $30 million for a CarbonNet initiative.

The Action Plan sets out specific actions for the next four years and clear targets for the future, including a commitment to reduce emissions by up to four million tonnes over the next four years.

One of the components, the $25 million Latrobe Valley Advantage fund, will drive jobs, investment, training and new energy technology through three new programs:

• Skilling the Valley – identifying opportunities and developing new skills in the Latrobe Valley;
• Attracting New Industries and Jobs – supporting new investment, innovation and partnerships; and
• Sustainable Research - including looking at low emissions energy and alternative uses for coal.

In addition to the Advantage Fund, the government has committed $30 million for CarbonNet. That project will explore the development of a network of pipelines that transport carbon to storage sites in the Gippsland Basin.

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Minister determines environmental appeals on power stations

The Western Australian Government has determined appeals relating to the construction and refurbishment of three power stations in the state.

In determining the appeals, Environment Minister, Donna Faragher, re-confirmed that greenhouse gas abatement was best addressed through a national approach and the timing and details were a matter for the Federal Government.

Ms Faragher says, however, she considers it appropriate for proponents to implement greenhouse gas abatement programs to address carbon emissions, prior to the introduction of a national approach. Her decisions relate to the proposed new Coolimba power station at Eneabba, the expansion of the Bluewaters power station at Collie and the refurbishment of the Muja A/B power station at Collie.

Consistent with advice from the Environmental Protection Authority, a greenhouse gas abatement program will require the power stations to achieve continuous improvement in net greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of advances in technology and process management.

This includes consideration of carbon capture and storage and the use of new technologies to improve the efficiency of the generator units.

To ensure transparency, the abatement program will be reviewed every year and the proponents will engage an independent specialist to undertake an audit every second year to confirm best practice standards and technologies are being adopted.

Ms Faragher’s determination on the proposals and the Appeals Convenor’s reports are available at http://www.appealsconvenor.wa.gov.au.

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Reducing Tasmania’s carbon emissions

An assessment of a report that details how the Tasmanian Government can reduce its carbon emissions to below 1990 levels by 2050 has been presented to the government.

The Climate Action Council’s assessment of the Tasmanian Wedges report includes around 50 recommendations in areas including alternative energy and transport, energy efficiency, planning, forestry and sustainable agriculture.

The report models Tasmania’s greenhouse gas emissions under a business-as-usual scenario to 2050. It identifies potential emission reduction options for each sector of the economy and evaluates the abatement potential and cost of each option. The report and the Tasmanian Climate Action Council advice can be viewed in full at www.climatechange.tas.gov.au.

Chair of the Climate Action Council, Associate Professor Kate Crowley, says she looks forward to a future where Tasmania can show leadership on climate change, and indeed where it becomes known globally for doing so.

State Minister for Climate Change, Nick McKim, says it is essential the government sets a clear path towards achieving Tasmania’s 2050 emissions reduction targets, because the targets are meaningless without such a path.

Mr McKim says there are exciting opportunities in Tasmania for industries to reduce their carbon emissions through more innovative and efficient practices. He says the state can also reduce its dependence on fossil fuels by improving passenger transport services and creating more cycling and walking tracks.

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Report forecasts major boost in green energy supplies

A report commissioned by the SA Government forecasts billions of dollars in renewable energy investment in the state and across Australia.

The $1 million report by Macquarie Capital, Worley Parsons and Baker & McKenzie was commissioned in 2009 to see what steps needed to be taken to boost Australia’s green energy supplies and to make SA a leader in providing green energy to the national power grid.

The Macquarie Capital-led consortium says $1.8 billion would be spent in SA – expenditure that would include building transmission lines to tap into the Eyre Peninsula’s wind resource.

The peninsula has four major wind zones, creating a potential of 10,000 megawatts of generation. The consortium’s report says Stage One of the project could attract $4.5 billion in 2,000 megawatts of wind power in SA, in addition to the near 1,000 megawatts of wind power already installed in the state.

The report contends the project is commercially viable and there is no need for direct State Government financial involvement. It shows SA has the potential to contribute 30% of Australia’s renewable energy target.

The report says the necessary pre-conditions – economic, environmental and social – are in place to allow the project to proceed provided the proposed Federal regulatory changes go ahead.

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Major new push by Victoria to improve energy efficiency

The Victorian Government is doubling the State’s energy efficiency target - the Energy Saver Incentive. It is estimated the upgrade will generate $100 million in economic activity each year from new products, services and labour.

The first stage of the scheme generated more than 1,200 jobs for Victoria’s growing green industries and the government expects the expansion to increase significantly over the next three years.

Premier, John Brumby, says doubling the target will stimulate significant private sector investment which, in turn, will create more jobs.

Mr Brumby says the new Energy Efficiency Target will cut Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions by 5.4 million tonnes a year over the next three years. He says the new target compares with reductions of 2.7 million tonnes per year during the first stage of the scheme, or more than eight million tonnes over three years of the stage.

Mr Brumby says the expansion could benefit up to 500,000 of the small to medium businesses that operate in Victoria. And saving energy means saving money.

The initiative also includes a doubling of rebates offered for registrations of hybrid and electric vehicles. The rebate will now be $100. Mr Brumby says hybrid vehicles make a significant contribution to reducing the carbon footprint, producing lower emissions than standard engine technologies, reduced fuel consumption and reduced demand for oil.

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Increased focus on climate risk management

A state-wide initiative is being launched in Queensland to help primary producers manage climate risk and adapt to climate change.

The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) is undertaking the $300,000 project to help develop industry capacity to manage climate variability. The project is also designed to assist industry to adapt to and prepare options for projected climate change impacts.

DEEDI will partner with the Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence to develop and evaluate a range of tools to help industry. They will develop a climate risk matrix, customised regional climate change projection information and assess other seasonal climate forecasting strategies.

Briefings have already started with representatives from the horticulture and cropping industries.

Neil Cliffe – a DEEDI officer based at Mackay – says analysing climate risks highlights areas of vulnerability where industry and landholders can focus efforts to manage the state’s variable climate.

Mr Cliffe says the initiative will help them prepare for any significant climate change impacts: for example, the suitability and productivity of some crops will be impacted by increasing temperature and there could be flow-on effects to other sectors such as food processing.

He says there is now scope for improved information and understanding of the likely impacts of climate change, and this will show industry how to more effectively manage climate variability.

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Bio plant to boost research and economic development

A $10 million biofuels pilot plant has been opened in Mackay to research the production of fuel from sources including sugar cane waste, forest and garden waste, crops like sorghum and algae.

The plant is owned and operated by Queensland University of Technology and one of its first projects will focus on turning bagasse – the waste product from sugar cane – into ethanol.

The facility is located on the site of the Mackay Sugar Ltd Mill and it will be available to companies and public and private sector researchers. It will bring new investment to the Mackay region.

Queensland Primary Industries Minister, Tim Mulherin, says the plant will broaden the area’s economy. He says the bio-based industrial products sector is one of the world’s fastest growing industries, and the pilot plant provides a unique opportunity to capitalise on the sector’s expansion.

Mr Mulherin says it will put Mackay at the forefront of a new field that will impact on energy security, climate change, regional development and investment. He says technologies developed at the plant may be exported to the world.

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Learning more about earth's crust and resources

More than 20 Australian universities, government bodies and research organisations will develop a new system to increase understanding of the earth’s crust and its resources.

They will develop the Australian Geophysical Observing System or AGOS using key infrastructure sites including Macquarie University in Sydney, the University of Melbourne and Australian National University.

Federal Innovation Minister, Kim Carr, says spreading AGOS will maximise scientific returns and support for major geo-engineering projects now being considered, such as deep geothermal drilling. Senator Carr says Australia is already a recognised world leader in geoscience and the project will help it remain at the forefront of such an increasingly important field.

The Federal Government is investing $23 million in the project which is leveraging a further $82 million from other project partners. The government funding is from the Education Investment Fund which can be found here.

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