Newsletter

November 2008

Carbon Market Expo Australasia - voted an overwhelming success.
Over 1200 attendees from Australia and 26 other countries took part in this inaugural event. The early feedback from exhibitors included comments like "best event ever in Australia" and "Carbon Market Expo gave us such access to investors that millions of dollars of business is underway". Not bad for a first event, held in the middle of unprecedented turmoil on financial markets! EBA Chairman, Robert Purves, opened Carbon Market Expo Australasia calling for a green industrial revolution. Senator Penny Wong, Minister for Climate Change and Water gave the Australian keynote address, following Climate Change Capital's James Cameron interview live from London. Dr John Kilani gave the international opening address and represented the UNFCCC.

The core message from Carbon Market Expo is a vast commercial opportunity in tackling climate change and a new era of prosperity and job creation is opening up. But speakers, delegates and exhibitors were adamant that Government should not cap prices or put a fixed price on carbon, even for the first two years. International investors warned that such a move would kill off the critical investment into new projects in Australia and would remove any chance of Australia becoming a carbon and finance hub for the region. A petition on this issue was drawn up and circulated late on Friday - this is now available for electronic signature on the EBA and Expo websites (www.environmentbusiness.com.au or www.carbonexpo.com.au) or request an email copy from EBA. The petition will be sent to Government this Friday 7 November.

The winners of the 2009 Carbon Market Expo Awards were:

• Dr Andrew Grant, Managing Director, CO2 Australia
• Vinod Kala, Managing Director, Emergent Ventures (India)
• Josh Carmody, Asian Development Bank (Philippines)

An outline from each of them will be available in the next edition of EBA News.

Environment Business Australia would like to thank event partner, the Asia Pacific Emissions Trading Forum; the foundation sponsors - the Queensland Government, Gold Coast City Council; Diamond Sponsors Acciona, Baker & McKenzie, Barclays Capital, and nabCapital; the workshop series sponsors Parsons Brinkerhoff and Bond University; and Energetics, Perenia, Climate Change Capital, Austrade, UK High Commission, Hyder, BP, Supply Chain Consulting and Russell Reynolds Associates.

All plenary sessions were recorded and will shortly be available for download (to attendees) consult the web site at www.carbonexpo.com.au

Contents

EBA Member News

Thiess and Geodynamics Chairman wins Queensland Premier's Award
Martin Albrecht was presented with the Premier's Award for leadership at the EPA Sustainability Awards dinner which followed Carbon Market Expo.

SKM receives CSIRO Chairman's Medal
Leading engineering, sciences and project delivery firm, Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) has been acknowledged for its role on the landmark Murray Darling Basin Sustainable Yields Project in Australia. The team of scientists who delivered the Project, led by the CSIRO's Water for a Healthy Country Flagship, has been awarded the 2008 CSIRO Chairman's Medal.

In 2007 and 2008, the Murray Darling Basin Sustainable Yields team undertook the world's first water resource assessment of its scale for the groundwater and surface waters of the Murray-Darling Basin. In accepting the Medal on behalf of the SKM team that worked on the Project, SKM's Dr Rick Evans said it is understood to be the first time that a non-CSIRO person or organisation has been awarded the coveted medal. "This has been the most comprehensive and complex whole-of- basin water assessment ever undertaken in Australia and we are delighted to receive this very significant acknowledgement," Dr Evans said. "It is the largest research contract CSIRO has taken on in its 80-year history, and it has generated a massive data set to drive a computer-based 'supermodel' of the Basin's water resources," he said. www.skmconsulting.com

Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) awarded $600,000 contract to undertake climate change check on Australian infrastructure
Parsons Brinckerhoff will assess the effects of climate change on Australia's infrastructure on behalf of the Federal Department of Climate Change. The $600,000 National Infrastructure Climate Change Adaptation Risk Assessment (NICARRA) will consider the challenges facing key infrastructure to 2070. PB's Project Director and National Technical Executive, Climate Change Arek Sinanian explained this assessment was an urgent task for government and business. "The condition and performance of our infrastructure critically influences the growth and international competitiveness of the Australian economy and subsequently, the living standards of Australians. "Australia's infrastructure is a fundamentally important national asset - it represents a large historical investment from both the public and private sectors. PB's Climate Change Business Unit will provide an independent and rigorous report on the strengths and vulnerabilities of Australia's significant infrastructure, or what is termed 'economic infrastructure.' KPMG and CSIRO are also part of the expert team and will assist PB with specific aspects of the study. Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) is a world leading planning, environment and infrastructure consultancies, with over 12,000 staff based in offices across six continents. In Australia and New Zealand, PB's multidisciplinary team of 2,000 professionals offers a comprehensive range of multidisciplinary services and total project delivery on projects of any scale. See www.pb.com.au and www.pbworld.com

Deadline looms on business energy efficiency reporting: Energetics
Australia's largest energy users now have less than two months to identify their energy efficiency savings and put them on public record, warns carbon management consultancy Energetics. On 31 December 2008, high energy user businesses will be required to reveal their energy saving opportunities to the federal government's Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) program (www.energyefficiencyopportunities.gov.au). The EEO program applies to the 220 companies that consume more than 500 terajoules of energy per year. It is expected to run at least until the introduction of the government's National Strategy for Energy Efficiency, announced at COAG last week for implementation by June 2009. In September this year, Energetics released a survey of EEO participants, which showed the scheme has brought about an overall improvement in attitudes and behaviour towards energy efficiency. However, it also identified alarming barriers to implementation of such measures in the lead-up to the 2010 introduction of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. The Energetics Energy Efficiency Opportunities Participant Survey is available from Energetics by visiting www.energetics.com.au

Australia News

Climate change a serious threat to the insurance industry.
While the general insurance industry still reels from the economic crisis, it faces another very serious threat: climate change, according to a Zurich Australia white paper. Titled Climate change and the insurance industry - no silver-bullet solution, the report argues that, although it is a serious threat, there are opportunities for insurers to manage the risks, as well as help the community adapt to the impacts of climate change. However, to date, only a limited number of insurers are exploring the opportunities. The report is based on research Zurich commissioned from highly regarded international corporate climate specialists. Contact: For more information, contact Rob White, Corporate Communications Manager rob.white@zurich.com.au

Better Place builds electric-vehicle networks
Better Place announced agreements with AGL Energy and financial advisor Macquarie Capital Group to raise $1 billion (AUD) and begin deploying an electric vehicle (EV) network powered by renewable energy. The Better Place model for sustainable mobility will help Australia move toward oil independence. With the world's seventh highest per capita rate of car ownership, the country has nearly 15 million cars on the road after adding over a million new cars last year. Launched in 2007 with $200 million of venture funding, Better Place builds electric-vehicle networks powered by renewable energy to give consumers an affordable, sustainable alternative for personal mobility. Better Place is working with partners to build its first standards-based networks in Israel and Denmark. Better Place has an existing partnership with The Renault-Nissan Alliance, the world leader in electric car development. The company is committed to open network access and leverages industry standards, allowing consumers to have a choice of make and model. Better Place expects the first mass market EV models to be available in Australia by the 2012 model year, a year after its mass market launch in Israel and Denmark. www.betterplace.com

Renewable Energy Demonstration Fund
The Minister for Resources and Energy, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, announced the release of the draft Information Guide on the Renewable Energy Demonstration Program for public consultation. The $435 million Renewable Energy Demonstration Program (REDP) is part of the Australian Government's $500 Renewable Energy Fund. REDP aims to assist the development of large-scale renewable energy projects through the provision of Commonwealth grants on the basis of $1 for every $2 dollars contributed by the private sector. Grants will be subject to a competitive, merit-based selection process. The REDP will accelerate the development and commercialisation of new renewable energy technologies in Australia by demonstrating these technologies on a commercial scale. www.ret.gov.au Feedback on the draft REDP Information Guide should be submitted to REDP@ret.gov.au by 5 November 2008. Queries regarding the REDP or the consultation process - contact Joe Andrews on 02 6213 6431 or joe.andrews@ret.gov.au

Australian emitters to get billions in carbon scheme support
Point Carbon. 20 October. Companies eligible for government support under Australia's emerging emissions trading scheme could get free carbon credits worth up to A$2.85 billion (US$2 billion), according to a new report. The black coal mining industry would receive the bulk of the free credits, worth A$1.5 billion per year, although it is not clear whether the sector would qualify. The aluminium smelting industry would receive credits worth some A$825 million in the emissions trading scheme's first year. Alumina refiners would receive credits worth A$227 million, cement producers A$146 million, and steel makers A$126 million. On a company-level, Rio Tinto would be the biggest beneficiary, receiving free credits worth between A$409-A$489 million, depending on the status of black coal. Innovest, the consultancy firm which wrote the report for the Australian Conservation, estimated these figures using a carbon price of A$20. However, the report adds that the black coal industry may not qualify for support. The government has proposed to support industries based on their emissions per unit of revenue. Based on 2001-2002 figures, black coal would qualify, but the recent increase in coal prices may have made the industry too little emission-intensive per unit of revenue to receive support. These industrial sectors are in line for free credits because the Australian government wants to protect them from competition from countries that have no carbon emission restrictions. But critics have rounded on the scheme for favouring carbon intensive industries, and foreign multinationals. "This analysis shows the compensation arrangements proposed in the green paper are far too generous to big polluters and overseas interests," said Tony Mohr, ACF's climate change programme manager. "Under the current plans for emissions trading the amount being given away to the big polluters is more than the total federal budget spend on climate change and the environment," he said.

Victoria staking its claim as a carbon market hub
Acting Minister for Industry and Trade John Lenders announced the establishment of a new taskforce and the launch of a Melbourne Carbon Market Services Guide as part of a Brumby Labor Government strategy to position Victoria as an Asia Pacific carbon trading hub. Mr Lenders said Victoria was well placed to capitalise on opportunities created by the Federal Government's proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, set to begin in 2010. "Australia will have the second-largest emissions trading scheme in the world and the largest in the Asia-Pacific with a direct market value of $10 billion - globally the opportunities are even more impressive with markets valued at $68.4 billion in 2007. The new taskforce comprises key industry, business and community leaders to inform strategic planning at both state and federal levels and includes organisations such as Rio Tinto, NEMMCO, Origin Energy, Orica, Toyota, Goldman Sachs JB Were, NAB and ANZ, as well as industry associations such as VECCI. The guide was compiled with the not-for-profit Climate Group and profiles a number of Victorian companies offering services and products associated with the emerging sector. The list will grow as businesses apply for inclusion in the online version, to be found at www.business.vic.gov.au

How the Clean Development Mechanism can help you
All around the world Emissions Trading Schemes based on the Kyoto Protocol are in various stages of discussion and approval, almost always accompanied by a spirited debate over the financial impacts on industry and society. In addition to the wide variety of local schemes, instruments such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) allow developed nations to offset their own emissions by investing in sustainable emissions reduction schemes in the developing world. As a successor agreement is negotiated to follow the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol expiring in 2012, the question arises - will the CDM then exist in a form that both benefits and encourages businesses in developed countries to assist their developing neighbours? SKM believes this will be the case although there may be some limitations imposed on trading in such offsets. Astute business operators who embrace the CDM now and in the future will be able to use this involvement to help them achieve their triple bottom line targets. To understand how this can occur, please read the article: www.skmconsulting.com/knowledge_insights/CDM.htm

Professor Penny Sackett Australia's new Chief Scientist
Professor Penny Sackett has been appointed as Australia's new Chief Scientist. This is the first time the post is full-time - an important step forward as science and innovation needs to more actively inform Cabinet decisions.

Telecomms and carbon
Telstra has launched a new website that allows people to calculate how much carbon they could save by simply using telecommunications like video-conferencing, rather than flying or driving to meetings. It is estimated that telecommunications could help reduce Australia's carbon emissions by almost 5% per year, or around 27 million carbon tonnes, by 2015. For details see www.nowwearetalking.com.au

Clean energy trade mission to USA and Chile
Austrade and NZ Trade & Enterprise will host the first ever joint trade and investment mission for companies to visit the USA and Chile. The mission from 25 Feb to 3 Mar 2009 will include a visit to Cleantech Forum 2009 in San Francisco and ReTech Show and Conference in Las Vegas - the largest annual trade gathering for the renewable energy industry. For further information on the USA/Chile Mission please contact Jessie Sadler, Senior Industry Adviser - Clean Energy on (02) 9390 2395 or jessie.sadler@austrade.gov.au

Australian Trade Mission to Canada to attend AMERICANA 2009
The Consulate General of Canada is organising an Australian Trade Mission to Canada to attend AMERICANA 2009, one of Canada's largest environmental technologies conferences and trade shows, to be held in Montreal March 2009. Contact R. G. (Bob) Gow, Trade Commissioner - Environment & Energy, Consulate General of Canada. Email: robert.gow@international.gc.ca

International News

Britain to cut emissions by 80% by 2050
Reuters, 16 October 2008 - British energy and climate minister Ed Miliband said he backed proposals for Britain to cut all greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent of 1990 levels by 2050 from the current target of 60 percent. The Committee on Climate Change said Britain needed to reduce its emissions further than under previous proposals as part of a strategy to halve global emissions by 2050. Miliband also said he would amend a law going through parliament to introduce 'feed in' tariffs for renewable energy in small-scale electricity generation.

"I also believe that complementing the renewables obligation for large-scale projects, guaranteed prices for small-scale electricity generation (and) feed-in tariffs, have the potential to play an important role, as they do in other countries," he told legislators. In addition, Miliband said he will discuss new legislation to end unfair pricing unless energy companies show they are prepared to stop over-charging on pre-payment meters for many customers.

ADB, Standard Chartered China, and Johnson Controls Partner to Make PRC Buildings Energy-Efficient
Beijing.The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is extending 800 million yuan (about US$116.9 million) in a partial credit guarantee program that will support private sector-led energy efficiency projects in the People's Republic of China. Under the pilot program, ADB is partnering with a private energy management company and financial institutions to retrofit existing buildings to save energy, and to support the construction of new energy-efficient "green buildings". The management company will identify buildings with energy savings potential, while ADB will share the project credit risks with the financial institutions. www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2008/12653-chinese-energies-efficiencies

Climate change: projections show EU on track to meet Kyoto emission targets
The EU and most member states are on track to deliver on their Kyoto Protocol commitments for reducing or limiting emissions of greenhouse gases, the Commission's annual progress report on emissions shows. The latest projections from member states indicate that the EU-15 will achieve its 8% reduction target through a combination of policies and measures already taken, the purchase of emission credits from projects in third countries, and forestry activities that absorb carbon from the atmosphere. Additional measures under discussion in a number of member states would bring a further 3.3% reduction, enabling the EU-15 to do better than its target requires.

Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: "The latest projections are good news. They show that Europe's coordinated action to reach the Kyoto targets is working. But Kyoto is only the first step: now the world needs a new international climate agreement that incorporates the ambitious emissions cuts Europe has set itself for 2020 and beyond. For this reason the additional measures that EU member states plan need to be implemented, and the Commission's climate change and energy package needs to be approved by the European Parliament and Council, without delay."

Coca-Cola's goal to become "water neutral"
On December 2, Greg Koch, Managing Director of Global Water Stewardship at The Coca-Cola Company will be discussing the company's water management strategy at the Corporate Water Footprinting conference in San Francisco. He will be joined by senior representatives from other top companies including MillerCoors, Cadbury Schweppes, Steelcase, GE, Cisco, Adobe, and PepsiCo. Here he discusses the main drivers behind Coca-Cola's goal to become "water neutral". www.greenpowerconferences.com/corporateclimateresponse/corp_water.html

Diary of Events

Carbon Ethics, Who Wins, Who Loses? Melbourne Arts Centre, Tuesday 18th November 2008, 12:00pm - 3:00pm. Sydney Hilton Hotel, Thursday 20th November 2008, 7:00am - 10:00am www.greencapital.org.au

Decentralised Energy Technology, Policy and Opportunities for Australia & the Asia-Pacific Region - Sydney, 22-21 November www.localpower.org

Clean Energy Council conference & exhibition 2008. Gold Coast, Queensland, 24-26 November, Ph (03) 9929 4103 or email jstuart@cleanenergycouncil.org.au

Greenhouse 2009: Climate Change and Resources. Burswood Convention Centre, Perth, 23-26 March, 2009 - calling for abstracts (deadline 14 November) www.greenhouse2009.com

China Eco Expo - The Green Building/Green Cities Expo will be held in conjunction with the China Ministry of Construction's 14th Annual Trade Show and Conference on June 18-20, 2009, at the Beijing International Exhibition Center. Email info@ecoexpo.com or see www.ecoexpo.com

Career Opportunities and Search

EIA Practice Leader
Take the lead on large-scale EIA projects in various locations across Australia. A well-regarded international Environmental Consultancy is continuing to build its presence and capability within Australia. Part of its growth strategy is to appoint specialist Practice Leaders in offices across Australia who will be responsible for winning and managing delivery of large scale EIA projects. With a strong emphasis on technical excellence and quality outcomes this business offers a unique chance for dedicated environmental professionals to work with like-minded people who share their passions.

We would like to hear from senior Environmental Consultants who have a proven track record and established networks within Australia. Experience delivering on large scale EIA projects is a must. To succeed in these roles you will also have proven leadership capabilities and well developed business acumen. Experience working across a range of industry sectors will be advantageous, but specialist exposure to mining, oil, gas, marine, transport or infrastructure projects will also be highly regarded.

An attractive salary package will be offered commensurate with level of experience. Visa and relocation assistance may be provided for successful candidates outside Australia.

Please forward your resume 'in confidence' (quoting job title and code KHEBA522) to: apply@principal.net.au or call Kerrin Hosking for a confidential discussion on 1300 855 258 (direct line).

To find out more about Principal or subscribe to our job updates by RSS or email, please visit our web site www.principal.net.au

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