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".... behind the scenes a growing number of economists and energy analysts are challenging the assumptions and methods behind these studies. None of them argues against seizing truly cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities. Rather, they caution against overestimating their energy and carbon savings potential. As such, it is time to rethink the privileged place efficiency has taken in the climate and energy strategies of national governments and international agencies. "

"The Victorian Government is committed to building on the existing ResourceSmart Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative Victorian (ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic) framework to reach an additional 400 schools by 2015. As part of this initiative, selected eligible schools are being provided with a one-off grant payment. The Energy Efficiency Grants provide a one-off payment of up to $10,000 per school to undertake energy audits, purchase energy efficient or sustainable infrastructure, and undertake related energy saving activities. "

"The Victorian Government is committed to building on the existing ResourceSmart Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative Victorian (ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic) framework to reach an additional 400 schools by 2015. As part of this initiative, selected eligible schools are being provided with a one-off grant payment. The Energy Efficiency Grants provide a one-off payment of up to $10,000 per school to undertake energy audits, purchase energy efficient or sustainable infrastructure, and undertake related energy saving activities."

"26 August 2013 - The Victorian government has announced $3.59 million in funding to improve the energy efficiency of the state's commercial office buildings. The Smarter Resources Smarter Business - Energy Efficient Office Buildings program will provide matched grant funding of between $20,000 and $150,000 to mid-tier commercial office building owners to deliver energy savings."

Tired of hearing that sustainable construction has to cost more, Josh and his colleagues want to prove that resource efficient homes can be built at comparable cost and timeframes to regular houses. The homes will be thermally comfortable year round, without the need for air conditioning or additional heating. They will generate more electricity than they use, and will harvest and recycle water. In addition to private garden areas, a common productive garden will supply both houses with fresh food. What sets this project apart from many others is that the building designs have achieved a 10 Star energy efficiency rating*, whilst intentionally using conventional building materials and construction methods so they can easily be replicated by industry and the wider community. The project also demonstrates a more sensitive approach to residential subdivision that has considered maximising effective garden area around the homes to allow for natural shading, children's play spaces and local food production - important health and lifestyle benefits that are rapidly disappearing from our suburbs. Construction started in November 2012 and is scheduled for completion by May 2013.

"The Schools Water Efficiency Program aims to provide data loggers to all Victorian schools to continue the education and demonstration of water efficiency in practice. SWEP is managed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment and supported by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development."

Australian scientists have found a way of hugely increasing the efficiency of solar panels while substantially reducing their cost. The University of NSW researchers have come up with improvements in photovoltaic panel design that had not been expected for another decade.

"What will it take to meet the Sustainability for All goals for energy access, renewable energy and energy efficiency by 2030? The Global Tracking Initiative combines the work of 15 international organizations to show where the world is today in energy access, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, and how far it needs to go to meet the 2030 goals. "

"In the 1900s, energy shortages led to breakthroughs in the use of fluorescents. In more recent years it has been all about improving affordability and efficiency. But what's the next bright idea in lighting? Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) are where it's all at. OLEDs are an emerging technology that deliver bright, thin, highly efficient displays with excellent colour purity. "

"LEDCentral.com.au is an Australian Owned and Operated Company, concerned with the environmental and economical impact standard lighting has on our planet today. Our goal is to save you money, whilst helping save our environment. Reduce your home and office lighting bills by up to 90% using one of the most efficient forms of lighting available. LED lighting uses approximately 10% of electricity than that of a standard light bulb. Energy efficient LED lighting creates less carbon emissions, which helps our environment as well as saving you money."

"Water efficient fittings"

"On 1 January 2009 the Victorian Energy Saver Incentive (ESI) scheme was launched to promote the uptake of energy efficiency improvements in residential premises. Submissions are invited on the key issues set out in this document and any other matters that stakeholders consider relevant."

"The groundbreaking film, video and education program - uniting diverse audiences in a shared understanding of energy and promoting efficiency."

Understanding home energy usage - This page helps you get a better understanding of where energy is used in your home and how you can reduce your costs by being more energy efficient."

"The E3 Program - Improving Our Energy Efficiency"

"Fast, efficient and individualistic, the bicycle is no ordinary mode of transport. It's a church, a gym, a community creator, a cash printer, a protest placard, a dopamine generator, a mechanical expression of self-determination, an icon of hope. It is touchable, attainable freedom. It is also a tool for nature conservation and one that the City of Cape Town-indeed, any city-stands to benefit from."

"Alcoa (NYSE: AA) announced today that its $21 million Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products casthouse expansion at its Barberton, Ohio plant is expected to cut in half the total amount of energy used to recycle aluminum for forged wheels, reducing greenhouse gases and increasing the overall efficiency and sustainability of the company's manufacturing process. The recycling facility, the first of its kind in North America, uses advanced technology to produce wheels from re-melted and scrap aluminum. Construction of the 50,000-square-foot facility began in July 2011. It is now up and running at full capacity and has created more than 30 full-time jobs."

"Due to Sweden's innovative waste-to-energy program and highly efficient recycling habits, the Scandinavian nation faces an interesting dilemma. They have run out of trash."

"Demand on wireless networks is climbing as more and more people use their mobile devices to access applications like email and Twitter. It might seem like a carbon neutral activity but Australian researchers estimate that the global energy consumption by wireless networks will grow by 460 per cent over the next two years. In emissions terms, that's the equivalent of 4.9 million extra cars on the road. Professor Rod Tucker is the director of the University of Melbourne's Centre for Energy Efficient Telecommunications, and he explained the impact of the shift to Lexi Metherell."

"Sustainability and Heritage Guidance Sheets: Improving the efficiency of heritage houses"