Can biofuels make greenhouse worse?
Emissions from the production of some biofuels are much higher than the conventional fuels they replace, according to a submission to the Garnaut Climate Change Review from the Public Transport Users Association (PTUS).
The PTUS says urgent measures are needed to address emissions from the transport sector in Australia, which is one of the largest and fastest growing sources of emissions in Australia.
“If the Australian transport sector were a country, it would be one of the world’s top 50 greenhouse polluters. Based on the sector’s average growth rate over the last 15 years, transport emissions in 2050 will go close to the total level of emissions allowed across all sectors under a weak 60 per cent emissions reduction target,” the report says.
And biofuels, often put forward as the solution to growing emissions in the transport sector, are set to exacerbate the problem, according to the PTUS. The report raises concerns about the rate of land clearing for the cultivation of crops for biofuels. Land use change, particularly deforestation, is a major contributor to greenhouse emissions.
“The large amount of energy involved in the cultivation, harvesting, transport, processing and distribution of biofuel means that it has a low energy return on investment (EROI) compared to conventional fuel. Many studies indicate that more energy is expended in the biofuel supply chain than is provided by the biofuel itself,” the report says.
“This also means that greenhouse emissions resulting from the biofuel life-cycle can be of a similar magnitude or larger than the emissions that would result from using conventional fuel.”
From www.EnvironmentalManagementNews.net Dinosaurs a winner for Science Centre
The Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium’s Dinosaurs, Fossils and Coal Exhibition has won first prize in the Illawarra Coal Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) Excellence Awards! This is the first community project to receive an award in Illawarra Coal.
As a result, the project is being entered into the global BHP Billiton HSEC awards.
For more information go to www.sciencecentre.uow.edu.au Fix those leaks!
Bega Valley Shire Council on the NSW south coast says its Water Loss Management Program has helped save 120 ML of water a year. Up to $45,000 has been provided to help find and repair leaks and install flow meters to monitor water demand and leakage after an investigation into the amount of leakage in Merimbula and Tura's water distribution systems was carried out.
"We used acoustic leak detection technology to locate hidden leaks in some 60 kilometres of pipes, and then excavated and repaired the leaks," said water and sewerage services manager at Bega Valley Shire Council, Jim Collins.
The Water Loss Management Program is a four year, $22 million project which is one-third funded by the Federal Government through the Water Smart Australia Program, with the remainder coming from participating regional councils.
"There are currently 25 councils which have applied to the Water Loss Management Program to help reduce their water losses, with water savings of almost 5,000 ML per year expected from these councils," said Robert Bell, chair of the NSW Water Loss Management Program.
From www.EnvironmentalManagementNews.net
I&I comment: Makes you wonder how much of our precious water is being leaked across the country Western Sydney Manufacturing Week 2008
From 12 to 16 May 2008 there are various events to suit many businesses within and outside Western Sydney. All events are FREE. You are invited to register at www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/westernsydney
Some of the special events are:
• Western Sydney Manufacturing Innovation Technology Showcase:
The Showcase and associated sessions highlight the latest research, technical advances, new processes and business model innovations. It features international speakers and Sydney’s leading research and educational institutions and manufacturers plus Government and Non-Government agencies dedicated to fostering innovation. Something for everyone and a must-attend networking and information event.
Monday, 12 May 2008 2.00pm at the Novotel Sydney Olympic Park.
• Doing Business with Defence: Understanding the Labyrinth:
Presentations by three leading defence industry figures, identifying the opportunities and obstacles faced by small and medium sized enterprises doing business in the defence market in Australia.
Tuesday, 13 May 2008 7:30am at Western Sydney Business Centre, North Parramatta
• Free Site Visit Program: As part of the Manufacturing Week program there is an opportunity to visit various operations to see what makes them successful. These include:
1. B&D Doors and Openers: B&D is Australia’s market leader in the manufacture and marketing of garage doors and automatic openers. Tuesday, 13 May 2008 8:45am at Revesby
2. The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO): There is more to ANSTO than nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceuticals and this visit provides manufacturing and other related organisations with the opportunity to learn about current activities and opportunities and visit the new world-class OPAL nuclear research reactor. Wednesday, 14 May 2008 2:00pm at Lucas Heights.
Your Ideas, Innovations or Events?
If you want publicity for an idea, innovation or technically related event, contact the I&I editor, Colin Seaborn on 4254 0200 or 0419 841829 or click here->
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