Irene McAleese

Exciting Announcement: Accelerating the Circular Economy with Design for Disassembly 📢 Coreo is thrilled to partner with Built. on the release of "How to Write a Building Disassembly Plan". This practical resource, packed with templates, is a game-changer for the transition to a circular economy by 2030 in Australia and beyond. Why Design for Disassembly Matters: ♻️ Eliminates waste Keeps valuable materials out of landfills through better design. 🌏 Reduces nature impacts: Avoids extraction of new virgin resources, reducing harm to natural ecosystems.  📉 Significantly reduces embodied carbon: Reusing materials drastically lowers the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing new materials, a critical step in combating climate change. 💼 Creates economic opportunities: Recovered materials can be reused or sold, maximising the productivity of our existing resources and creating a more resilient economy. By embracing DfD, we can unlock a future where buildings are not just structures, but valuable resource banks.  Download the guide and templates from Built's website and start designing for a brighter, more circular future. #circulareconomy #sustainableconstruction #designfordisassembly #DfD #builttolast https://lnkd.in/eg_d9fTS Brett Mason Ed Husic MP Filomena Beshara Joe Karten Davina Rooney Clare Gallagher Haneen Jaber, Cameron Kaufman

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The lack of proper #fauna and #flora studies and inadequate #community #engagement has led to massive opposition against large-scale renewable projects (83% are against these projects in the Have YourSay survey: https://lnkd.in/gp_SCbzC). It should not come as a surprise because altering the #environment and #lifestyle of communities and #FirstNations peoples, and interfering with #nature inevitably triggers backlash. When projects of such magnitude are proposed without thorough consideration of their impact on local #ecosystems and without involving the affected communities in decision-making processes, it disrupts established ways of life. It raises valid concerns about #environmental degradation and loss of #cultural #heritage. This resistance reflects an instinct to protect the #environment and #traditions, especially when they feel their interests and voices are not adequately represented or respected in the planning and implementation of these projects. To address these challenges, The Community Engagement Review led by Andrew Dyer made recommendations including establishing independent rating schemes for #developers, implementing clearer project zoning, and prioritizing genuine community benefit sharing and communication programs, underscoring the crucial role of building trust and integrating community engagement efforts into project development. Coalition for Conservation Inc. Australian Wildlife Conservancy UN Biodiversity The Biodiversity and Climate Change Network (BCCN). United Nations Steven Nowakowski Animals Australia Bush Heritage Australia Landcare Australia American Conservation Coalition Nature Conservation Council NSW Ben Goldsmith

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"Do rural and regional areas benefit from new emissions standards?" The Australian government's proposed carbon emissions standard for vehicles, primarily aimed at passenger and light commercial vehicles, is designed to encourage the adoption of more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles (EVs). This move is expected to benefit rural and regional areas by potentially reducing transportation costs over time, given their higher reliance on vehicles for longer distances. However, the policy's direct impact on farm machinery and heavy agricultural equipment may be limited, as these categories often have different regulations and standards. The policy has an opportunity to indirectly influence the broader agricultural sector by increasing awareness and adoption of energy-efficient practices and technologies. Specific improvements in farm machinery energy efficiency will require targeted measures or incentives beyond the scope of this vehicle emissions standard. Nonetheless, the broader move towards energy efficiency could encourage technological advancements and the adoption of sustainable practices across all sectors, including agriculture. See the paper here: https://bit.ly/3SunzkG

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"Do rural and regional areas benefit from new emissions standards?" The Australian government's proposed carbon emissions standard for vehicles, primarily aimed at passenger and light commercial vehicles, is designed to encourage the adoption of more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles (EVs). This move is expected to benefit rural and regional areas by potentially reducing transportation costs over time, given their higher reliance on vehicles for longer distances. However, the policy's direct impact on farm machinery and heavy agricultural equipment may be limited, as these categories often have different regulations and standards. The policy has an opportunity to indirectly influence the broader agricultural sector by increasing awareness and adoption of energy-efficient practices and technologies. Specific improvements in farm machinery energy efficiency will require targeted measures or incentives beyond the scope of this vehicle emissions standard. Nonetheless, the broader move towards energy efficiency could encourage technological advancements and the adoption of sustainable practices across all sectors, including agriculture. See the paper here: https://bit.ly/3SunzkG

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"Do rural and regional areas benefit from new emissions standards?" The Australian government's proposed carbon emissions standard for vehicles, primarily aimed at passenger and light commercial vehicles, is designed to encourage the adoption of more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles (EVs). This move is expected to benefit rural and regional areas by potentially reducing transportation costs over time, given their higher reliance on vehicles for longer distances. However, the policy's direct impact on farm machinery and heavy agricultural equipment may be limited, as these categories often have different regulations and standards. The policy has an opportunity to indirectly influence the broader agricultural sector by increasing awareness and adoption of energy-efficient practices and technologies. Specific improvements in farm machinery energy efficiency will require targeted measures or incentives beyond the scope of this vehicle emissions standard. Nonetheless, the broader move towards energy efficiency could encourage technological advancements and the adoption of sustainable practices across all sectors, including agriculture. See the paper here: https://bit.ly/3SunzkG

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How much of their carbon emissions should businesses be allowed to offset, rather than actually reduce to meet science based carbon targets? I think zero, but the SBTi are debating it - leading to the resignation of the CEO. ………………………. Presently, companies aiming to align with the SBTi’s Net-Zero Standard can use offsets for only 10% of their total emissions across all scopes; however, surveys revealed that many firms are struggling to align with the Standard due to the challenge of reducing Scope 3 (indirect) emissions. The new consultation is expected to consider whether to increase the carbon credit allowance beyond the 10% limit. This has sparked a heated debate within the green economy, with some advocating for increased use of carbon credits by businesses, while others strongly oppose their use.

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As an EV enthusiast/expert observer, I thought it'd be interesting to share some data from New Zealand from the recent trip there. I noticed a huge variety of EVs (compared to here) and much less Tesla models, some Ford and fewer GM in the mix. The late uptake from close neighbours in Australia, distance and left-hand wheel configuration must have had a positive impact on sales when the popular incentive program was available (though Japan is amongst those and it truly shows as both Australia and NZ are renown to be a dumping ground for used vehicles from Japan): The Most Efficient Electric Cars (evdb.nz). Sadly, the new, more conservative govt coalition eliminated it recently which explains why there are relatively few newer EVs on the road. BYD, Chinese-owned MG and Hyundai/Kia (Korean) have a strong presence, so the dominating Japanese OEMs must be concerned that their dominance is waning...

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Governments need to set mode share targets for climate friendly transport modes. “even with a faster-than-expected uptake of EVs, a failure to also change how people and goods travel will mean transport emissions overshoot the reductions necessary for Australia to meet the Paris Agreement goal” For that, we need #BetterStreets What is the cycling mode share target for Transport for NSW, does anyone know?

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#Education or #regulation? It's like the nature vs nurture debate. There is no single right answer, but tends to reveal more of the answerer's "splitting bias" (I may have just coined that term), to answer questions as though the only choice is binary. Without education, regulation will need to be so strict that almost nothing will be allowed, and people who need more sophisticated solutions won't be allowed to find them. Without regulation... yes. That would be bad too. Good regulation and good education need to go hand-in-hand. Thanks to Zack Petersen for flagging this from The Behavioural Insights Team. https://lnkd.in/gan6cbPC

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Policy Insights from LETA: The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Guide for Large Emitters. Under its Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, the NSW EPA has a role in supporting the NSW Government to meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. This includes public consultation on the draft Guide for Large Emitters. Why Guide for Large Emitters Matters: - It outlines the requirements project developers will need to meet in their Environmental Impact Assessments. - It requires detailed emissions information from large-emission projects. - It provides the community with information about emissions from new projects. As an organisation committed to advancing low emission technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Australia and globally, and as a member of the EPA, LETA recently submitted feedback on the draft Guide. LETA’s Submission in a Nutshell: - We called for framework simplification: Stating that the Draft Guide complicates the existing regulatory framework and duplicates a national approach. We recommend simplifying it to ensure project developers clearly understand the requirements. - We called for clarification of requirements: Stating that clear guidelines are needed for conducting a Greenhouse Gas Assessment and creating a Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Plan. We will continue to advocate for improvements and keep you updated! Read more from our submission here: https://lnkd.in/g7DgZUm6

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Uncertain pathways demand a guide with a plan. I was reading an Australian Institute of Company Directors article on dealing with climate governance. A topic worth understanding and an article worth reading. https://lnkd.in/gBRptDPz When reading through the pain points it is clear some proven business principles are needed to help solve the challenges businesses now face. Move from risk to opportunity. If everyone views an issue as risk then they will miss the opportunity. Ask the question “how can this be core to my growth strategy?’. For example sustainability should be viewed as a way to improve top and bottom line, not just something that sits on a risk register and is seen as cost of doing business. There's plenty of research that proves it (Bain & Company's work comes to mind.) Early movers win more. Being proactive with challenges, especially those that are market wide can lead to better opportunity to own the space and be a leader. Brand wins. Those who wait will get lost in the wash. Don’t be duplicitous and don’t bury your head. Change is happening whether we like it or not, so be clear and honest on where you are and how you will engage. And ignoring change does not work to quote Churchill “If we do not take change by the hand, it will take us by the throat.” In the case of all things including climate – lying and greenwashing will damage your brand and hit you in the wallet. Tone from the top. Leaders must lead and abdicating responsibility for taking holistic organisational wide action to change equals failure. Lead it. Own it. Don’t mess around on the edges and get involved. Get a guide with a plan. Data is critical to understand current state and how to get to future state. Get a guide for your data because in most cases organisations cannot do it themselves. If we are using spreadsheets to manage we need help. And if we need guides for the short term to move us forward then get a guide with a plan. Work with experts who can plot your path and guide you. And then upskill yourself. At Toustone we set up an Advisory Board to guide our sustainability plan, as we see Sustainability as a growth opportunity rather than a hurdle. What is your organisation doing to navigate climate governance? Craig Lefoe Jo Willoughby Damon Pezaro Jamie Azzopardi #leadership, #climategovernance, #sustainability

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In 2016, we passionately advocated for the critical role of Circular Economy in the Mining Sector, but our message fell on deaf ears in Australia. However, the time for change is now. Our groundbreaking vision is set to revolutionize the industry, sparking a new era of sustainable practices that will reshape the future of mining for generations to come! https://lnkd.in/d6ZvSbzT #circulareconomy #systemsthinking #mining #minerals #policy #metals #criticalminerals #criticalmetals #sustainability #industrialsustainability #lifecycleassessment #Australia #Queensland #WesternAustralia

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🌳 One of the biggest strategic decisions on decarbonising transport to deliver Net Zero is how much to rely on technology versus changing people's travel behaviours. 🚗 Much of this discussion concerns whether to focus on converting Internal Combustion Engine vehicles to Electric Vehicles (EVs) versus encouraging people to use public and active transport instead. 💻 The OECD - OCDE thinks we are putting too much emphasis on technology. 📈 I suspect they are right. Simply converting everyone to EVs creates a number of other problems. For example, the extra electricity demand will make it more difficult to decarbonise the grid and keep energy prices low. https://lnkd.in/gu2kgXE5

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Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia has been listening to members, reflecting on their views, and then telling government about the actions needed to get to #NetZero for the heavy vehicle sector. Our Net Zero Roadmap submission centred around the following: - The need to adopt a broad range of approaches, seeking the appropriate technology/solution for the appropriate freight task. - The importance of incentives to increase the number of low- and zero-emission heavy vehicles (LZEHVs) on our roads. - The requirement for Government to contribute to adequate public refuelling and recharging infrastructure alongside the private sector. - The vital need for reliable energy supply for the transport sector. Increased efficiency in the existing fleet, particularly through Performance Based Standards and high-productivity combination vehicles. - The need for readily available and affordable low carbon liquid fuels (LCLF). We also prepared a LCLF submission, which you can read about here: https://lnkd.in/g-EhdXfb My thanks as always goes to our fantastic HVIA LITE project, where a dedicated group of members tirelessly work to help transition our sector.

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