Press | Umweltbundesamt

In 2026, emission allowances in the German national emissions trading system (nETS) will be auctioned for the first time. The auctions, conducted within a set price corridor, mark the transition to the new European Emissions Trading System for fuels (EU ETS 2). The German Environment Agency commissioned the Leipzig-based energy exchange, European Energy Exchange (EEX), to conduct the auctions. read more

Digitalisation is changing consumption: More and more people are researching online and shopping on the internet. However, sustainable products and alternatives to new purchases often remain invisible here. Although there is an awareness of sustainability, price, convenience, and rapid availability still generally determine purchasing decisions. read more

In 2025, the German Ecodesign Award will once again impressively demonstrate how ecological design positively impacts the environment and our everyday culture, and the contribution it makes to transformation. Around 380 submissions from business, research, and universities across Europe reflect the growing commitment to ecological design in all areas of life. read more

Urban and rural areas are often perceived as opposites. In reality, however, they are closely interwoven. While cities are struggling with rising rents and space scarcites, many rural regions are facing an ageing population and a shortage of skilled workers. read more

The German Environment Agency (UBA) has taken action against unfair business practices by the sales platform CopeCart. In a decision dated 4 June 2025, it prohibited the company from offering distance learning courses to consumers in Austria that are not properly approved. read more

According to the latest analyses by the UBA, electricity generation from renewable energies in the first half of 2025 was about five percent below the level of the corresponding period of the previous year. The main reason was exceptionally low wind conditions. Despite these unfavourable conditions, the share of renewables in gross electricity consumption were maintained at 54 percent. read more

Across Europe, emissions under the EU-ETS 1 have fallen even more sharply by 51 percent. This means that since 2005, emissions have roughly halved, according to the German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt) at the German Environment Agency (UBA). read more

The German GreenTech sector is growing significantly faster than traditional industrial sectors, is strongly integrated into global trade, and is a driver of innovation in many areas. read more