Following the government’s sudden announcement that the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme will close, the Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES) has called on the federal government to reinstate the solar hot water rebate, arguing that the decision will have a dire impact on the clean energy industry. [ + ]

Improving the average energy-efficiency rating of household appliances by just one star could effectively halve household energy consumption, new research by Energeia reveals. [ + ]

EMSc (UK) Ltd is expanding into the Asia-Pacific region, opening a dedicated Powerstar office in Australia. Powerstar’s success in Australia over the past few years has prompted the expansion. [ + ]

Schneider Electric has launched two new power solutions for the Australian healthcare sector: an emergency power solution for hospitals and a power distribution system and monitoring solution for operating theatres. [ + ]

The latest amendments to the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Amendment (Transition to Fair Work) Bill 2011 have been criticised by the Australian Constructors Association (ACA). [ + ]

The Australian Industry Group has appointed Innes Willox as the organisation’s new Chief Executive, effective from 1 May. [ + ]

Emerson Network Power Asia has appointed Paul Churchill as its new Vice President for services and projects. [ + ]

Tony Henshaw has been appointed to the NICTA Board. With over 35 years’ experience in the IT industry, Henshaw has held senior roles at Telstra, Unisys, EDS, Aspect Computing and Computer Power. [ + ]

The Australian Building and Construction Commissioner, Leigh Johns, has called for an inquiry into the ABCC’s deficient management of evidence in a 2009 committal hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates Court. [ + ]

The HARTING Technology Group was recognised by its peers for its exceptional exchange of experience and knowledge among German companies. [ + ]

The Australian Building and Construction Commissioner is requesting tender submissions to conduct research into sham contracting in the building and construction industry. [ + ]

Master Electricians Australia has developed a flood repair fact sheet to make sure homeowners stay safe, following the recent floods. [ + ]

Registrations for FLIR’s thermography training course will close on 20 February 2012. The course is designed for existing users of FLIR cameras, prospective users of thermal cameras and users of other brands of thermal cameras. [ + ]

Minister for Industry and Innovation Greg Combet toured an electrical manufacturing plant in the lower Hunter Valley last week. In a media release, Combet cited innovation as the key to its growth. [ + ]

A $10 million Master Builders Building Leadership Simulation Centre (BLSC) will open in Melbourne this July, providing training and experience for thousands of workers in the building and construction industry. [ + ]