2009 CONSENSUS GREENTECH AWARDS
– WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The 2009 Consensus GreenTech Awards were presented John Dee, founder and MD, Do Something! and founder, Planet Ark at Dimension Data offices. The Awards identify the most innovative GreenTech solutions in Australia and New Zealand. They are endorsed and supported by Australian Consensus Technology Association, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, Wholesale Investor, Northern Sydney Institute part of TAFE and Connection Research.
If you would like to receive an Entry Form for the next set of Awards or receive any further information, please send us an email.
2009 Winners and Highly Commended with (3rd from right) John Dee
Page down for the Citations for the 3 Winners, 1 Highly Commended and other finalists.
Our thanks go to the Judges that particpated this year:
– Bert Franzen (Chair)
– Janine Cahill
– James Cowie
– Ray David
– Richard Hayes
– Andrew Randall
– Dr Bhuvan Unhelkar
– Prof. Anthony Vassallo
– Dr Robert Kay
2009 WINNERS
MPPT12-2 SOLAR BATTERY CHARGER BY GSL ELECTRONICS (NSW) – WWW.GSL.COM.AU
JUDGES’ CITATION: “The GSL Maximum Power Point Tracker achieved an unanimous vote from the judging panel. The use of an innovative digital platform to reduce the part count, cost and size of these devices opens up a significant new market for extracting higher performance from all solar panels used in off-grid applications from local street lighting to village power in Africa.”
Description: This innovative product is a high efficiency, low cost, fully autonomous, multi output / input & chemistry auto select, maximum power point 200W solar battery charger. Maximum Power Point Trackers converters are widely used in multi KW solar systems because they make the best utilization of solar cells by extracting maximum electrical power from a given panel and therefore reducing overall system cost and dimensions.
Despite their overwhelming advantage, over 20% more usable output power, the MPPT is not commonly found in small systems mainly because of its high relative price and complexity so inefficient conventional solar regulators are still used on the ubiquitous single and dual panel systems. This innovative product developed totally in house by a local SME, GSL Electronics, has managed to simplify the MPPT and cut down its cost to a level where it can become mainstream even in small systems.
The availability of a compact and low cost MPPT opens up the possibility of a distributed architecture for large multi panel systems with enhanced reliability, via redundancy, and improved efficiency with individual panel power maximisation instead of the centralized single large MPPT. This MPPT uses state of the art Digital Power technology. There is not much MPPT R&D and currently most of the activity is in Germany, Canada and the US.
ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM BY KNOWLEDGE GLOBAL (SA) – WWW.KNOWLEDGE-GLOBAL.COM
JUDGES’ CITATION: “EMMA received a unanimous vote from the judging panel. Using unique algorithms, EMMA provides a highly effective means of gathering emissions related data that provides the enterprise with a sustainable view on energy dependencies and optimal related savings. The system provides comprehensive reporting consistent with multiple external standards, validation of data as well as integration of internal & external data sets.”
Description: EMMA was conceived because it was recognised in 2001-2002 that the greatest challenge in the future will be the validation and verification of carbon emissions and carbon emission equivalents. It was also recognised that in order to manage carbon it needed to be measures and quantified from point of source or the calculation would be invalidated, unverified and false. There would be two reasons why this verification and quantification would be necessary a) because it was going to become the next form of currency and b) trade like the currency markets.
“A de-carbonised society and the reduction of emissions via carbon trading is a very new industry. Carbon trading commenced in Europe in 2005. ” Carbon trading markets (2009) are valued at $100 billion based on the trading of just over 6 billion tonnes of CO2-e.” The Australian Crime Commission within the last few weeks has appointed personnel to manage the evolving carbon fraud markets. ” Google results on ‘European markets and carbon fraud’ gave 87,600 results. ‘Australian Crime Commission and carbon fraud’ gave 19,700 results and content examples:
CO2 equivalents are not like money and manufactured in a controlled Mint. CO2-es are created from the point of source – in many ways, from natural resource consumption and from many sources. There needed to be a way to equate the use of resource with the CO2-e and in turn to the value of the CO2-e in a trading market. In other words, a way to measure from point of source through to the trading market, and calculated and converting along the way so the comparative analysis put apples with apples. The only way this could be done is to combine leading technology with science. This is EMMA.
The Knowledge Global Environmental Management solution (EMMA) focuses on sustainability measure and management. We detail our resource measures consumption (water, gas, electricity, solid and liquid fuels, fertilisers etc) and report at the granular level of operations.
This is not a site centric system but is a web subscribed knowledge base and analytics engine to allow customers to identify and facilitate their management of efficiency opportunities and sustainability impact across their portfolio(s), operations and supply chains.
Buildings are a relatively stable and relatively consistent infrastructure with common business across various portfolios. Therefore the commercial property sector is the ideal business forum to illustrate the value and power of the EMMA tool through the supply chain using property portfolios – although its application applies to the resources, cement, insurance, manufacturing, transport and energy industries supply chains in the same manner.
“Carbon emissions data, gathered in a systematic manner into a flexible data framework that can accommodate changing factors and reporting libraries, becomes an extremely powerful business tool. It gives organisations profitable information, significant planning capabilities and a quantifiable carbon value in the national and international carbon trading markets.” Susan Butler, EMMA Executive Director.
GREENTRAC OFFICE SOLUTION BY EVENT ZERO (QLD) – WWW.PROJECTGREENTRAC.COM
JUDGES’ CITATION: “A simple, elegant and scalable software system that tracks and reports PC energy consumption and carbon footprint. PC users and administrators are provided with a view of their PC’s efficiency compared to the rest of the organisation.
Greentrac uses feedback to change people’s behaviour, with real time energy tariff information. This strategy to change people’s behaviour demonstrates a good understanding of how to bring about lasting reductions. The behavioural change aspects therefore support other internal sustainability strategies.
The commercial model is well developed and pricing appears suited to providing rapid ROI. Greentrac has runs on the board with major Australian customers. There is also potential for rapid global rollout as well as application with other office devices such as printers.”
Description: Greentrac is an enterprise-class, PC energy consumption monitoring and environmental impact analysis platform. Greentrac allows organizations to quickly identify energy efficiencies, and empower and engage users in making changes which contribute to achieving sustainability outcomes. Greentrac Office focuses on the concept of efficiency with relation to PC fleet utilization and energy / environment implications. PCs which are turned on, but not used effectively represent a waste of energy, a corresponding potential cost saving, and its potential environmental impact reduction.
Save Money & Reduce Emissions
Shutting down office computers at night and optimising PC usage during the day could reduce energy consumption up to 75%, save hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs and spare the environment thousands of kilograms of CO2 emissions. Even if you’re already turning off the office computers at night, you could reduce your energy consumption during the day by up to 50% with Greentrac.
Empower your staff
By ensuring that your PC Fleet is operating efficiently, Greentrac delivers immediate and quantifiable cost savings to your organisation. Greentrac is capable of providing your organisation with an easy means of managing and measuring your carbon gas emissions, while providing you with a detailed analysis of your energy use and costs. It allows your company to prepare for the introduction of an emissions trading scheme by giving you the data you need to maximise your emissions reductions. We empower your staff with the tools and the information they require to make a difference to the environment and your bottom line.
SPECIAL COMMENDATION
POWER MANAGEMENT BY SOLAR-GEM (NSW) – WWW.SOLAR-GEM.ASIA
Solar-Gem is a low-cost, long-lasting solar lighting and energy system for use in remote locations. The system is modular and can be carried by two people, and requires no specialist skills for installation. Solar-Gem uses a specialised lead gel acid batteries and microprocessor-controlled power management technology which means the Solar-Gem solution can guarantee its systems for up to 10 years, in comparison to three years for most systems available today. Each unit generates enough electricity to power a small appliance, or up to six rooms using LED bulbs that require one sixth of the power of conventional fluorescent systems.
Conventional solar power systems can be difficult to install and may only have a lifespan of as little as 18 months, making them unsuitable for many remote locations. Solar-Gem has tackled this problem with a modular approach to solar energy that is easy to install and is guaranteed to last up to 10 years.
Solar-Gem has developed a micro-processor controlled power management system that maximises the longevity of its lead gel acid batteries, and its amorphous photovoltaic solar cells that are less prone to damage than traditional glass solar panels. The system is designed specifically for remote locations and is small and light enough to be carried by two people, and requires no specialised skills or tools for installation.
The technology is cheap to use, and Solar-Gem has developed a unique tarriffing system that allows users to pay for power as they use it, with both pre-pay and post-pay models. Purchased lighting credits can only be used with the system they were purchased for. One unit is sufficient to run a small appliance such as a fan or laptop, or provide power to light three rooms using new-generation LED lights, which use one sixth of the power of conventional fluorescent lighting. Systems can be connected together to increase the total power output for use in schools, community centres, offices or hospitals. Being solar-based, the technology brings clean energy to communities by the use of natural sun light as opposed to conventional carbon based energy.
Solar-Gem has generated strong interest from across the globe and discussion are now taking place in 18 countries, primarily in developing economies, with units currently being installed at a hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. It is also suitable for use in eco-resorts and remote locations in developed economies. The Indian trials which Solar-Gem has won with the Indian Government Department is a major step forward in promoting the solar solution being offered by solution, as it will demonstrate the use of the technology in a remote village environment.
In addition, Solar-Gem has recently developed solar mobile towers, solar roofs, and solar communities as a way of increasing the reduction of carbon into the atmosphere.
RUNNERS-UP
BIOFUEL ALGAE TECHNOLOGY BY NBP&F (NSW) – WWW.AUSBIODIESEL.COM.AU
NBP&F was established in 2007 as an organisation to be an International provider of sustainable power, products and water through its algae technology. NBP&F’s algae technology portfolio encompasses technology to produce biomass/biofuel from algae and technology to consume greenhouse gases.
NBP&F’s market vision is to be a provider of: 1. Sustainable Power – The production of energy with minimal or zero carbon footprint. 2. Sustainable products – The production of bio-products with far higher production to resources ratios than traditional land based crops. 3. Sustainable Water – Clean, potentially drinkable water, is produced by our process.
NBP&F plans to produce biomass, biochar, algae oil, Fuel (biodiesel/ethanol), downstream bio-petroleum products , CO2 sequestration solutions and distributed energy solutions by growing algae using several approaches: 1. As part of distributed energy solutions. 2. In sewage effluent. 3. Using CO2 emissions from power generation. 4. Using added nutrient.
NBP&F has developed its own unique IP around the production of high algae growth at low capital cost and the extraction and conversion of algae. In developing its technology NBP&F have undertaken field trials and reviewed algae technology both previous and current. NBP&F has undertaken several strategic relationships and developed detailed project proposals for government (Local, State & Federal), water authorities (Sydney Water, Hunter water), power stations (in the Hunter Valley), distributed energy providers (typically up to 50MW) and other bodies (including developers).
NBP&F’s technology is set to take advantage of emerging trends that are currently being strengthened and amplified by government mandates. These government mandates driven by climate change, peak oil/increasing fossil fuel extraction costs, fragile Global cohesion which has in itself driven policy response, such as the “smart grid’. In particular NBP&F is targeting sustainable energy solutions at the regional level (local development (developers)/local government). These sustainable energy solutions provide ready solutions for renewable energy with a low carbon footprint (algae and other sources) are achievability/practicality (small scale/low cost/off the shelf/known benefits/low project risk) and provide other benefits (energy security, security, local jobs, short supply chains (low transmission loss), local revenue, local skills & technology). NBP&F’s technology is extremely competitive in the distributed power generation market as it is cheaper, effective, modular and has a lower footprint that other algae technologies.
NBP&F financials have been developed to build operations through initially distributed power generation implementation and small-scale sewage trials to implementation. Larger scale roll-outs in sewage treatment and power stations will follow. A large scale (equivalent of 60 million litre of algae oil per year (60mlp)) independent of source algae plant is the set goal of scale-up of NBP&F’s technology. NBP&F plans to expand internationally by entering firstly that segment of the market for its technology in the distributer power generation market and sewage treatment market. Ultimately NBP&F intends to expand into building 60mlp plants on a Joint-Venture basis.
CERTIFICATION PROGRAM BY GREENBIZ CHECK (NSW) – WWW.GREENBIZCHECK.COM
GreenBizCheck has developed a world-leading online environmental certification program that quickly helps businesses save money and reduce their impact on the environment. Clients log on and complete an online assessment which has been heavily researched and comprises global environmental best practice standards. They are then provided with a tailored, high-impact assessment report containing a wide range of practical, easy-to-implement measures to take immediate action and reach Bronze (70% score), Silver (80%) or Gold Certification (90%).
The system also captures GHG emissions and encompasses energy, water, waste reduction and recycling, transportation, supply chain and IT.
SIMULALT BEHAVIOURAL SIMULATION BY INTELLIGENT SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT (SA) -WWW.INTELLIGENTSOFTWARE.COM.AU
“Given any policy or product, SimulAIt can predict to a high level of accuracy the environmental (water, carbon, waste), financial, and social (behavioural change) impacts on an entire population, and provide insight into how to influence those future outcomes.”
SimulAIt is a predictive decision support tool that enables better informed decisions for business, Government, and Defence. SimulAIt can be used for environmental applications including: policy design; environmental sustainability; behaviour change; financial sustainability; forecasting; urban planning; and market research.
SimulAIt is behavioural (socio-economic and predictive analytics) simulation software that allows decision makers to test their ideas in a virtual replica of the real world. Based on artificial intelligence (namely agent-based modelling) SimulAIt can crystalise a vast quantity of complex data and human behaviours, bringing data to life, where even virtual replicas of complete cities can be created. SimulAIt comprises many individual software components (agents) that are used to model the many complex and dynamic components of the real world including people, households, organizations and infrastructure.
It is the integration of the social, economic, political and environmental behaviours of a system that enables better predictions to be made through a greater understanding of how people behave and respond to change. The virtual model can then be used by strategic planners to test many options and “what if” scenarios to ascertain the impacts of new products, policies or infrastructure before they are implemented in the real world. SimulAIt provides the next generation of predictive analysis technology, allowing decision makers to gain greater insight and confidence into the future impact of their strategic decisions.
Currently, SimulAIt is a customised simulation architecture which is able to model, simulate and analyse complex (human-centric) environmental problems. Intelligent Software can present the software solution in two ways:
“Consultation – where Intelligent Software can analyse a specific system/problem, providing the client with a detailed report on the results.” Licensed product – Intelligent Software can further customise software to enable customers/end-users to perform their own analysis. This customised simulation software model is then delivered to the user on a licensing agreement.
Past and current clients of Intelligent Software include: Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, Central Highlands Water, Queensland Water Commission, The University of Adelaide, University of West Sydney, Salisbury Council, and The Department of Defence. In these projects SimulAIt has been used to simulate millions of households and population behaviours in response to different environmental policies and social influences, to maximise economic, environmental and social benefits.
ULTIMAT SOLAR DISTILLATION IRRIGATION MATTING BY H2OASIS ENERGY (SA)
Our Solar Distillation Irrigation Matting (ultiMAT) creates the water to make plants grow. It only needs a source of saline water – oceans or groundwater – to be able to operate.
At the same time it holds the soil in place and captures rainfall – important factors in arresting desertification. The pure water generated can sustain plant growth on previously useless land. As populations grow and ‘peak oil’ kicks in H2Oasis Energy can open up new areas for both food and biofuel crops. Our designs can also provide safe drinking water – which is important since a child dies every 8 seconds from water bourne disease.
The science behind our ultiMAT is simple – it is the perfect mimic of the natural water cycle. Julius Caesar used the same ideas to provide drinking water to his troops. The Watercone is a small device that provides safe water for campers.
The ‘ultiMAT’ was originally planned to be manufactured as an extruded plastic.We have had discussions with the like of Netafim and Sunbather that has guided us into a financial model. Taking only conservative values – such as solar irradiation of 5kw/h/m2 – we can calculate that we can deliver water at slightly above 20 cents per kilolitre.
We are now looking at manufacturing the ultiMAT as a sewn or plastic welded sandwich of 3 flexible sheets. This should result in driving the cost of water below 20 cents per kl. This will make it competitive with horticultural irrigation in the Murray – Darling. At Swan Hill – where irrigators are restricted due to the drought – they would be able to access the saline aquifer that is only 5 metres below their vines. We are collaborating with Scholle – who are specialists in plastic films. Scholle have the materials that will assure that the water is safe for human consumption.
Our IP is progressing – and as pointed out at Tech23 the notion that we can protect our ideas is rather academic. What we do feel is that it would be best to develop H2Oasis Energy along project lines.
Our vision extends to a complete system – where the ultiMAT has its role to play – BUT alongside other technologies. Also we remain conservative in our calculations – claiming only 45% solar efficiency. The lack of framing in our design and the depth of water in the system (less than 50mm) add to solar efficiency. Watercone are quoting solar efficiency of over 60%.
END OF RESULTS
BACKGROUND
All Consensus Award programs are based on an open nomination process. Nominations are welcomed from individuals and organisations with relevant technologies that meet the judging criterion. Before nominating please consider the aims of the program and the judging criteria against which the technology will be measured. Self nominations are welcome.
THE AIMS OF THE AWARDS
The Awards exist to reward excellence in Australian and New Zealand Green Technology and to grow and strengthen Australia’s and New Zealand’s contribution to sustainability in society. Award recognition can be vital in building the credibility and exposure necessary for locally developed technology to break into new markets. The Consensus GreenTech Awards have been developed to provide this credibility by using an open and transparent judging process based on the Consensus Model.
JUDGING CRITERIA
To achieve a Consensus GreenTech Award, the technology must be Australian or New Zealand designed and developed and be judged by the invited panel of judges to be Innovative, deliver performance benefits to the user, and have further potential for product or market development. Entrants are invited to present the evidence to the judging panel first through a written and then by direct presentation. Since each product is assessed directly against the judging criteria there are no categories and the judges may recommend as many or few Awards as they deem to be worthy each year.