World Toilet Day on 19th November reminds us that the world is seriously off-track to meet the sanitation MDG target – to halve the proportion of people without access to sanitation by 2015. If current rates of progress continue, the global sanitation goal will be met 30 years too late. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the sanitation target in that region is not due to be met for another 200 years. However, we also recognise the importance of water conservation during times of water scarcity, and in ensuring robust sanitation systems remain as economical as possible.

The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) today made clear its serious concerns about any replacement of natural turf with artificial turf in professional sport.

IOG Chief Executive Geoff Webb stated: “Grass is the natural surface for our professional sports. It’s what players and fans want. Natural grass – properly maintained to governing body standards - provides the optimum playing surface today.

We recognise the improvements made with artificial playing surfaces, due to better technology. But even bigger strides have been made with grass. The standard of natural turf is a testament to the skill of the many dedicated, forward-thinking and experienced groundsmen; and they are strongly backed by a multi-million pound turf care industry that is the envy of the world. Together, this industry and the world’s best groundsmen are constantly improving and advancing the technologies and techniques needed to enhance playing surfaces.”

The UN has declared 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All and a growing demand for professionals within the energy and environmental sectors supports this.

In this article, Vicky Kenrick at International Sustainability Recruitment Specialists, Allen & York, explores recruitment trends within the energy and environment sector, specifically identifying how these global trends lead to growth areas, including; renewable energy, energy engineering, energy management, carbon and climate change, water engineering and waste management, where job opportunities are increasing.

London’s Living Room, City Hall, Wednesday 2nd November 2011

SWIG is the Voice of Sustainable Water and believes that there has never been a better time to raise awareness of the role of water in a sustainable future.

The SWIG Awards were held from the panoramic viewpoint atop City Hall with the purpose of raising the profile and awareness of sustainable water use, publically recognising the nominees and winning projects. A warm welcoming address was given by Mr Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor’s Director of Environment. Awards were presented by leading industry personality and TV presenter, Dusty Gedge

Emissions of many pollutants from transport fell in 2009. But this reduction may only be a temporary effect of the economic downturn, according to the latest annual report on transport emissions from the European Environment Agency (EEA). The Transport and Environment Reporting Mechanism (TERM) explores the environmental impact of transport. For the first time, the report considers a comprehensive set of quantitative targets proposed by the European Commission’s 2011 roadmap on transport.

FIRA will be sharing the findings of a key furniture industry research project that has assessed the feasibility of providing the UK furniture industry with product carbon footprint benchmarks. The event, which is open to those within the furniture industry, will be held on Tuesday 6th December, at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

The decision by the Secretary of State Caroline Spelman to withhold confirmation of PFI credits to Norfolk for their EfW proposal is both a surprising and unwelcome step.

CIWM understands that the Norfolk Waste Strategy is complete, agreed and recent, and it is not immediately clear what further information or evidence would satisfy the Secretary of State that there is ‘wide support’ for the Strategy.

The first ever 100% carbon neutral British Travel Awards, held last night in Battersea, thanks to CNI off-setting all the event’s emissions

Battersea Evolution in Battersea Park saw the glittering 2011 British Travel Awards take place last night, and for the first time, the entire event could boast 100% carbon neutrality thanks to a new partnership with CNI.

The British Travel Awards celebrates the work of the UK’s best travel companies, with over 700,000 industry votes cast in deciding 2011’s winners.  This year’s major winners were Thomson – collecting no fewer than 18 awards – followed closely by Thomas Cook, Virgin and Emirates airlines.