The Rudd Government is at odds with a majority of Australians in prioritising the needs of business in its climate-change policy, according to this paper by The Australia Institute. In order to address climate change adequately, what is needed is an approach that incorporates the best of both worlds: the certainty and universality of a...

This report demonstrates the pathways that current 5-star rated ‘project’ homes (with average emissions of 9.5 tonnes CO2-e per year) can take to achieve zero-carbon status, with savings in CO2-e emissions averaging eleven tonnes per dwelling per year. The report also identifies key transitions in hot water heating, space heating and cooling, built-in appliances and...

This report evaluates a number of potential vehicle fuel efficiency measures, following consideration of public comment on a discussion paper released in September 2008. The report was prepared in response to the Council of Australian Governments' request for a package of vehicle fuel efficiency measures designed to move Australia toward international best practice. Following consideration...

This paper briefly places the contribution of mining into the context of the wider economy, and focuses on the impact of coal mining on both natural and agricultural areas of NSW. The minerals industry is NSW’s largest export industry, accounting for export revenue of $11.1 billion in 2006-07, which is 39% of total NSW exports...

Australia's total energy use has increased by 15% over the last six years, according to this report. Manufacturing, along with the electricity, gas and water industries were the largest domestic energy users (around one-third each), while households made up a further 12 per cent. Over half of household energy use was on fuels such as...