Academic literature on the topic 'Energy conservation Victoria Springvale'

As a result of Australia’s long-running drought there has been renewed community focus on water as a vital resource. In response to this and as part of ExxonMobil’s environmental performance improvement program, local water conservation teams have been established at multiple ExxonMobil Australia sites in Victoria. This has stimulated an increased focus on water as a precious resource across the entire workforce resulting in additional emphasis on pro-active planning for water conservation. In one initiative, freshwater use at Altona Refinery was reduced by one megalitre per day. This was achieved through multiple initiatives such as optimising use of standby equipment and the frequency of flushing operations. At Long Island Point, an engineering study supported by the water conservation team identified a cost effective means of ensuring that water used in the flare-stacks is synchronised with the volume of gas being processed at the flare-tip. This initiative is on track to reduce site fresh water consumption since late February 2007 by up to 55 megalitres of potable water a year. Since 2001 Longford has successfully reduced water use by 40% from 5 ML a day in 2001 to 3 ML a day in 2006. Similarly, 2006 water usage for Long Island Point was the lowest on record. Now, with water conservation teams firmly established on these and other sites and further projects yet to be implemented, water consumption is set to decline even further. Overall water saving initiatives have been aligned with increased regulatory and community expectations to reduce water usage, driven by the drought conditions.

Abstract: The impact of photogalvanic cells containing the best combination of dyes, reductants, and surfactants was studied. The photosensitizers employed in this research were Methyl Orange-Glucose-Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide, Thymole Blue-Glucose-Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide, Victoria Blue-Glucose-Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide, and Methyl Orange-EDTA-Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide. Cell efficiency also has been reported to be significantly higher. The device has a conservation efficiency of 0.55 to 1.01 percent and can be used in the dark for 32 to 68 minutes. Various factors which influence solar energy conversion efficiency are also evaluated and accounted for.Key words: Potentials at power point, Photosensitizers, Rates of generation, Reductants, Fill Factors, surfactants, Power consumption, Charging time.GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Abstract Dasyurids are small mammals that can conserve energy and water by using shelters that insulate against extreme conditions, prevent predation, and facilitate torpor. To quantify the diurnal sheltering requirements of a poorly known, endangered dasyurid, the sandhill dunnart, Sminthopsis psammophila, we radiotracked 40 individuals in the Western Australian Great Victoria Desert between 2015 and 2019. We assessed the effect of habitat class (broad habitat features), plot-level (the area surrounding each shelter), and shelter characteristics (e.g., daily temperature ranges), on shelter selection and sheltering habitat preferences. Two hundred and eleven diurnal shelters (mean of 5 ± 3 shelters per individual) were located on 363 shelter days (the number of days each shelter was used), within mature vegetation (mean seral age of 32 ± 12 years postfire). Burrows were used on 77% of shelter days and were typically concealed under mature spinifex, Triodia spp., with stable temperature ranges and northern aspects facing the sun. While many burrows were reused (n = 40 across 175 shelter days), spinifex hummock shelters typically were used for one shelter day and were not insulative against extreme temperatures. However, shallow scrapes within Lepidobolus deserti hummock shelters had thermal advantages and log shelters retained heat and were selected on cooler days. Sminthopsis psammophila requires long-unburned sheltering habitat with mature vegetation. Summer fires in the Great Victoria Desert can be extensive and destroy large areas of land, rendering them a key threat to the species. We conclude that the survey and conservation of S. psammophila requires attention to long-unburned, dense lower stratum swale, sand plain, and dune slope habitats, and the tendency of S. psammophila to burrow allows the species to survive within the extreme conditions of its desert environment.

Field metabolic rates (FMRs) and water influx rates were measured via the doubly labelled water method in wild Tasmanian pademelons and grey kangaroos living in the Jock Marshall Reserve at Clayton, Victoria, and in wild black-tailed deer free-ranging within a nature reserve at Davis, California. Deer expended more than 3 times more energy per day than similar sized grey kangaroos. Feeding rates required to achieve energy balance were estimated from FMRs along with an estimate of metabolizable energy content of the food. The estimated feeding rates for pademelons and kangaroos were combined with similar values for 5 other species of macropods to calculate an allometric (scaling) relationship for food requirements of macropod marsupials. Feeding rate had the following relationship to body mass: g food (DM) consumed per day = 0.20 g body mass0.79 (r2 = 0.94). The findings reported herein should be useful for predicting the approximate food requirements of free-ranging macropods and deer for purposes of ecological modelling, conservation efforts and management programmes.

Four nineteenth-century casts of the decoration on the north side of the exterior of the apse of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris are held in the plaster casts collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The casts were manufactured by two different nineteenth-century workshops, one run by Jean Pouzadoux and the other by Auguste Malzieux. After an assessment of the condition of the casts, a scientific analysis allowed the characterization of the manufacturing materials and subsequent conservation treatments aimed at ensuring the stability of the casts and removing dirt and grime from the casts’ surfaces. Optical microscopy of the samples taken from the casts allowed the stratigraphy to be studied, which largely consisted of gypsum plaster and a coating layer (oxidized diterpenic resin or shellac) containing silicon and aluminium partially diffused in the porous substrate. These materials were identified by a range of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The conservation works returned stability to the panels for redisplay in the galleries and achieved a closer comparative study between the two workshops. The two sets of panels showed numerous differences in manufacturing processes that corresponded to their observed deterioration.

The Ross Sea is one of the most productive areas of the Southern Ocean and includes several functionally different marine ecosystems. With the aim of identifying signs and patterns of microbial response to current climate change, seawater microbial populations were sampled at different depths, from surface to the bottom, at two Ross Sea mooring areas southeast of Victoria Land in Antarctica. This oceanographic experiment, the XX Italian Antarctic Expedition, 2004-05, was carried out in the framework of the ABIOCLEAR project as part of LTER-Italy. Here, microbial biogeochemical rates of respiration, carbon dioxide production, total community heterotrophic energy production, prokaryotic heterotrophic activity, production (by3H-leucine uptake) and prokaryotic biomass (by image analysis) were determined throughout the water column. As ancillary parameters, chlorophylla, adenosine-triphosphate concentrations, temperature and salinity were measured and reported. Microbial metabolism was highly variable amongst stations and depths. In epi- and mesopelagic zones, respiratory rates varied between 52.4–437.0 and 6.3–271.5 nanol O2l-1h-1; prokaryotic heterotrophic production varied between 0.46–29.5 and 0.3–6.11 nanog C l-1h-1; and prokaryotic biomass varied between 0.8–24.5 and 1.1–9.0 µg C l-1, respectively. The average heterotrophic energy production ranged between 570 and 103 mJ l-1h-1in upper and deeper layers, respectively. In the epipelagic layer, the Prokaryotic Carbon Demand and Prokaryotic Growth Efficiency averaged 9 times higher and 2 times lower, respectively, than in the mesopelagic one. The distribution of plankton metabolism and organic matter degradation was mainly related to the different hydrological and trophic conditions. In comparison with previous research, the Ross Sea results, here, evidenced a relatively impoverished oligotrophic microbial community, throughout the water column.

The most southerly of the six described subspecies of the Pied Currawong, Strepera graculina ashbyi, is perhaps the least known and most controversial. Because it has reduced areas of white at the bases of the primaries and at the bases of the rectrices, its appearance is superficially similar to the Grey Currawong S. versicolor, and this has caused confusion from the time of its first description to the present day. Subspecies ashbyi is considered to be extinct by some authorities, yet our observations indicate that birds showing the phenotypic characteristics of ashbyi are common breeding residents in the Otway Ranges of southern Victoria and in the regional city of Geelong and surrounding areas. Here we review the taxonomic history, morphological characteristics and current status of S. g. ashbyi. We identify errors of citation and misinterpretation of the literature which, combined with a lack of ground-truthing, have resulted in the classification of a seemingly common taxon as Extinct. We then present a re-assessment of the distribution and biogeography of S. g. ashbyi and discuss the suitability of the type specimen. The true taxonomic status of S. g. ashbyi can probably only be determined by studies of rates of genetic introgression amongst Pied Currawong populations across western Victoria, but in the meantime its conservation status should be revised to Least Concern.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore strategies used by developers of master-planned housing development projects in Victoria, Australia, for obtaining certification under the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s (UDIA) EnviroDevelopment (ED) sustainable development certification programme. To be awarded ED certification, a development must demonstrate that it meets the assessment criteria within at least four of the six ED “leaves”. These leaves relate to its performance in terms of energy, water, materials, waste, community and ecosystems. This study explored how developers make choices regarding sustainability features they build into the planning, design and management of their developments to gain the leaves needed for ED certification. Having this certification is valued by developers as it can be used to demonstrate the sustainability credentials of their developments to potential house buyers, the validity of which is backed up by a trusted independent non-profit organisation (UDIA). Design/methodology/approach The study sought to quantify the preferential weightings of nine developers in selecting ED “leaves” and the strategies they use for meeting the assessment criteria needed to obtain selected ED leaves. This was done using a novel data collection and analysis method, the analytical hierarchical process (AHP), which relies on respondents, in this case, developers of ED certified development projects, making pairwise comparisons between choices of different development factors associated with the different ED “leaves”. Findings The most highly preferred ED leaves were found to be community, energy and ecosystems. “Community facilities” and “on-site transportation” were the two most highly weighted factors associated with the community leaf. Energy, the next most preferred leaf, was most highly weighted on “saving on operational costs” for the consumers (home buyers). Here consumer demand factors seem to be driving preferences. The ecology leaf was the next most preferred, with “existing site conditions” being the most highly weighted factor for this leaf. For sites that already contain significant areas of indigenous habitat, such as wetlands, selecting this leaf would seem to be an attractive, and potentially lower cost, option. Existing ecologically significant natural areas that are preserved, and where necessary enhanced, can be used for marketing purposes and serve in fulfilling planning open-space contribution requirements. The developers were more indifferent to the water, waste and materials leaves; however, the water leaf was rated slightly higher than the other two and was most strongly associated with “recycled water” and opportunities for “water conservation”, another example of demand factors driving preferences. Originality/value The results of this study reveal the preferences of a small sample of developers in terms of how they weigh different factors in making decisions about acquiring sustainability certification for residential master-planned development projects through the UDIA’S ED programme. The findings provide insight into the types of decisions developers make in the process of seeking ED certification, which includes considerations of site characteristics, costs, predicted effectiveness of different interventions and usefulness for marketing and other factors in terms of which ED leaves to pursue and how to acquire them to gain ED certification. The study also tested the AHP method as a methodological tool for addressing this question. Modifications in how data are collected using the on-line survey can be made to allow the method to be more easily used with larger respondent sample sizes. Collection of more focussed data elicited from respondents with specific areas of expertise, for example, specialists in energy, water, landscape architecture and planning, ecology and other relevant areas of knowledge, should also been considered.

Summary. At 2 sites in south-western Victoria, 132 plots of predominantly perennial ryegrass pasture were randomly allocated, within 4 replicate blocks, to each of 3 lock up dates (L1, L2, L3) by 12, 12 or 9 harvest times. Harvesting commenced 2 weeks after initial treatment lock up with L1 and L2 being harvested 12 times (weekly intervals) and L3, 9 times. Lock up dates were 15 August (L1), 5 September (L2) and 26 September (L3) at site 1 and 17 August (L1), 7 September (L2) and 28 September (L3) at site 2. For each treatment and harvest date, dry matter yield and botanical composition were determined and samples of total pasture and the ryegrass fraction were collected and assessed for dry matter digestibility, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre. Dry matter yield was measured from the start of L1 (site 1, 15 August; site 2, 17 August) until the final harvest date of L3 (site 1, 12 December; site 2, 14 December). At site 1, L3 produced higher dry matter yields than L1 and L2 at comparable lengths of lock up time, whilst there were no differences at site 2. Over the total experimental period (site 1, 15 August–12 December; site 2, 17 August–14 December) there were no differences in total dry matter yield (t/ha) between treatments at either site (site 1—L1 5.79, L2 6.43, L3 5.94; site 2—L1 6.68, L2 5.07, L3 5.73). Treatments had little effect on botanical composition at either site when compared at the same time after lock up, both during the harvesting period or in the subsequent autumn. Pasture metabolisable energy and crude protein all declined with increasing length of lock up whilst neutral detergent fibre content increased, changes which were similar for both the total pasture and the ryegrass fraction. The metabolisable energy of pasture in L1 and L2 was higher than that of L3 at least until week 8 at both sites. Initial crude protein values were higher for L1 and L2 than for L3 at site 1, whilst at site 2, L1 had higher values than either L2 or L3. Although longer lock up periods produced more herbage, if conserving forage is to be an integral component of managing surplus spring pasture, then dairy farmers should aim to produce high quality pasture for forage conservation. This will be achieved through shorter lock up periods and harvesting pasture no later than early ear emergence in the ryegrass fraction of the sward. This management will reduce dry matter yields, but allow more flexibility for maintaining intensive grazing practices through the spring period. The decision about when to lock up pasture will depend on both plant growth rates and animal feed requirements.

Effect of cultivation practice and sowing time on soil moisture retention at sowing, growth rates, dry matter yield, water use efficiency and nutritive characteristics (metabolisable energy, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, water-soluble carbohydrates and starch) of turnip, pasja and rape was determined on 2 soil types (site A and B) over 2 years. Cultivation treatments were: optimum full inversion, an optimum non-inversion cultivation and over cultivated. At each site, cultivation treatments were imposed at 2 different times (early and late).Results showed few differences in soil moisture at sowing between the 3 cultivation systems. Where seedbeds were prepared earlier rather than later, soil moisture at sowing was higher. Given that there was relatively little difference in soil moisture between cultivation treatments within a sowing time, it is likely that rainfall events may have confounded cultivation effects.Apart from year 2 at site A, the water use efficiency of turnip was higher than for pasja and rape. It is proposed that the lower value in year 2 may be due to root development being retarded by low moisture availability, particularly at the later sowing date, thus leading to a lower dry matter yield.Despite no cultivation effects on soil moisture at sowing, there appeared to be clear advantages for the full inversion technique in terms of subsequent weed germination. Generally, weed numbers post germination were lower for this cultivation method compared with both non-inversion techniques. In conclusion, the cultivation techniques used had little effect on soil moisture at sowing and subsequent dry matter yields, provided the resultant seedbed was well-prepared, fine, firm and weed free. Full inversion cultivation techniques in areas where broad-leaved weeds are a problem may substantially reduce subsequent weed burdens. Early sowing where possible may reduce the likelihood of crop failure through the provision of adequate soil moisture at sowing and increase the incidence of rain during the growing period. Timing of sowing will vary according to paddock requirements during early spring (e.g. grazing or forage conservation), soil type, and trafficability for cultivation.

Computer disk in pocket attached to back cover.
Bibliography: leaves 159-170.
System requirements for accompanying computer disk: Macintosh or IBM compatible computer. Other requirements: Microsoft Excel V 5.0 or later.
ix, 228 leaves : ill., map ; 30 cm + 1 computer disk (3.5")
Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library.
In addressing the identification of the scope of energy-efficient goals within the broader design problem, the conceptions of the energy-efficient dwelling are examined, along with how published advice for the design of energy-efficient houses is derived from these conceptions, and the adequacy of this published advice as a basis for good design decisions.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Architecture, 1997

Computer disk in pocket attached to back cover.
Bibliography: leaves 159-170.
System requirements for accompanying computer disk: Macintosh or IBM compatible computer. Other requirements: Microsoft Excel V 5.0 or later.
ix, 228 leaves : ill., map ; 30 cm + 1 computer disk (3.5")
In addressing the identification of the scope of energy-efficient goals within the broader design problem, the conceptions of the energy-efficient dwelling are examined, along with how published advice for the design of energy-efficient houses is derived from these conceptions, and the adequacy of this published advice as a basis for good design decisions.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Architecture, 1997