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Regulatory Resources

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Over a decade ago, most countries joined an international treaty -- the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) -- to begin to consider what can be done to reduce global warming and to cope with whatever temperature increases are inevitable. More recently, a number of nations approved an addition to the treaty: the Kyoto Protocol, which has more powerful (and legally binding) measures. The UNFCCC secretariat supports all institutions involved in the climate change process, particularly the COP, the subsidiary bodies and their Bureau.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

The IPCC was established to provide the decision-makers and others interested in climate change with an objective source of information about climate change. The IPCC does not conduct any research nor does it monitor climate related data or parameters. Its role is to assess on a comprehensive, objective, open and transparent basis the latest scientific, technical and socio-economic literature produced worldwide relevant to the understanding of the risk of human-induced climate change, its observed and projected impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation. IPCC reports should be neutral with respect to policy, although they need to deal objectively with policy relevant scientific, technical and socio economic factors. They should be of high scientific and technical standards, and aim to reflect a range of views, expertise and wide geographical coverage.

Department of Climate Change

The Department of Climate Change was established on 3 December 2007 as part of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Portfolio.
Relevant functions and resources have been transferred to the Department of Climate Change from the former Department of the Environment and Water Resources, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Oversight responsibility for the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator has also been transferred to the Department of Climate Change from the former Environment and Water Resources Portfolio.

Climate Change Science

Climate Change Science is a FAQ page administered by the Department of Climate Change that answers some of the basic questions about climate change.

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

The Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (formerly the Department of the Environment and Water Resources) develops and implements national policy, programs and legislation to protect and conserve Australia's environment and heritage and to promote Australian arts and culture.

Greenhouse and Energy Reporting

The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (the Act) was passed on 29 September 2007 establishing a mandatory reporting system for corporate greenhouse gas emissions and energy production and consumption. The first reporting period under the Act commenced on 1 July 2008.

(VIC) Sustainability Victoria

Sustainability Victoria's purpose is to show the way to using our resources more efficiently and reducing our everyday environmental impacts. To achieve our vision we must engage with and provide value to all Victorians. We work across all industry sectors, as well as with schools, State and local governments, community groups and individuals to promote and encourage environmental sustainability.

(NSW) Department of Water and Energy

The supply of water and energy is essential for the economic and social wellbeing of New South Wales.
The Department of Water and Energy delivers the NSW Government's policy and reform agenda for the water and energy sectors in this state.
Please note that links in this site may take you to information held in the websites of the former Department of Natural Resources or the former Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability.

(QLD) Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a Queensland Government department with the role of managing climate change and protecting the environment.
The agency has three Outputs that directly contribute to the EPA's vision of an environmentally sustainable Queensland and the Government priority of managing climate change and protecting the environment. Our organisational structure is aligned to our strategies for the future, and these align to our Outputs.

(SA) Department of Environment and Heritage

The Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) is responsible for South Australia's nature conservation, heritage conservation and animal welfare.
We collect and provide information and knowledge about the state's environment. We manage the state's public land including national parks, marine parks, botanic gardens and the coastline. We also advise on environmental policy.

(TAS) Department of Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts

The state of Tasmania's environment is important to the health & safety of all Tasmanians. We aim to ensure that our environment is clean and healthy by protecting our air, water, soil and ecosystems, and by avoiding and remedying adverse effects of activities on the environment. Sustainable business practices are also important to maintaining Tasmania's healthy environment as is balancing environmental protection with social and economic development.

(WA) Department of Environment and Conservation

The Department of Environment and Conservation (Western Australia) was established on 1 July 2006, bringing together the Department of Environment and the Department of Conservation and Land Management.
DEC is in the portfolio of the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change. The department is also part of the greater environmental community and has distinct Government responsibilities for implementing Government policy within that community. Protection and conservation of the environment is a collective role.

(NT) Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA has been established to provide independent strategic and practical advice to Government, businesses and the community about ecologically sustainable development (with a key focus on environment protection) in the Northern Territory.
The Environment Protection Authority has significant independent powers to recommend legislative and policy frameworks and to scrutinise the operations of Government agencies in undertaking regulatory work. It will also be responsible for developing guidelines and standards for environmental practice, monitoring and evaluation.

Energy Resources

Energy Labelling

The Department of Energy, Water, Heritage and the Arts adiministers the Energy Rating website which details the mandatory Energy Rating system used in Australia.

Electronic Environmental Assessment Tool

EPEAT is a system to help purchasers in the public and private sectors evaluate, compare and select desktop computers, notebooks and monitors based on their environmental attributes. EPEAT also provides a clear and consistent set of performance criteria for the design of products, and provides an opportunity for manufacturers to secure market recognition for efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its products.

Water Resources

Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme

Water shortages and the longer-term security of water supply are serious concerns for Australia. The WELS Scheme labels a range of products for water efficiency, helping Australian households to save water and money.

savewater!® Alliance

The savewater!® Alliance works with member water businesses, government agencies and product companies to deliver water conservation programs throughout Australia. savewater!® offers a combination of web resources and practical programs to help all Australians change the way they use water.

(VIC) Water Resources

This site, administered by the EPA Victoria, details some water saving informtation such as grey water use and recycling.

(NSW) Water Resources


The Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability is responsible for developing and implementing sustainable urban water policy within NSW.

(QLD) Water Resources

This website detials actions currently being implemented by the State Government of Queensland

(TAS) Water Resources

This site details issues related to water quality in Tasmania.

(WA) Water Resources

Our role as the Department of State within the water resources portfolio carries with it enormous responsibility and includes making sound decisions based on solid scientific evidence and accurate information.

(NT) Water Resources

This site details issues related to water use and management in NT

Recycling Resources

Phoenix Fridges

The Phoenix Fridge Project is a world-first - an innovative approach to tackling the inefficiency of household fridges which are major contributors to ozone depletion, climate change, waste disposal and landfill limitations.
Phoenix Fridges takes fridges donated from all across Melbourne and recycles, repairs, and retrofits them to make them more energy efficient. The project also achieves great outcomes for the community by providing training and employment for people who are unemployed.

Planet Ark - Recycling Near You

This site is supported by Planet Ark and can assist you to various types of recycling centres near you.

Construction Connect

Now there is a way for Australian builders, landscapers and tradespeople to band together to not only help each other but to also contribute to saving our beautiful environment.
The 3 R's of waste minimisation - Reduce, Re-use, Re-cycle.
The aim of Construction Connect is to help improve the environment through the re-using of building materials.
This website is a building industry first. We hope that all builders, landscapers, earthmovers and any other trades and suppliers within the construction industry will give this website their full support.

Free Cycle - Free Swapping of Goods

This site is about recycling goods but not charging for them or being charged to take them to the local rubbish tip. this site is absolutely free to use but if you do get value from the services available here we hope you will consider a small donation.

Green Pages - Recycling Centres

This is the recycling centres page on the Green Pages website.