The Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has national responsibilities ranging from resource economics to quarantine and inspection services. Its efficient operation is vital, so disruption of services by technology issues is unacceptable.

Standards Australia has recently announced a new Business Model to deal with the current economic climate, and in the process has opened up important dialogue with its stakeholders.

A lot of contractors are considering taking advantage of the government's Investment Allowance, but finance broker Finlease points out that there are some important factors to consider beforehand, so as to not jeopradise eligability.

The federal government has issued a call for comment from industry, seeking comments about the legislative framework for the National Broadband Network company.

Researchers at CSIRO have developed electric vehicle technology that not only powers a vehicle but helps to power the home or building it is attached to when not in use.

Internet search engine company Google has added ‘energy savings’ as a new value-added service to consumers and electricity providers with the announcement of its ‘PowerMeter’ concept.

A large power station in NSW recently finalised an agreement with Maser Communications to supply LEDpak and SafeSite industrial LED lighting fixtures, manufactured by Dialight, to fit out their power station on a progressive basis for all future general area and task lighting applications.

AVD Australia was recently awarded the 2009 AMX Best Project Award for its state-of-the-art home automation system installation in a new residence in Sydney that made a significant contribution to the home’s energy efficiency. From conceptualisation and design, through to installation and commissioning, AVD provided a fully integrated and customised system.

As more powered devices are being connected over ethernet, the case for power-over-ethernet gets stronger. However, as US-based power adapter manufacturer Phihong points out, a number of inaccurate assumptions exist in the market that need to be qualified.

New regulations in Queensland restrict the installation of light fittings and lamps that are not energy efficient to just 20% of a dwelling's floor space.

Tandberg presents 10 ways to help reduce carbon emissions by deploying videoconferencing.

Electrical contractors need to have a better understanding of the operation and deployment of RCDs in view of their increased importance in the new Wiring Rules.

At the most recent COAG meeting, the federal government's renewable energy target scheme, which could boost Australia's investment in renewable energy by $20 billion, was endorsed by the council.

The government's solar energy rebate scheme has been instrumental in thousands of residential solar energy systems being installed over the past year, but its impending close is expected to accelerate the uptake of these systems in the coming months.

In an effort to become more environmentally friendly, IT companies around the world are working to create the most power-efficient data centres possible.