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Background: The ability to create a context is essential in writing the introduction of a research article (RA). This study explores the experience of engineering Ph.D. students in Australia, for whom English is an Additional Language (EAL), in using a problem-solution-based writing model to develop context-creating skills in writing RA introductions. Research question: What is the experience of engineering Ph.D. students in creating contexts through explicit learning of a problem-solution-based model for writing RA introductions? Literature review: Genre-based teaching is a common approach in the second language classroom. Recently, a genre-based approach for writing the introduction of engineering RAs has been proposed. The descriptive values of the model, PSP-CaRS, have been shown in corpus studies of published engineering RAs. However, its applicability has not been explored pedagogically. Methodology: Twenty-nine Ph.D. students were asked to respond to a questionnaire nine months after learning the model and reflect on their experience using it. The findings were then corroborated with data obtained from interviews, researcher observation, and writing samples. Results: The findings showed that the participants perceived PSP-CaRS to be useful and they continued using it after nine months despite some difficulties encountered in the writing process. Participants’ responses showed that explicit teaching of PSP-CaRS formed the foundation upon which more competent skills to create contexts were developed through practice and integration of subject knowledge. Discussion: Explicit teaching using a model can impart the basics of genre awareness to students. Once students gained an in-depth understanding of the model by working through their difficulties, they developed better genre awareness, and used the model adaptively to visualize and write their RA introductions. Conclusion: The results confirm the usefulness of the proposed model and reveal how a continuing process of learning and practicing using the model helps students develop their skills to create contexts and enhance their genre awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently there is no tool to assess the sustainability performance of reuse systems in Australia. This research fulfills that gap by developing a set of sustainability indicators (SIs). A unique methodology was developed based on understanding of the reuse systems, reviewing and examining the issues related to reuse, and Australian policy and guidelines in terms of sustainability. It was established that a sustainable reuse system should be based beyond the triple bottom line approach, and involve consumers in decision making, address institutional issues, and focus on the outcomes rather than the output, with a system approach. Twenty seven SIs were identified under five categories: environmental, technical, social, economical, and institutional. The case studies demonstrated the application of the SIs in sustainability assessment of two reuse systems: (1) tree plantation and (2) lake discharge for augmenting environmental flow. The evaluation was done based on multi criteria decision assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and implementation of alternative wastewater servicing approaches in rural communities in Australia appears more feasible than in larger urban developments as many rural centres rely on septic tanks and surface discharge of greywater. This method of disposal creates many environmental, social and economic issues and is seen to limit potential for growth in many towns. This paper describes a generic methodology for the selection of innovative sewerage options for six regional towns in Victoria, Australia. The method includes consultation with stakeholders, multi-criteria assessment and concept design of the most favourable option. Despite the broad range of initial wastewater servicing options presented which included cluster-scale systems, upgrade of existing systems, greywater reuse and alternative collection, the outcome for five of the six towns was a modified centralised collection system as the preferred option. Lack of robust and reliable data on the human health risks and environmental impacts of alternative systems were identified as the primary data gaps in the sustainability assessment. In addition, biases in the assessment method due to stakeholder perceptions were found to be an additional issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of the building sector represents the progress of civilizations. There are environmental, social and economic implications, impeding the sustainability performance of buildings. A holistic life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) framework is inevitable to address the integrated sustainability performance of residential buildings. This paper aims to develop triple bottom line indicators to assess the sustainability performance of buildings, including sustainability objectives, impact categories and key performance indicators (KPIs) to implement in the life cycle sustainability assessment framework. The indicators have been developed through the consensus survey involving area experts from four key stakeholders' categories including, government and Engineers Australia, academia, practitioners, and structural engineers. A list of KPIs was compiled through a literature review, followed by an online census survey to collect feedback from the participants in terms of relevance and importance of initally selected KPIs. Secondly, a modified list of triple bottom line (TBL) KPIs and their weights was developed based on respondents' feedback. Finally, the threshold values were assigned to the selected KPIs and the LCSA framework was tested using a hypothetical case study. The LCSA framework using these scientifically valid KPIs would assist stakeholders to assess the sustainability performance of residential buildings and to identify the hotspots for proposing well-informed industry strategies in Western Australia. • KPIs for sustainability assessment vary with products and services and also they are region specific. • Relevant KPIs for discerning sustainability performance of Australian buildings were ascertained involving local experts. • Threshold values of selected KPIs were determined to find out the deficiency of building sustainability performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since ports generate a range of negative externalities it is becoming increasingly important for them to engage with their stakeholders effectively through a corporate sustainability strategy which seeks to obtain stakeholder legitimacy for port operations. Yet, the link between a sustainability strategy and the accomplishment of business goals is unclear in some contexts. Hence, the first aim of this study was to conceptually develop a sustainability governance framework to understand the potential contribution of a corporate sustainability strategy for the achievement of broader corporate objectives for ports. The second aim was to undertake an empirical analysis to assess the level of adoption of multiple sustainability strategy components by ports in Australia and New Zealand. The results suggest that the port industry in this region is currently only commencing on its sustainability path. While the industry is relatively advanced in the adoption of general good governance and environmental governance practices, stakeholder awareness and engagement, including sustainability performance disclosure remains limited. The developed conceptional framework provides insights into the elements of corporate sustainability governance and may be used as a guide by ports and other corporate institutions dealing with the challenges of sustainable corporate development. Furthermore, the study offers suggestions for strategies to improve existing sustainability governance of ports in Australia and New Zealand. • Role of sustainability strategy in corporate's sustainability governance framework identified. • A holistic approach is required to assess corporate's sustainability strategies. • Stakeholder awareness and engagement is currently limited for ports in AUS and NZ. • High level of environmental, health and safety management practices adopted by ports. • Sustainability performance disclosure is currently not a priority for ports in AUS and NZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) are used extensively for the treatment of wastewater in Australia, mostly in regional and remote areas. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) using pond technologies are also distributed over the full geographical extent of Australia, encompassing many climatic zones. Predominantly used to service small to medium‐sized communities, WSPs are also used to service large metropolitan Australian populations, up to 2.5 million people. When well‐maintained, WSPs are a sustainable and resilient treatment option, and treatment is achieved at significantly lower cost when compared with conventional WWTPs. Increasing population, changing regulations, and climate variability are placing increasing pressure on Australian WSP systems. Sludge accumulation over time presents a significant challenge to pond maintenance, along with increasing occurrence of toxic cyanobacterial bloom events. These challenges are only enhanced by the wide geographical distribution and by increasing operational and maintenance costs. Increased demand for recycled water is placing further pressure on Australian WSP systems, as higher value treated water is expected from WSP infrastructure that is often overloaded or under‐designed. This increased demand for high‐quality treatment presents an opportunity for operators and researchers to develop a better understanding of the coupling between hydraulics and microbial ecology of these systems. With more stringent guidelines for greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), a better understanding of biophysicochemical processes in WSPs will lead to better estimates of GHG fluxes and variability. This information will become critical for the future planning, maintenance and operation of WSPs, and will result in a better understanding of WSP systems overall. This article is categorized under: Engineering Water > Water, Health, and Sanitation Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the prospects for mining and energy scientists in Australia. According to the author, the pressures of climate change and population growth mean that energy and resources will be important issues for research and industry in the near future. The author adds that new courses that focus on sustainable energy and mining engineering have been launched in Australia. The author also profiles Anthony Stante, a Masters of Engineering student at RMIT University.

The article reports that the Minister for Planning of Victoria, Australia, has instructed the Major Projects Victoria to prepare an Environment Effects Statement for the planned Long-term Containment Facility for prescribed industrial waste under the authority of the Environment Effects Act of 1978. The proposed facility is aimed at containing treated prescribed industrial waste for which there are no foreseen capabilities for re-use. The facility will feature containment bays and capping system.