Sydney Science Park

An explanation of what a 'sponge city' is and how it works. A 'sponge city' or storm water park provides multiple ecosystems services: it collects, cleanses and stores storm water and lets it infiltrate it into the aquifers. At the same time it protects and recovers the native natural habitats and provides an aesthetically appealing public space for recreational use.

Australia currently has one of the largest per capita carbon and ecological footprints in the
world. It also has a rapidly rising population with significant growth expected into the future. This paper
analyses Australia’s existing infrastructure and urban form, the carbon implications associated with it, along
with the resources needed to sustain this way of life. The paper demonstrates how the current design of
Australian cities based on large houses in low density, dispersed suburbs, which are highly car dependent is
extremely resource and emission intensive and ultimately unsustainable.

Over the past seven years more than 100 research projects at the Co-operative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living, in collaboration with industry across Australia, have pondered a very big question: How do we build future cities that are sustainable, liveable and affordable?

There is more to do – including recycling wood,
aluminium cans, plastic bottles and solar energy.
Furnware Group is doing its bit for the environment,
saving the planet and saving a few dollars
along the way."

With increasing population, increasing living standards and a growing tourism industry, waste creation in the
Clarence River Catchment is likely to increase. All types of waste have a potential to impact negatively on
the environment and in particular water quality. Water quality is critical to the survival of estuarine and marine
ecosystems on which many Clarence River Valley industries depend. The fishing industry, in the Clarence
River coastal zone (estuary and ocean), is particularly vulnerable to declining water quality which in turn affects
fish habitats and fisheries productivity.

Canterbury Bankstown Council ran an innovative trial to recover and recycle problem wastes
from multi-unit dwellings (MUDs). Bins and collections points were installed at 16 MUDs to
allow for collection and recycling of polystyrene, soft plastic, cardboard, e-waste, clothing and
mattresses.

The Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living (CRCLCL) is a national research and innovation hub for the built environment. It aims to influence policies and practices to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and realise other co-benefits while driving competitive advantage for Australian industry. It has undertaken more than 100 research projects with industry and government partners and supported almost 100 PhD and Masters students.

The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, including the EPA, is leading the development of a 20-Year Waste Strategy for NSW.

Reducing waste generation and keeping materials circulating within the economy are priorities for NSW. To meet this challenge, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) prepares a new Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (WARR) Strategy every five years.

The circular economy is about changing the way we produce, assemble, sell and use products to minimise waste and to reduce our environmental impact. The circular economy can also be great for business; by maximising the use of our valuable resources, and by contributing to innovation, growth and job creation.

In the heart of Western Sydney, we’re helping to create a smarter, more sustainable city.

This report reviews and analyses the recycling industry in Australia and internationally. It provides a strong case for the development of innovative technologies that will help to improve the management and processing of plastic waste and improve global environmental outcomes.

In a world increasingly addressing issues of sustainability, it’s no wonder that such end-of-life products are now being seen as urban mines – valuable sources of above-ground metals which can be recycled and reused.

The problem of plastic is central to creating a circular economy. So, what is science doing to drive innovation. Introducing: The second life of plastics.