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AFL Category 6 and Category 6A reduced diameter patchcords

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AFL Category 6 and Category 6A reduced diameter patchcords are channel compliant to international standards. They are both suitable for use in high-density cross-connect solutions in computer rooms, storage area networks and data centres.

The Category 6 product uses a cable diameter of 3.6 mm, while the Category 6A diameter is 5.3 mm.


NetScout AirCheck G2 handheld wireless tester

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The NetScout AirCheck G2 handheld wireless tester provides users with a simple, quick and accurate means for resolving wireless-related issues. It is available to rent from TechRentals.

The device is designed to assist frontline IT personnel who receive complaints about Wi-Fi and internet operation.

The product supports the latest Wi-Fi technologies and can conduct channel scanning, interference detection and connectivity tests with ease.

The tester allows for instant access to detailed information and provides quick troubleshooting for the most common Wi-Fi problems. These include coverage problems, overloaded networks or channels, channel interference, connectivity problems, failed access points, and rogue access points.

The product supports the latest Wi-Fi technologies including 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, allows for quick AP backhaul and wiring verification, Ethernet connectivity testing and has a one-button auto test.

For more information, click here.

Times Microwave Systems TCAT-6-DB CAT-6 Ethernet cable

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Times Microwave Systems has introduced its TCAT-6-DB Category 6 Ethernet cable for data cable installation in outdoor environments. TCAT-6-DB features good electrical characteristics and high coverage, water blocked, tinned copper outer shield for optimal grounding. A ripcord is supplied for easy jacket stripping and the black PE jacket offers weather resistance in all environments.

The cable features >90 dB RF shielding and is available in various length assemblies. A range of connectors and customer ground kits completes the offering.

Self-charging fabric developed

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Scientists have developed a new super-thin fabric that generates electricity from sunlight and movement, according to science journal Nature Energy.

Chinese and US researchers have been working for two years on the development, which they say has many applications — including as a portable power source, for infrastructure monitoring and for personal GPS location.

The material looks like conventional fabric, except that the fibres are a little thicker. Being fully flexible and charged via movement and sunlight means that the wearer can power small electrical devices, such as mobile phones, while on the go.

The hope is for the material to be commercially available in around two years.

NETSCOUT OneTouch AT G2 Network Tester

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NETSCOUT has announced enhancements to its OneTouch AT G2 Network Tester with Wi-Fi features. The v5 firmware release gives the OneTouch AT powerful troubleshooting capabilities, letting technicians and network engineers quickly and easily validate the performance of high-capacity Wi-Fi networks where numerous access points are required. The firmware also lets users pinpoint the physical location of interfering sources.

The network tester offers both wired and wireless troubleshooting and can now distinguish between 802.11 and non-802.11 signal sources in each channel. Non-802.11 is a silent killer of bandwidth that causes serious, intermittent, slow Wi-Fi performance. The product can detect and classify the type of non-802.11 interferer, such as Bluetooth, microwave or other sources in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, letting field technicians isolate the cause and work to mitigate the issue.

It comes with free access to the Link-Live Cloud Service, a centralised management, collaboration and archival workspace for network connectivity test results. Link-Live provides an easy-to-use dashboard for better collaboration, reporting and results management.

FSB finds a new home

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We are making some changes to Field Service Business (FSB) and as of 1 October it will have new home. We will no longer publish the magazine in print format, but will include up-to-date field service content within a regular Service Management feature across our long-established titles, kicking off with the November/December issue of ECD (Electrical+Comms+Data) later this year.

In all things digital, we will be merging the content from the FSB website into www.ECDonline.com.au to create an even larger repository of valuable business and industry information and will include regular field service news updates in the weekly ECD eNewsletter broadcast.

CFMEU blames corporate greed for redundancies

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Up to 80 Queensland miners will be made redundant by Anglo American in a move the CFMEU claims is a hostile ambush following over two months of protected industrial action by the German Creek mine workers.

CFMEU Mining and Energy Division Qld District Vice-President Glenn Power said this is yet another blow for workers who have tried to bargain in good faith with the company for the last three years since the expiration of their former agreement.

“This premeditated and coordinated attack by Anglo is nothing but a tool of intimidation aimed at picking off workers who are vocal about protecting their rights and conditions,” said Power.

“It is despicable that under our current industrial system, a company can drag a bargaining process along for almost three years, have no intention to bargain in good faith and simply get rid of workers who are only trying to do what’s right for them and their families.

“Adding further insult to injury, this announcement comes after reports that the surge in coal prices will bring an additional $4 billion to Queensland’s economy this year alone.

“Miners in German Creek have contributed years of loyal and faithful service to Anglo, as well as added millions of dollars to the company’s bottom line.

“This mining giant has been on a road of cutting corners, cutting wages and hurting our workers’ job security since the agreement expired.

“Their prolonged lack of cooperation, their continual sabotage of the bargaining system and now this vicious attack on our workers reek of corporate greed and little regard for how their behaviour will have adverse effects on regional communities.

“We call on Anglo American to immediately retract their position and return to the bargaining table in good faith to reach positive outcomes for the community,” said Power.

The German Creek protected industrial action is ongoing and the union will continue to advocate on behalf of its members.

Saving energy in data centres

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RenewIT, a European Commission research project, has launched the final version of its free online tool for the design and placement of energy-efficient and renewable-powered data centres. While it is currently only applicable for Europe, future development of the tool may extend to North America and Asia.

The tool is designed to help data centre operators, designers and other stakeholders select the optimum combination of efficiency measures and renewables for energy and carbon sustainable facilities. It also makes it easy to compare more than 60 locations across Europe in terms of electricity costs, access to renewables and other factors that influence decisions when planning the site of a new facility.

Financial services company ING was involved with the project from the outset amd RenewIT was able to demonstrate how the company could improve the efficiency of one of its carbon-neutral facilities through use of a biogas fuel cell and by raising the operating temperature in its data centre.

“After three years of research and development, it’s great to be able to launch the finalised RenewIT Tool and more importantly that we can make it available for free,” said Andrew Donoghue, RenewIT project spokesperson, and data centre analyst at 451 Research.

“The tool is truly unique. It not only allows data centre operators to model the benefits and costs of on-site and grid renewables but also the efficiency gains from technologies such as free cooling, and even workload management, can also be assessed in detail,” he said.

The project, which is due to end in September 2016, has also released a number of other software tools and research reports on its main web site including:

  • Renewable energy optimised data centre monitoring tool: an online monitoring tool for data centre operators to manage facilities that generate energy on-site using renewables sources such as solar and wind. (The final tool is not available for free but a demo version can be accessed on the main project website).
  • A free catalogue of advanced renewable and energy efficiency technologies: these data centre design documents help data centre operators integrate renewable and energy-efficiency technologies. Examples include combining district heating and cooling networks, re-use of heat, free cooling, and electrical storage. 
  • Renewable energy optimised data centre workload management. The project has also developed a Virtual Machine Manager (VMM), as well as associated research, which can be used to optimise data centre IT workloads to maximise use of renewable energy. 
  • Green data centre library: this features a collection of TRNSYS-based energy components to model both energy-efficiency and renewable energy technologies. 

RenewIT has worked closely with the data centre industry through its advisory board and its team of data centre operators who provided on-going data and feedback on tools and research. The project also cooperated with other research projects to develop new renewable energy and energy efficiency metrics through the European Commission Smart City Cluster.

Image credit: © iStockphoto.com/luismmolina


Best tradie vehicles for 2016 announced

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Motoring.com.au has announced the top five tradie vehicles for 2016, as judged by a team that test-drives, researches and reviews hundreds of makes and models each year. Entrants are judged across five categories: engine, drivetrain and chassis; price, packaging and practicality; safety and technology; behind the wheel; and the X factor.

Toping the list for tradie vehicles is the Ford Ranger Wildtrack, which scored 83 points from a possible 100. Judges particularly liked the vehicle’s safety features and power, which helped it to secure the top spot. 

Following close behind is the Volkswagen Amarok V6 Aventura, which scored a little lower in the safety section but managed to impress with its powerful engine and comfy interior. Hot on the heels of the VW, the Holden Commodore SV6 Ute was deemed by the judges to be “the best Holden ute in 64 years”, thanks to its gutsy V6 engine and superior handling. The Toyota Hilux SR5 also did well, thanks to high scores for economy and cabin quality. Rounding out the results, the Ford Transit Custom front-drive van was praised for its economy and long list of features.

Natural solution for rechargeable battery recycling

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No matter how many times you can recharge them, battery sources for smartphones, cars and tablets still have a finite lifespan and many will end up in landfills. Researchers in the United States may have come up with a unique solution, which utilises naturally occurring fungi to extract cobalt and lithium from batteries.

The researchers have presented their findings at the 252nd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Research team leader Jeffrey A Cunningham said the idea came from a student who had experience in extracting some metals from waste slag left over from melting operations.

“We were watching the huge growth in smartphones and all the other products with rechargeable batteries, so we shifted our focus. The demand for lithium is rising rapidly, and it is not sustainable to keep mining new lithium resources,” Cunningham said.

Although a global problem, the US leads the way as the largest generator of electronic waste. It is unclear how many electronic products are recycled. Most likely, many head to a landfill to slowly break down in the environment or go to an incinerator to be burned, generating potentially toxic air emissions.

While other methods exist to separate lithium, cobalt and other metals, they require high temperatures and harsh chemicals. Cunningham’s team is developing an environmentally safe way to do this with organisms found in nature — fungi in this case — and putting them in an environment where they can do their work.

“Fungi are a very cheap source of labour,” Cunningham said.

To drive the process, Cunningham and Valerie Harwood, PhD, both at the University of South Florida, are using three strains of fungi — Aspergillus niger, Penicillium simplicissimum and Penicillium chrysogenum.

“We selected these strains of fungi because they have been observed to be effective at extracting metals from other types of waste products,” Cunningham said.

“We reasoned that the extraction mechanisms should be similar and, if they are, these fungi could probably work to extract lithium and cobalt from spent batteries,” he said.

The team first dismantles the batteries and pulverises the cathodes. Then, they expose the remaining pulp to the fungus.

“Fungi naturally generate organic acids, and the acids work to leach out the metals.

“Through the interaction of the fungus, acid and pulverised cathode, we can extract the valuable cobalt and lithium. We are aiming to recover nearly all of the original material,” he said.

Results so far show that using oxalic acid and citric acid, two of the organic acids generated by the fungi, up to 85% of the lithium and up to 48% of the cobalt from the cathodes of spent batteries were extracted. Gluconic acid, however, was not effective for extracting either metal.

The cobalt and lithium remain in a liquid acidic medium after fungal exposure and Cunningham’s focus now is on how to get the two elements out of that liquid.

“We have ideas about how to remove cobalt and lithium from the acid but, at this point, they remain ideas.

“However, figuring out the initial extraction with fungi was a big step forward,” he said.

Other researchers are also using fungi to extract metals from electronic scrap, but Cunningham believes his team is the only one studying fungal bioleaching for spent rechargeable batteries.

Cunningham, Harwood and graduate student Aldo Lobos are now exploring different fungal strains, the acids they produce and the acids’ efficiencies at extracting metals in different environments.

Grid integration could save billions

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Unlocking the benefits of new energy technology could lead to a 30% reduction in the network component of electricity bills by 2050 and a fairer, more efficient energy system.

Analysis released at the All-Energy Australia conference in Melbourne last week indicates economic benefits of $16.7 billion would be achieved through the smart use of network incentives to customers.

Energy Networks Association (ENA) CEO John Bradley said the analysis was commissioned by the ENA and CSIRO as part of the Electricity Network Transformation Roadmap program.

“Customers, not utilities, will make more than $224 billion — or more than a quarter — of all energy system investment decisions between now and 2050,” Bradley said.

“Energy networks can unlock the full value of these distributed resources, like solar, storage and demand management, with smart incentives for grid-support services.”

The modelling shows that if networks buy energy services from customers who have distributed energy resources, like solar panels and battery storage systems, it could:

  • replace $16.2 billion of network investment;
  • avoid $18.6 billion in cross subsidies between energy customers; and
  • provide $16.7 billion in economic benefit to the community.

Bradley said smart incentives would reward participating customers for the ‘orchestration’ of their distributed resources in key locations, at key times during the year, in return for financial benefits.

“These benefits rely on distributed resources providing the grid support needed in the right place at the right time.

“Some networks are already introducing new partnerships, such as rewarding customers for allowing the energy network to use their battery storage during times of peak demand.”

Bradley said the analysis indicates the first step is to introduce demand-based network tariffs which are fairer and more efficient, with the choice for customers to voluntarily opt out.

“To create a platform for a smarter, more integrated grid, Australia will need a faster implementation of demand-based tariffs and the timely use of smart meters,” he said.

He added that the Energeia modelling found that the early transition to demand-based tariffs could save customers over 10% per year on network charges and avoid $1.4 billion in network investment by 2026.

“Smart incentives are also vital to avoid major cross subsidies and inequity between customers. This could save $600 per year for a medium family without distributed resources.

“Network tariff reform is designed to make prices fairer and more efficient, support customer energy choices and reward efficient use,” said Bradley.

Modular mobility

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ABB is providing a complete automation solution for the world’s first portable solar-diesel/gas microgrid provider, SunSHIFT, a modular hybrid power system designed for quick installation that can also be easily dismantled and moved according to the changing needs of energy users in remote locations.

A pilot system, consisting of 141 kilowatt peak (kWp) of solar PV, was successfully deployed at a construction worker village in remote Queensland, Australia. Within one week of leaving the factory, 1000 km from the village, the system was unpacked and energised, augmenting four brownfield diesel generators and reducing diesel fuel consumption thereafter.

After six months of operation, during which ABB’s cloud-based remote monitoring was used, the pilot system was packed up in less than 170 person-hours and successfully relocated.

Hybrid microgrid power systems benefit customers in off-grid areas by reducing their dependence on diesel/gas generators, which are expensive to maintain and operate on fuel that must be transported to the site and is subject to volatile pricing.

By contrast, solar PV and wind generation are already cheaper than diesel/gas in some off-grid locations and, when complemented with backup or storage technologies, can bring remote operations and communities closer to energy autonomy. They also reduce emissions created by burning diesel/gas fuel.

Furthermore, in some areas the mining sector is already acknowledging that offsetting on-site fossil fuel power generation with renewable energy can reduce operating costs and improve energy security and productivity.

The portable hybrid power plant, branded SunSHIFT, combines solar modules, conventional diesel/gas generators and optional energy storage so that users can benefit from the advantages of renewable solar power without having to commit to a permanent traditional solar installation.

SunSHIFT is being developed and commercialised by the global, UK-headquartered, engineering and construction company Laing O’Rourke, in collaboration with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), as a modular system that will be manufactured off-site and transported to installation sites in container-sized, prefabricated modules. This will enable contractors to quickly assemble the power plant at a chosen location or later disassemble and redeploy it to new sites as needed.

The system operates with ABB’s Microgrid Plus System, a proven distributed control system for microgrids that integrates all plant components. Microgrid Plus System has been specially designed to coordinate the operation of hybrid power stations, stabilising and integrating renewable power generation into microgrid systems.

The external, prewired connections of the ABB control centre and inverters enable fast, easy set-up and dismantling. The distributed, modular design of Microgrid Plus Systems will make future control upgrades easy and risk-free. Another important factor that led to the selection of ABB is the ability for the system capacity to be expanded easily and for a modular concept the ABB solution is well suited. ABB is also supplying other equipment, such as solar inverters, controllers, remote access routers and Ethernet switches.

Portable hybrid systems such as this have the potential to provide both industries and communities in remote off-grid locations with a viable and portable renewable energy alternative, and would also be useful in emergency activities, such as relief efforts.

Phoenix Contact Radioline RAD-RS485-IFS I/O serial communication system

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Phoenix Contact has upgraded its cable-based Radioline RAD-RS485-IFS stations to accommodate both wireless and cable-based modules to deliver far greater flexibility and choice for users requiring a reliable radioline system.

The Phoenix Contact Radioline RAD-RS485-IFS’s newly combined cable-based and wireless operation delivers simple and flexible distribution of I/O signals between all devices. Digital, analog and temperature signals can be transmitted reliably and securely throughout the network.

In addition to a mixed operation with a wireless system, the RAD-RS485-IFS communication modules can be operated as a multipoint multiplexer through a dual-wire RS485 connection or as a standalone application in a Modbus/RTU master.

The upgrade also includes an extended operating temperature range from -40 to +70°C, making the Radioline RAD-RS485-IFS system suitable for use in harsh industrial conditions where robustness is a must.

Start-up is simple, as users assign inputs and outputs by turning the thumbwheel. No software programming is required and information is distributed at a single touch via I/O mapping.

The modular nature of Radioline RAD-RS485-IFS ensures that modules can be replaced quickly. The system can also be expanded at will and with ease and can be tailored to meet specific needs.

The wireless Radioline system transmits across the licence-free frequency range of 2.4 GHz to ensure reliable communication and to support flexible network structures and various operating modes. This also allows for the reliable implementation of large networks with up to 250 stations and distances of several kilometres between adjacent devices.

For added security, the Radioline system includes built-in safeguards against data manipulation. These include package authentication, a proprietary protocol and optional AES data encryption.

It is suitable for use in industrial environments including power generation, water, security, mining, distribution and process.

simPRO secures capital to fund aggressive growth strategy

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Local cloud technology group simPRO Software has secured $40 million in capital from New York-based equity firm Level Equity, in order to support an aggressive expansion strategy.

The company has been self-funded since it was established in 2002 and CEO Brad Couper said that the cash injection will provide the capital to support a range of initiatives including product enhancements, growing customer support and marketing.

simPRO entered the UK and US markets in recent years and currently has more than 2500 clients and 80,000 users globally. Its job-management software is used by clients ranging from small contracting operations through to large corporate enterprises. The software is designed for operators in the electrical, plumbing, HVAC and security industries.

“We have set ambitious goals for our business over the next few years and believed a sophisticated investment partner with deep expertise in vertical market software could meaningfully enhance the velocity with which we achieve those goals,” Couper said.

“We have been flattered with a significant amount of interest in our business from investors around the globe and spent time with a range of partners both in Australia and the US before deciding on Level Equity.

“Level has a nuanced understanding of our business model and the end markets in which we operate. Their knowledge and capital will be an important asset for simPRO moving forward,” he said.

Couper recently relocated, along with a number of other corporate staff, from Australia to simPRO’s new offices in Boulder, Colorado, as part of a major push into the US market.

simPRO has been slowly introducing its software platform to the US market since mid-2015, but plans to embark on a rapid growth strategy, launching in up to four states throughout the US over the next 12 months, starting with Colorado.

The business already attracts integrations with a range of global leading third-party software providers, such as Intuit, Xero, MYOB and many industry wholesalers.

Couper said product development and enhancement remained a core focus for the company and would underpin its future success.

“Our goal is to be the dominant contractor software platform around the world. To do that we need to continue to lead the way in innovation for our clients, and be adaptable to their changing needs.

“We want to be more than a software solution. We want to help our clients pursue what they are passionate about, whether it’s business growth, personal wealth or the freedom to pursue life outside of work: we call it the simPRO journey,” he said.

Lots to be learned from catastrophic energy failure

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A preliminary report by the operator of the power network makes it clear that the huge electricity pylons which were taken out by the storm triggered a sequence of extraordinary events that led to the state-wide blackout in South Australia, the Clean Energy Council has said.

Chief Executive Kane Thornton said it would not have mattered whether South Australia was running on coal, gas, nuclear or renewable energy.

“You cannot get power to residents and businesses when huge electricity pylons are bent in half and the powerlines are lying on the ground. This was a once-in-50-year storm which placed extraordinary stress on the power system, and the cascading events that followed the damage to the transmission system have never been experienced before,” Thornton said.

“Australia’s power network is highly sophisticated with a range of advanced protection and fault ride-through equipment and systems that are rarely tested in real time. These were put under unprecedented pressure due to the extreme weather events in South Australia.

“No doubt there will be much we can learn to improve the resilience of the electricity system in light of the evolving energy mix and the probability of increased storm events in the future.

“The wind industry works closely with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to determine the standards under which they operate and undertakes ongoing reflection, refinement and testing to these standards. Wind farms in SA are tested when they are commissioned and cannot operate unless they remain compliant with the nation’s strictest operating standards. The extraordinary circumstances that occurred in the state will be cause for ongoing revision to these standards and the wind industry welcomes this approach,” he said.

Thornton said AEMO has made it very clear that it has not fully analysed the events leading up to the blackout in South Australia.

“The preliminary report by AEMO is inconclusive and will be updated as more information becomes available in the weeks ahead. The clean energy industry is working with AEMO to address any issues identified as soon as possible,” he said.

“There is no evidence to suggest that maintaining Northern Power Station in operation or the increased role of wind power changed the outcome in these extraordinary events.

“Given the storm damage to the transmission lines that connect the Northern Power Station site to Adelaide, Northern Power Station would have been disconnected from the rest of the network. The blackout would have occurred regardless,” he said.


Technology awards winners announced

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The Australian Technologies Competition (ATC) recognises Australia's best technology companies and offers a bespoke accelerator program, whereby it assesses, mentors, profiles and promotes innovative and emerging technologies seen as having the greatest global potential.

The ATC 16 Cleantech winners have been announced after facing a panel of judges at the recent All Energy Conference in Melbourne.

The New Energy Award Winner is Wattwatchers, a Sydney-based company that has developed an ultracompact auditor series of internet appliances that deliver accurate, real-time energy management over the internet, independent of billing metres and equipment monitoring systems.

The Smart Cities Award Winner is Independent Products, a Melbourne-based firm that uses wastewater created by air-conditioning systems to improve energy efficiency by up to 40%. It can be retrofitted to most split system AC and refrigeration units.

Both winners were applauded for their world-leading Australian inventions and for combining strong commercial acumen with solid international expansion strategies.

The winners go on to compete in the national finals in Sydney on 2 November against technologies from other sectors. The day will feature the unique ATC Investor Connect speed dating, ‘Dragon’s Den’ style ‘Fast Pitching’ and a gala awards dinner at which the prestigious Australian Technology Company of the Year will be announced.

$100m in asset finance made available to businesses

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The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and Commonwealth Bank have launched a $100 million Energy Efficient Equipment Finance program to provide Australian businesses with lower cost finance for a wide range of assets that meet certain energy efficiency standards.

The new program enables businesses to benefit from reduced energy and fuel costs, while also lowering their carbon emissions, and will support business investment in energy-efficient and lower emissions vehicles, equipment, machinery and fixtures that meet the CEFC’s investment guidelines.

The finance will provide a 0.70% discount on the bank’s standard asset finance rate for assets ranging from $10,000 to $5 million, where the asset’s technologies meet the CEFC’s investment guidelines. Eligible investments include a broad range of fuel-efficient vehicles, energy-efficient lighting and fittings, farm machinery, commercial lighting and rooftop solar panels.

CEFC CEO Oliver Yates said the program provided businesses with compelling reasons to invest in energy-efficient and renewable technologies.

“In a world that is transitioning to cleaner energy through the rapid global uptake of technologies like solar, battery storage and electric vehicles, it is imperative Australian businesses position themselves to take advantage of technologies that will help them work smarter and save them money through reduced energy use and operating costs,” Yates said.

“This new program financed by the CEFC and offered through the Commonwealth Bank provides a great opportunity for businesses to invest now in energy-efficient, low-emissions and renewable energy technologies,” he said.

Business interest in energy-efficient assets continues to grow steadily. The CommBank Asset Financing Australia (AFA) Index Report 2016, conducted by East & Partners, showed steady increases in both the number of businesses using, and planning to use, energy-efficient vehicles or equipment.

More than 800 businesses were surveyed throughout the 2015–16 financial year and findings include:

  • One in five businesses (20.5%) plan to use energy-efficient vehicles or equipment in the next 12 months (up from 14.7% from the beginning of the year).
  • One in eight businesses (12.5%) currently use energy-efficient vehicles or equipment (up from 9.5%).
  • The number of businesses that had no intention of using energy-efficient vehicles or equipment fell (from 59.0% to 45.1%) in the 12 months to June 2016.

Commonwealth Bank Managing Director Asset Finance David Farr said: “We know energy-efficient assets help reduce operating costs, but we’re seeing businesses increasingly aware of other benefits to their business, reducing their carbon footprint, adding value to their brand and improving their productivity.

“In particular, we see huge potential for the transport, agriculture and construction industries to realise major benefits from upgrading to energy-efficient technologies, including fuel-efficient vehicles, and energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration,” Farr said.

The top strategies delivering customer value in 2016

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Customer satisfaction is a moving target. To secure those crucial business referrals your organisation now needs to go above and beyond to ‘wow’ those you serve.

This research report highlights the innovative strategies that top-performing service firms and manufacturers currently use to engage with their customers and deliver tangible value.

General Cable confirms closure date

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General Cable Corporation has confirmed the closure date of its remaining Australian operations. From 25 November, all sales will be managed from regional headquarters in New Zealand.

The Kentucky, USA, based company has maintained an Australian presence since 2000 and says that the closure is part of a program to ensure business is aligned with market structure and local conditions.

The intention is to maintain supply to key projects and customers, sourcing as required from the company’s global manufacturing network. Customer enquiries should be directed by email to projectAU@generalcable.co.nz.

Toyota Hiace rear glass safety issue

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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is advising drivers of Toyota Hiace long wheel base vans that there may be issues with the vehicle's rear window.

Glass supplied by O'Brien Glass Industries and used in the rear screen was not correctly toughened and may not shatter according to the requirements of the Australian Design Rules. If the untoughened glass is broken, it poses a cutting risk.

You'll need to contact O'Brien to determine if your rear glass is from an affected batch. If this is found to be the case, it will be replaced at no cost.

The glass was sold nationally, directly by O'Brien between 14 December 2007 and 31 December 2008.

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