Virgin Australia Partners With Viva Energy on Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative
Virgin Australia has established a partnership with Viva Energy to incorporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for flights leaving Proserpine, Queensland, during a five-month period from March to July 2025. SAF, produced from renewable materials like waste oils and agricultural byproducts, represents a critical element in the aviation industry's efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This alternative fuel offers substantially reduced lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions when compared to traditional jet fuel. The agreement specifies that Viva Energy will provide Virgin Australia with a specialized fuel blend combining conventional Jet A1 fuel with a 30-40% synthetic component derived from waste and residue feedstocks. This mixture adheres to all safety and regulatory requirements and is completely compatible with existing aircraft systems and fueling infrastructure. Nick Adams, Aviation General Manager at Viva Energy, emphasized the significance of this initiative in developing ongoing SAF supply capabilities in regional Australia: "SAF will undoubtedly play...
Australia-China Green Finance Partnership Receives $580,000 Grant
A research consortium from three leading Australian universities has been awarded $580,000 by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations to enhance green finance cooperation between Australia and China. The project, "Towards Interoperability of Australia-China Sustainable Finance Taxonomies," will be led by Dr. Rui Zhong from the UWA Business School. It aims to align sustainable finance frameworks between the two countries to support their respective decarbonization goals. "Our research addresses the challenges created by differing sustainable finance taxonomies used in Australia and China," explained Dr. Zhong. "Creating consistent global standards and interoperable frameworks is essential for facilitating cross-border green investments and regulatory coordination." The multidisciplinary team includes researchers from The University of Western Australia, The University of Queensland, and The Australian National University, working in partnership with the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute and two Chinese organizations: the International Institute of Green Finance and the Institute of Finance and Sustainability. Through research...
Accor Celebrates Eco Certification Milestone Across ANZ
Accor, the largest hotel operator in Australia and New Zealand, has achieved a significant sustainability milestone with more than 200 hotels now eco-certified—representing over 50% of its regional network. In Australia, over 190 hotels have secured Sustainable Tourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia, while more than 20 hotels across New Zealand have earned Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Certification from Qualmark New Zealand. Both certifications require meeting stringent standards in environmental practices, socio-economic impact, cultural responsibility, and management principles. "Achieving eco-certification for more than half our network is a fantastic milestone," said Adrian Williams, Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E. "As the region's largest hotel operator, we have an important role in trailblazing a more sustainable future for our industry. This milestone reflects the passion and dedication of our teams who are deeply committed to making a positive impact on our planet." An additional 70+ hotels across both countries are currently pursuing...
Aldi Leads Australia in Sustainable Seafood with Triple Award Win
Aldi has established itself as Australia's foremost supermarket for sustainable seafood after securing three prestigious accolades at the 2025 Sustainable Seafood Awards. The international supermarket chain dominated the event, winning "Best Responsible Seafood Retailer," "Aquaculture Champion," and "Best Responsible Seafood Trader" awards from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). "Winning three ASC awards, including Best Responsible Retailer for the third consecutive year, demonstrates our team's dedication to partnering with globally recognised certification bodies for responsible seafood sourcing," said Daniel Baker, Aldi's director of national sustainability. "We take pride in delivering everyday value on our seafood products without sacrificing taste, quality, or environmental responsibility." Australian shellfish producer Yumbah Aquaculture also enjoyed significant recognition at the ceremony, claiming the "Responsible Seafood Producer" award for its regenerative practices and engagement with local communities and First Nations stakeholders. Additionally, Yumbah employee Rebecca Pedler received the "Young Person in Aquaculture" honor for 2025, acknowledging her educational...
Green Building Council Launches Innovative Apartment Sustainability Rating
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has introduced Green Star apartments, a groundbreaking sustainability certification that independently verifies the environmental performance of individual apartments within multi-unit buildings. Industry Leaders Join Pioneering Trial Six prominent companies have partnered with GBCA to pilot the new rating system: Cbus Property Frasers Property Homes Victoria Lendlease Sentinel Stockland Addressing Housing and Climate Challenges GBCA CEO Davina Rooney emphasized the critical timing of this initiative: "With housing affordability at crisis levels, growing urban density, and intensifying climate pressures, we need sustainable solutions that make apartments more accessible and environmentally responsible." Financial and Environmental Benefits The Green Star apartments rating offers compelling advantages: Minimal upfront cost increase: Just 1.3% (approximately $11,700) Significant long-term financial gains: Nearly $111,000 over 30 years in Sydney Potential savings through cheaper loans, reduced energy costs, and increased property appreciation Market Demand for Sustainability Recent data highlights the growing importance of...
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Te Pae Christchurch Wins Award For Sustainability
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has earned national recognition for its sustainability leadership by winning The Building Sustainability through People Award at the 2025 NZ HR Awards. This prestigious honour acknowledges the centre’s successful integration of sustainability principles throughout its operations and workplace culture. The...
New Zealand Islands Join Global Restoration Campaign
Three of New Zealand’s largest islands are joining an international conservation initiative aimed at creating safe havens for unique native wildlife found nowhere else in the world. The Department of Conservation (DOC) is partnering with global conservation organisations to raise $137 million for ambitious restoration...
Net Zero “Sinister, Unachievable” Says US Energy Secretary
Chris Wright, an oil industry executive who has expressed skepticism about climate science, has criticized the global pledge to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, calling it a “sinister goal” that he claims is both “unachievable” and economically burdensome. Wright made these remarks during...
Marine Sustainability Could Boost NZ Economy By $14bn By 2035
A new Westpac NZ report reveals that transitioning to sustainable practices could significantly expand New Zealand’s marine economy, potentially contributing $14 billion to the economy by 2035, up from $10 billion (3.9% of GDP) in 2022. The report, “A Sustainable Marine Sector,” emphasises the importance...
Australia and South Korea Launch Initiative for Zero-Emission Maritime Route
South Korea and Australia are joining forces to create an environmentally friendly shipping corridor, marking a significant step toward reducing maritime carbon emissions. The two nations recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlines plans to launch a green shipping route by 2029. The...
Australia’s Macquarie Exits Global Climate Coalition
Macquarie Group, one of Australia’s largest financial institutions, announced on Tuesday its withdrawal from the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, a significant UN-backed climate initiative. This decision follows similar exits by several North American banks from the coalition. The NZBA, launched in 2021 under the leadership of...
NZ Marketing Firm Celebrates Sustainability Recognition
Phantom Billstickers has achieved a significant milestone by being named an official Recognised Sustainable Supplier, reinforcing its dedication to environmental stewardship in New Zealand’s events industry. The company has earned this distinction as part of the new Recognised Sustainable Suppliers programme, which identifies companies that...
Australian Beef Sustainability Framework Steering Group Appoints New Chair
The Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF) has appointed Patrick Hutchinson as the new Chair of its Steering Group, bringing over 25 years of experience in the Australian red meat and livestock industry to the role. As the framework that establishes key sustainability performance indicators for...
Floating Solar Solution Comes To Australian Market
Canopy Power Australia has partnered with Norwegian floating solar specialist Ocean Sun to deploy innovative floating solar solutions across Australia, combining Ocean Sun’s floating photovoltaic (FPV) technology with Canopy Power’s microgrid and battery expertise. The collaboration aims to accelerate Australia’s energy transition by addressing land...
Australia Commits $1.24B To Green Aluminium Revolution
The Australian government has unveiled a landmark $1.24 billion investment to transform its aluminium industry, as part of a broader $2 billion decarbonisation initiative. At the heart of this program is the Green Aluminium Production Credit, designed to help smelters transition to renewable energy by...
Renewable Energy Pioneer Transforms Global Solar Industry
Solar technology innovator Professor Andrew Blakers has been honoured with the Order of Australia (AO) for his groundbreaking contributions to sustainable energy. His co-invention of the PERC solar cell technology has helped revolutionise the global transition to clean energy. “Solar and wind energy deployment is...
Mars Appoints New Chief Sustainability Officer
Mars Incorporated announced that Alastair Child will step into the role of Chief Sustainability Officer effective February 3, 2025. Alastair, currently Vice President of Global Sustainability for Mars Snacking, will spearhead the company’s efforts to drive sustainability across its global operations. In his new role,...
$100million Investment Into Sustainable Housing by CEFC
The CEFC has invested $100 million in an innovative new affordable build-to-rent (BTR) strategy managed by AXA IM Alts, which aims to bring the benefits of clean energy technologies and design to deliver high quality, sustainable, affordable homes across Australia’s largest cities. In its initial...