Archive for the ‘Express 126’ Category

“To Sleep, Perchance to Dream” as Mattress Goes Green

Posted by admin on September 16, 2010
Posted under Express 126

“To Sleep, Perchance to Dream” as Mattress Goes Green

In an Australian first, Sleepys, the mattress experts, will release the first carbon neutral certified mattress next month. The company partnered with Brisbane-based environmental management company EC3, who manage the EarthCheck program globally, to certify the mattress manufacturing business, while New Zealand’s carboNZero went through the lifecycle analysis of the products.

Australia’s First Carbon Neutral Certified Mattress

Finally, there’s a mattress that would satisfy even the Princess and the Pea! Not just because it’s deliciously comfy, but because it’s totally green!

In an Australian first, Sleepys, the mattress experts, will release the first carbon neutral certified Mattress.

Due in stores from this October, the Sleepmaker FORREST™ Range of four mattresses – Botanic, Mist, Solaire and Rustic – are likely to gain widespread interest, due to the way they’re made.

Beds are an item found in every household every hotel and every hospital, regardless of country.

As such, it makes sense that when deciding to live in a more sustainable manner, the item where we spend a good portion of our lives should be taken into account as well.

“The term ‘carbon neutral’ is commonly used by companies to mean that they have offset emissions associated with their products and services,” explained Sleepy’s Managing Director, Daryl Sahli.

“Sleepy’s believe there is a strong need to change the way that goods are produced to minimise their environmental impacts.”

Only when the product’s impact is managed and reduced to the fullest extent, should any remaining emissions be offset.

That’s why Sleepmaker, the manufacturer joined with Sleepy’s to undertake a total overhaul of materials and processes, requested robust third party verification and credible certification.”

The carbon neutral certification of the product, which includes verification of the lifecycle emissions of the mattress, will be achieved through the carboNZeroCertTM programme.

The carboNZero programme has grown out of over a decade of research in greenhouse gases (GHG) and carbon monitoring at Landcare Research.

 It is the first GHG certification scheme in the world to achieve international accreditation from the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand.

This means the carboNZero certification mark is recognised in 50 world economies.

Delivering a high standard of quality bedding and being market leaders in the industry was one of the criteria Sleepy’s were unwilling to compromise on.

Sleepy’s partnered with Brisbane-based environmental management company EC3 who manage the EarthCheck program globally to certify the actual business while carboNZeroCertTM go through the lifecycle analysis of the products.

Sleepy’s believed there must be a way to maintain that sense of deep-cushioned comfort, without sacrificing Mother Nature.

Key points of Sleepmaker FORREST™ difference include the mattress cover, which is made from recycled plastic bottles, which are woven into a fabric called ‘Repreve’.

The foam is made from ‘BiOH’ Soy; a soy-blend material that replaces much of the petroleum used in ordinary foams. ‘

Climate–X’ Talalay Latex a unique phase changing material that absorbs heat energy from the body. It’s breathable and is anti microbial (meaning it repels dust mites), making it perfect for bedding.

The steel springs and timber used come from recycled sources and renewable plantations.

In addition to these features, the Sleepmaker FORREST™ Range includes a new five zone pocket spring system to cradle the hips, align the spine and reduce partner disturbance.

“The Sleepmaker FORREST™ Range is an extremely attractive piece of furniture, with a latte and cream retro style print cover and fashionable dark timber base,” continued Sahli.

“It offers supreme sleep comfort, in addition to the environmentally friendly properties.”

About Sleepy’s

Sleepy’s Strive to be the most respected mattress retailer in Australia, recently voted number one for customer service by Australia’s Choice magazine. The Sleepys difference is their promise to deliver a healthy night’s sleep for all Australians, through expert mattress advice. They are known as being the first to market with a variety of Sleep technologies including advanced Spring Systems, Gel, and Memory foam and they have the only truly endorsed Chiropractic bed collection by the Chiropractors Association of Australia CAA. Sleepy’s is also the only national retailer to offer a 60 night comfort guarantee exchange program and free old bed removal. They are now the first Australian mattress retailer to form a relationship with a Global Eco certification organisation, EC3 and undergo the CarbonZero program for product certification with their new Sleepmaker Forrest Range.  Sleepys is a franchise network of approximately 35 stores nationally and growing, all locally owned with Australian made products.     

About EC3 Global/ Earthcheck

EC3 Global is the world’s largest certifier of sustainable travel and tourism operators. With more than 1000 clients in over 60 countries, the company’s EarthCheck Program responds directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet, including climate change, waste reduction and non-renewable resource management. It provides benchmarking, certification and performance improvement systems that result in average savings of 30 per cent for energy and waste stream, and 20 per cent savings for water consumption. 

About the carboNZero programme

The carboNZero programme has grown out of over a decade of research in greenhouse gases (GHG) and carbon monitoring at Landcare Research. It is the first GHG certification scheme in the world to achieve international accreditation from the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ) and the first accredited ISO 14065 GHG verifier outside of the USA. This means the carboNZero certification mark is recognised in 50 world economies.

In order to achieve carboNZero product certification Sleepmaker will:

1 – Measure the single product life cycle emissions so they can understand what their impact is on the global climate. The measurement requirements meet and exceed the requirements of the international standards and are compliant with PAS 2050 and carboNZero programme product specification.

2 – Manage and reduce their GHG emissions at source through top management commitment, setting targets and reporting on emissions reduction performance.

3 – Mitigate (offset) their remaining unavoidable emission by purchasing/cancelling verified NCOS compliant carbon credits.

4 – Have these steps independently verified by an external auditor.

Upon successful completion of these steps Sleepmaker can make a credible and robust carbon neutral certification claim using the internationally recognised carboNZero certification mark.

Source: www.sleepys.com.au, www.carbonzero.co.nz & www.earthcheck.org

Turning Green in Brisbane: Emissions, Infrastructure, Films, Food & Environment

Posted by admin on September 16, 2010
Posted under Express 126

Turning Green in Brisbane: Emissions, Infrastructure, Films,Food & Environment

October is a big month in Brisbane for events with a strong green and sustainable emphasis, covering: a launch of the stationary energy plan by Beyond Zero Emissions; the Australian Green Infrastructure Council conference; Unlimited Design Asia Pacific featuring Jeb Brugmann and Green films; the Environment Institute of Australia and NZ event with the notable UK strategist Peter Young; and the Global Change Institute event with Guy Pearse speaking on ‘Queensland – The Smart Dumb State’?

Major green and sustainable events in Brisbane in October:

Unlimited: Designing for the Asia Pacific 4–10 October, Brisbane, Australia

Our program of talks, exhibitions, workshops and satellite events offer a fresh perspective on design under the 2010 theme of Opportunity. Most events are free and address complex future challenges – from urbanisation, transport and food production to health and education.

State Library of Queensland, South Bank, Brisbane

Nutrition Systems for 9 Billion People

Join one the world’s most articulate and experienced design thinkers and innovation experts for this free talk exploring one of the biggest global issues confronting humanity: food.

Jeb Brugmann presents a compelling and at times confronting future scenario – where the search for protein defines our urban future – requiring local solutions that can be scaled to global proportions. Will the drive for protein overtake our love for food? How can we possibly feed 9 billion people?

In 1990, Jeb founded ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability. He served as ICLEI Secretary General from 1991-2000. Jeb is the author of Welcome to the Urban Revolution: How Cities Are Changing the World, and Managing Partner of The Next Practice, which he founded in 2004 with business guru Professor C.K. Prahalad. Jeb is best known for leading roles in urban sustainability planning, ‘base of the pyramid’ business development, co-creation process management, and urban greenhouse gas mitigation planning.

Green Screen films at GOMA:

•           October 4 – 10, 2010

•           Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Queensland Art Gallery

•           Stanley Place, South Bank, Brisbane

The Australian Cinémathèque presents Green Screen, a program of recent and new-release eco-documentaries with a focus on environmental and urban design issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Headlining the program is The Burning Season, which charts the ambitions of social entrepreneur Dorjee Sun, the charismatic 29-year-old Australian who believes Indonesia’s rainforests and the dwindling orangutan population can be saved by a carbon emissions trading scheme which would provide environmental and economic relief to Indonesia..

Monday 4 October

12pm/ Simon Chambers Cowboys in India 2009 (79 mins) / Cinema B

Tuesday 5 October

12pm / Cathy Henkel The Burning Season 2008 (90 mins) / Cinema B

Wednesday 6 October

12pm / Yung Chang Up the Yangtze 2007 (93mins) / Cinema B

6.30pm / Rupert Murray The End of the Line 2009 (85 mins) / Cinema B

Thursday 7 October

12pm / Rupert Murray The End of the Line 2009 (85 mins) / Cinema B

Friday 8 October

12pm / Yung Chang Up the Yangtze 2007 (93 mins) / Cinema B

Saturday 9 October

11am / Cathy Henkel The Burning Season 2008 (90 mins) / Cinema B

Sunday 10 October

1pm / Nanna Frank Moller Cities on Speed: Shanghai Space 2009 (60 mins) + Jennifer Redfeam, Tim Metzger Sun Come Up 2010 (38 mins) / Cinema B

3pm / Camilla Nielsson, Frederik Jacobi Cities of Speed: Mumbai Disconnected2009 (58 mins) / Cinema B

Presented by Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)

Source: www.unlimitedap.com

Queensland’s Continuing Addiction to Carbon

18 October 2010, Brisbane Hilton

Be part of a conversation with leading economists, industry leaders and international experts on the risks and rewards for Queensland’s economy from climate change and climate policy. Hear what our leading economists see on the horizon, how key companies and industry sectors are positioning themselves to exploit the opportunities presented by this new business environment, and the implications of international trends for Australia and Queensland.

Engage with the experts in constructing industry‐sector road maps for the next

decade as a structured response to the challenges ahead.

Future 3: An international perspective on the key challenges Peter Young, Chair Aldersgate Group (high‐level UK Policy and Advisory Think Tank)

Organised by Environment Institute of Australia and NZ

Source: www.eianz.org

Australian Green Infrastructure Council National Conference

AGIC’s second annual National Conference for Infrastructure Sustainability, Delivering and operating Australia’s infrastructure sustainably, will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in conjunction with the WCEAM Congress (25-27 October 2010).

Trade booths available

AGIC members are invited to consider taking an exhibition booth (3m x 2m) at a cost of $3,300 (inc GST) at the WCEAM World Congress on Engineering Asset Management being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 25-27 October 2010.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Simply visit the website www.wceam.com and click on the Expressions of Interest tab to nominate for exhibitor / sponsorship information.

Source: www.agic.net.au

Zero Carbon Australia Stationary Energy Plan Brisbane Launch 27 October 2010.

Brisbane Convention Centre, Merivale St, South Bank, QLD

You are invited to attend the Brisbane launch of the Zero Carbon Australia Stationary Energy Plan. This cutting-edge plan, the culmination of over 12 months and thousands of hours of pro bono work by engineers, scientists and postgraduate students, is a collaboration between the climate solutions think tank Beyond Zero Emissions,  and the University of Melbourne Energy Institute.

This plan is unique in Australia. It is a detailed and costed blueprint for transitioning our stationary energy sector to 100% renewable energy in ten  years. The technologies utilised in this plan are commercially available now.

This free public event will cover the details of the plan as well as the  state of renewable energy in Australia more broadly. A panel discussion with technical experts will follow the presentations.

Source: www.beyondzeroemissions.org

Guy Pearse – ‘Queensland – The Smart Dumb State’? Queensland’s Continuing Addiction to Carbon on Thursday 28th October 5:30pm – 6:30pm at UQ Centre, Union Road, ST LUCIA QLD 4072

In his GCI Insight Seminar Series presentation, GCI Research Fellow Guy Pearse takes us behind the ‘Climatesmart’ branding and asks how much longer Queensland expects to tackle climate change by increasing spin rather than cutting emissions.

Last year the Queensland government released a glossy 424 page strategy called ‘ClimateQ: Towards a Greener Queensland’. There were lots of new ‘Climatesmart’ initiatives, but no timetable for cutting the state’s greenhouse gas emissions from their current level—the highest in the country. Instead, the government acknowledged that current policy would leave Queensland’s emissions 36% higher in 2050.

Though the emissions generated by the state’s coal exports are Queensland’s biggest single contribution to climate change by far, they were not mentioned in the strategy once. Meanwhile, the government is spending billions of dollars on infrastructure to help Queensland double coal exports over the next decade or so. The legacy of that is a state generating more than 50% more greenhouse pollution at home and abroad than Australia’s current national total. Seemingly en-route to becoming the ‘greenhouse ghetto of the South Pacific’, Queensland looks determined to fuel climate change as much as it feels it.

This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided after the even.

Source: www.gci.uq.edu.au

Lucky last – Turnbull’s last stand

Posted by admin on September 16, 2010
Posted under Express 126

Lucky last – Turnbull’s last stand

Politics might move slowly and people are inclined to change their spots and allegiances when its suits. But now there’s Malcolm Turnbull agreeing to serve – as Communications spokesman – with the man as leader who pushed him aside a matter of months ago, all over the Carbon Polluton Reduction Scheme.

But while politics might take its time to get its act together – even to form a Government but also to fix and adopt a climate change policy – now we’re seeing some very senior business leaders saying they to think it’s time to fix a price on carbon.

Where does this put Malcolm Turnbull? Considering he’s the man who as John Howard’s Environment Minister in 2007, actually set in motion the policies and procedures for an emissions trading scheme. He actually sticking to his guns and still says “market-based mechanisms are the most efficient ways of cutting emissions”. Read more

Tom Arup environment correspondent for Sydney Morning Herald (16 September 2010):

FRESH from his return to shadow cabinet, Malcolm Turnbull has restated his doubts about the Coalition’s climate-change policy and his support for an emissions trading scheme.

Speaking on radio yesterday, Mr Turnbull said the Coalition’s $10 billion direct action climate change policy was ”not ideal” and ”there’s a lot of water to go under the bridge in terms of this debate”.

But he said the Coalition policy was in ”stark contrast” to Labor, which he said had no climate change plan of substance.

”Everybody knows I’d prefer a market-based mechanism,” he said. ”I’m not going to flag now what I’ll be saying in shadow cabinet, but my views on climate change, the need for a carbon price, the fact that market-based mechanisms are the most efficient ways of cutting emissions – my views are the same today as they were when I was part of John Howard’s cabinet and those views were held by the Howard government.”

The Coalition’s current policy rejects a price on carbon. Instead it will create a fund to pay farmers to store carbon in soil, finance measures to reduce emissions from power plants, and plant more trees.

The government has shelved plans for an emissions trading scheme, promising to review the decision in 2012.

The Climate Change Minister, Greg Combet, said yesterday: ”Mr Turnbull has a longstanding history of respect for climate science.

”The government would welcome the Coalition’s participation on the climate change committee that will be considering the way in which to take action on climate change, and I call upon Tony Abbott to play a constructive role in the national interest.”

Mr Combet and the Greens deputy leader, Christine Milne, will meet to discuss the make-up of the cross-party climate change committee, which was agreed between Labor and the Greens as part of a deal that helped Labor form its minority government.

Mr Abbott has so far ruled out allowing members of the Coalition to sit on the committee, which will be established by the end of the month.

Yesterday the independent MP Tony Windsor, who nominated climate change as one of his main reasons for backing Labor to form minority government last week, said he would also be interested in sitting on the climate change committee, but he would not ”die in a ditch over it”.

Source: www.smh.com.au