Dr David Mills "Energy Policy and Building Codes"
Dr Chris Riedy "Pricing and decision making in the electricity sector"
The program for 2008 has not yet been finalised, but proposed topics include:
The role of human behaviour in demand-side management: What role can computer games, virtual reality, behavioural science, and programable domestic control systems play in demand-side management?
Size does matter: Options for improving house affordability and sustainability.
Professional Development - energy education
Teacher professional development sessions in 2007 were held in Cairns (March and August) and Brisbane (March, May and July). The Cairns training was highly practical in nature involving unpacking, assembling, operating, disassembling and storing a range of renewable energy technologies contained in Solar Tropical, a mobile renewable energy education resource available for enhancing the teaching of science and technology in schools. The focus was on giving participants fundamental energy knowledge and skills to boost their confidence in teaching about energy and environmental issues, utilising Solar Tropical as a valuable teaching aid.
The Brisbane sessions were focussed on presenting to teachers the basics of climate change science, the expected impacts of climate change on Queensland, and exploring the broad range of educational activities that could be implemented in schools to both increase student understanding and skills whilst also reducing a school's emissions. You can download a copy of one of these sessions here. Further education resources can be found on the education specific pages on this website.
Climate Change and Energy: the role of education and action
Both Brisbane and Townsville City Councils contracted QSEIDG to provide professional development for council staff. These sessions were designed to enhance staff knowledge about sustainable energy topics and further develop their ability to engage with their respective communities. Topics covered in these sessions included sustainability, climate change science and implications for Queensland, energy efficiency at home, energy efficiency building design, household applications of solar energy, green power, carbon offsets and trading, and energy implications and solutions for transport, water and waste.
Small Business Leadership and Development
QSEIDG, with the assistance of the Queensland State Development Leadership and Management Program has developed a number of workshops to assist small to medium 'green businesses' to improve their business operations, marketing strategies and customer service. The workshops are aimed at renewable energy suppliers, systems designers and installers; retailers of sustainability products and consultants in sustainability services. Contact us for more information.
Industry Short Courses
QSEIDG can arrange to customise half-day and one-day short courses on a range of sustainable energy and energy efficiency related topics. Contact us for more information.
September Highlight - an annual national event
Visit a sustainable house near you! Each year on the second weekend in September, a number of Queenslanders open their homes to the public as part of national Sustainable House Day. These homes, both new constructions and renovations, demonstrate a wide range of sustainability features including passive design (to reduce energy requirements) and solar and/or water saving technologies. They show how ordinary Australians can build or renovate homes that have much less impact on the environment, are more comfortable to live in and are cheaper to run!
To enquire about business sponsoship, volunteering, or nominating YOUR home for this event, contact ANZSES at Sustainable House Day (A national event organised by the Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society).
