The German Environment Agency began the year 2020 with a major new development: on 1st January, Professor Dr. Dirk Messner became the new President of the agency. Find out more in the “UBA news” section.
Another development that affected the whole of Germany on 1st January was the introduction of the compulsory retail sales receipt. This edition of our newsletter also contains answers to frequently asked questions regarding this much-discussed topic. In our leading article, we focus on a group of chemical substances which also play a key role in terms of the topic of the compulsory retail sales receipt: bisphenols. A new study by the UBA demonstrates that banning the best-known representative of this group – bisphenol A – is an important but not sufficient first step to protect people and the environment.
Wishing you happy reading,
The UBA press office
Bisphenol A-free products are not necessarily good for man and the environment
Bisphenol A used in sales receipts was recently substituted with substances such as bisphenol S.
Source: pure-life-pictures / Fotolia
The industrial chemical bisphenol A is rightly being banned from use in ever more consumer products, including in the thermal paper used for sales receipts in early 2020. This is because it acts like a hormone and can impair fertility in humans and wildlife. It may even promote the growth of certain tumours. The problem is that its substitutes are not necessarily better for man and the environment. A current research project from the German Environment Agency shows that 43 of 44 tested substances are not viable as a safer substitute, either because they also have hormone-mimicking activity or there is no conclusive data available yet. Only one substance, Pergafast 201, showed no hormone-like activity during screening tests conducted for the project. Other properties of concern for the environment, such as persistence in the environment or bioaccumulation, were not included in the scope of the project.
The EU Chemicals Directive REACH is the background against which a discussion with the other EU Member States and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is taking place to decide on further data requirements for certain substances in the group of bisphenols. These data are then requested from the producers and are used to clarify the initial concern of the endocrine disrupting potential of the substances. If it can be concluded that the chemicals are endocrine disruptors for man and/or the environment, suitable measures, e.g. a restriction for certain uses, will be introduced throughout the EU to minimise exposure and to promote substitution by less hazardous substances.
For now, sales receipts should be disposed of with residual waste for incineration. If disposed with waste paper, the recycling process could reintroduce these chemicals into the product cycle, for example in toilet paper. Bisphenol-free paper for sales receipts is already available. However, the absence of any clear labelling prevents consumers from distinguishing the paper from papers which contain bisphenol.
Scan4Chem: app provides information on hazardous substances in products
If so requested, manufacturers and distributors are required to inform consumers about "substances of very high concern" that are contained in products. As part of the EU-LIFE project AskREACH, the smartphone app from the German Environment Agency, Scan4Chem, was updated and is now available to download in Germany. From January 2020 onwards, it will be available in 14 European countries. read more (in German)
The Hazardous Substances Rapid Information System (GSA) provides information on Vitamin E acetate
For many people, the new year is the time to give up on old vices, and to finally stop smoking, for instance. Increasing numbers of people are now swapping conventional cigarettes for e-cigarettes/vaporisers, as these are considered to be less harmful. Recently, however, reports about critical lung diseases and several deaths among users of e-cigarettes in the USA have resulted in a considerable degree of uncertainty. read more (in German)
UBA positions
ECT should measure nitrogen oxide (NOx) in diesel passenger cars in the future
The UBA is recommending the extension of regular emissions control tests (ECT) on diesel passenger cars to include measurements of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. This could ensure that components and systems for reducing emissions, such as SCR catalytic converters, will continue to operate on a long-term basis. A new study shows which measurement methods are suitable and how, exactly, they could be incorporated in the ECT. read more (in German)
Measured concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in 2019 exceeded the annual mean limit of 40 µg/m³ of air at nearly 20 percent of measuring stations located near road traffic, compared to 42 percent in 2018. Nitrogen dioxide pollution overall continues to decline throughout Germany.
Power production from renewable sources energy grew significantly by eight percent in 2019 and now covers 42 percent of power consumption. It was the first year in which the share of electricity from renewable energy was greater than that of all the lignite and hard coal power plants together. But: An historic low in wind power expansion does slow future growth.
Protecting the environment and climate action are hot topics for young people in Germany. A clear majority of the young population is interested in politics, willing to take action and places their trust in democracy. They expect policy makers to do more for the climate and environment and to be mindful of social justice. They also perceive potential in each and every person to do more.
2020 Departmental Research Plan published
What priorities is the German Federal Ministry of the Environment setting this year in the field of environmental research? And which specific research projects are due to start? It's all in the 2020 Departmental Research Plan. read more (in German)
2018 emissions fall by more than 31 percent compared with 1990
In the year 2018, a total of 858.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents were emitted in Germany. This is 35.9 million tonnes, or 4 percent less than in 2017, and 31.4 percent lower compared with 1990. This is what the results of the calculations that the German Environment Agency (UBA) submitted to the European Commission show. The most significant fall in emissions occurred in the energy industry. read more (in German)
New edition of “Energy efficiency in figures" published
How far has Germany progressed towards its goal of halving its energy consumption by 2050? How do things stand in the individual sectors, such as transport or private households? And what are the economic and employment benefits of investing in greater energy efficiency? Read about this and more in the current edition of the brochure "Energy efficiency in figures". read more (in German)
Fibre composites: material of the future with open disposal
They are lightweight and stable at the same time: synthetic materials reinforced with glass, carbon or other fibres. This makes them ideal for wind turbines or lightweight electric cars. The mix of materials leads to problems with the recycling, however. The UBA has been working on suitable concepts for nearly two years – Petra Weißhaupt, a Biotechnologist in the Product Responsibility Division, reports. read more (in German)
Soil and biodiversity – everything is interrelated
Everything is interrelated – one of the key findings of Alexander von Humboldt, whose 250th birthday in the year 2019 was honoured at numerous events. Drawing on the concept of networking referred to by this universal scholar, natural scientist and pioneer of science, on World Soil Day on 5th December 2019, the Soil Protection Commission of the UBA (KBU) invited guests to attend a conference at the Federal Press Office in Berlin. read more (in German)
Biodegradable urns are mostly harmless
At present, people are laid to rest in around 200 funeral forests in Germany, often being buried in biodegradable urns. What happens, however, after the urns disintegrate and the ashes enter the soil? Can the heavy metals that the ashes contain present a threat to the groundwater and soils in forest ecosystems? A new study by the UBA provides recommendations for action. read more (in German)
EU ETS: increase in the cap reduction factor necessary by 2030
To reduce the risk of global warming by more than 1.5 degrees, cumulative emissions must be minimised. The study, which was commissioned by the UBA, analyses various scenarios in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) on this basis. The authors concluded that the cap reduction factor should be increased to at least 4 percent from 2021, or 5.8 percent from 2026. read more (in German)
The new award for sustainable buildings, neighbourhoods and ecological innovation will be awarded in 2020 for the first time and aims to distinguish projects that are exemplary role models of sustainability, not only in the classic areas of building stock and new build, but also in five further categories. All stakeholders in the building sector are eligible to enter.
Packaging which is product at the same time? An app that helps users save resources? A new concept for environmentally friendly mobility in rural areas? Businesses, students and unorthodox thinkers are once again called upon to enter the contest with their innovative services, concepts and products by 6 April 2020.
The agriculture sector has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to reducing its nitrogen inputs, say the latest nitrogen soil surface budgets of the German Environment Agency (UBA) which are based on data up to 2017. The average nitrogen surplus of the nitrogen soil surface budget is 77 kg per hectare (kg/ha) and has remained virtually constant for more than 20 years.
Questions and answers on the compulsory retail sales receipt
Since 1st January 2020, retailers have been legally obliged to issue retail sales receipts: all customers must be given a receipt each time they make a purchase. The objective: to prevent tax fraud. How is the compulsory retail sales receipt to be assessed from the perspective of the environment? What kind of hazardous substances do sales receipts contain? Where should they be disposed of? What is an environmentally friendly alternative? Here are our answers to frequently asked questions. read more (in German)
“Blue Angel” eco-label for four new product groups
The "Blue Angel" is now also available for wood-burning stoves, resource- and energy-efficient software products, servers and data storage products, as well as climate-friendly co-location data processing centres. Such was the decision of the Environmental Label Jury at its meeting in December 2019. The criteria for seven further product groups were also revised. read more (in German)
Promoting green goods and services: how it works
Increasing numbers of customers are paying attention to products’ environmental compatibility. How can and should businesses draw attention to the environmental benefits of their offerings? When can a product be described as "water-saving” or “recyclable”, for instance? read more (in German)
Sustainability in the food retail market
The food retail trade is protecting the environment and the climate with a variety of activities. A holistic strategy is lacking, however, and several areas, such as eutrophication and the environmental impact of plant protection products or animal husbandry, are yet to have been sufficiently taken into account. This is shown in a recent report by the German Environment Agency (UBA). read more (in German)
UBA conference on the targeted design of new materials
Innovative materials, such as advanced composites, polymers or even nanoscale materials, can contribute to the more effective protection of the environment, resources and the climate, and can be used in many areas – from energy, to mobility, through to health. Possible characteristics as well as current and future applications were discussed by approximately 60 participants at the UBA. read more (in German)
Environment and agriculture in dialogue at the 2020 Conference on Agriculture
“Environment and agriculture in dialogue: for a Green Deal in agricultural policy" is the motto of the 2020 Conference on Agriculture. The conference which was hosted by the German Federal Ministry of the Environment, the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation and the German Environment Agency on 14th January 2020 addressed the future of agriculture and an environment which is worth living in for the future generations. read more (in German)
Energy management in businesses saves money and greenhouse gases
Climate neutrality and a 50% reduction in primary energy consumption by 2050: without a significant increase in energy efficiency, this will be impossible for Germany to achieve. With an energy management system, organisations can reduce their energy consumption, prevent greenhouse gas emissions and make cost savings. A recently published guide provides practical recommendations on how to turn the introduction into a success. read more (in German)
Digitalisation can help with environmental management in businesses
Whether it is blockchain, artificial intelligence, big data or the internet of things: digital technologies can harm the environment due to their consumption of energy and resources – but they can also protect it. A new UBA brochure helps businesses to take advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalisation for their environmental and climate protection management and to therefore operate on a more sustainable basis. read more (in German)
Diesel from biogenic residual waste and waste materials: questions and answers
Climate-friendly diesel from "old frying fat"? Paraffinic diesel fuels hold the promise of climate-friendly mobility and clean air. What are paraffinic diesel fuels? How environmentally friendly are they? Where can they be put to appropriate use? Why aren’t they authorised as fuels in pure form in Germany (blending only)? And who is responsible for the authorisation? Our questions and answers on this topic. read more (in German)
Environment at municipal level
Advancing the nutritional turnaround: guide for nutrition councils
Regional, ecologically and socially sustainable, varied – that’s what the food supply of the future looks like. All over the world, increasing numbers of initiatives are being founded in civil society which want to take the nutritional turnaround into their own hands. A new guide illustrates how this can be approached on a targeted basis. It was compiled with funding from the UBA as part of the Associations Support Programme. read more (in German)
Climate-neutral regions: a big opportunity for sustainable consumption
Political decisions that have the goal of achieving climate neutrality also at the regional level don't just help the climate, but also promote sustainable consumption. This was the result of a new study completed by the Institute for Ecological Economic Research for the UBA. In this respect, municipal climate protection concepts were analysed and climate protection managers were interviewed. read more (in German)
The 8th Global Nitrogen Conference of the International Nitrogen Initiative (INI 2020) follows up on the previous nitrogen conferences that have been held since 1998. This year’s theme is “Nitrogen and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. Most of the SDGs are closely related to the nitrogen cycle.
Law & legislation
New sulphur limit for marine fuels
Political decisions that have the goal of achieving climate neutrality also at the regional level don't just help the climate, but also promote sustainable consumption. This was the result of a new study completed by the Institute for Ecological Economic Research for the UBA. In this respect, municipal climate protection concepts were analysed and climate protection managers were interviewed. read more (in German)
On 1st January, Professor Dirk Messner succeeded Maria Krautzberger, who had held the office for five years and retired at the end of last year. Federal Environment Minister Schulze congratulated the internationally renowned sustainability researcher at his inauguration, attended by staff of the German Environment Agency in Dessau.
Waste is everywhere: be it in the form of a gigantic gyre in the Pacific, particulate matter in the air or microplastics in the food chain. The “Zero Waste” group exhibition showcases some of the international positions of contemporary art which point to the urgency of conserving resources, consuming less and living more sustainably.
The Federal Government offsets all of its business travel greenhouse gas emissions. It tracks the emissions of the car trips and air travel of the staff of 116 ministries and federal agencies and offsets their impact through high-standard international climate action projects.
FAQ on Environmental Risks, Risk Mitigation Measures and Best Practice
In Germany, rodent control in the non-agricultural area relies heavily on the use of anticoagulant rodenticides, i.e. baits containing active substances that inhibit blood coagulation. Although these compounds have unacceptable effects on the environment, they were authorised under the European Biocidal Products Regulation. However, their authorisation is subject to strict risk mitigation measures…
The exceedance of critical loads is a measure to determine whether current political regulations and actions are sufficient to protect the environment from harmful effects of air pollutants. The pollution of ecosystems was one of the reasons for updating the legally-binding regulations on air pollution control in Europe, e.g. the Directive 2016/2284 on national emission ceilings for certain…
Plastics are important materials, and the demand for and the consumption of plastic has been increasing for years. When plastics enter the environment, they can cause great damage to both ecosystems and living organisms. Meanwhile, plastics is found in oceans, rivers, lakes, and soil. One of the mains causes worldwide is the lack of insufficient waste and wastewater management but there are many…
In its brochure "Protecting natural resources by creating material cycles in the construction sector ", the Commission for Sustainable Construction Agency (KNBau) explains how material cycles in the construction sector can be better implemented. The KNBau identifies two fields of action: the recovery of secondary raw materials from existing structures and the planning of resource-conserving…
Many environmental problems have been successfully resolved in recent decades. However some are persistent and prove difficult to solve, and new ones have been added. Environmental problems can be particularly persistent if their causes are closely linked to the way we do business, to central aspects of our society or to lifestyles that are perceived as attractive. This guide can help staff in the…
The empirical study examines the identification of the risks of money laundering in the European Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The transaction patterns identified and suspicious cases perceived give sufficient grounds for suspected money laundering of at least 300 cases within a trading year.
Six recommendations are made: (1) software-based analyses of the Union registry, (2) report suspicious…
Next to properties like persistence and ecotoxicity, the determination of chemical substances to bioaccumulate in organisms is essential to understand potential harmful interactions with the environment. Existing methods to determine bioaccumulation are mainly addressing soluble organic chemicals. If these methods are also applicable to investigate bioaccumulation of nanomaterials remains an open…
This text summarises key findings of the German-language publication “Umweltdelikte 2016”. The publication provides a quantitative overview of the development and status of environmental crime in Germany between 2004 and 2016. For this publication, data from the two annual statistical sources that bring together data on (environmental) crime and criminal procedures in Germany were analysed; the…
Minimizing cumulative emissions is essential for reducing the risk of overshooting the warming limit of 1.5 degrees. This study commissioned by the German Environment Agency analyses the implications of this goal for the EU ETS and presents different scenarios for adjusting the linear reduction factor while staying within a cumulative emissions budget that is compatible with 1.5 degrees.
The aim of the study is to create a sound data basis for describing and assessing the phenomenon of obsolescence and the trends in achieved product lifespan and service life and, based on this, to develop strategies against obsolescence. The results show that electrical and electronic equipment is being replaced for many reasons. Material, functional, psychological and economic forms of…
With the demand for raw materials increasing worldwide and value chains spreading across different countries, international approaches can contribute to making mineral extraction adhere to environmental standards. This research report addresses how Germany can contribute, through international governance, to reduce the environmental impacts of mining activities outside its territory. It provides a…
The subject of this project was the preparation of substance reports for the following compounds: dipropylene glycol mono n(t)-butyl ether (CAS No. 29911-28-2, 35884-42-5, 132739-31-2), 2-(2-hexyloxyethoxy)-ethanol (CAS No. 112-59-4), 1-propenylbenzene (CAS No. 637-50-3, 873-66-5), dipropylene glycol mono methyl ether acetate (CAS No. 88917-22-0) and hydroxyacetone (CAS No. 116-09-6). For these…
8th Global Nitrogen Conference of the International Nitrogen Initiative in 2020 (INI2020) under the overarching theme “Nitrogen and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals”
International Conference 2020: Human Biomonitoring for science and chemical policy under the German EU Presidency. Hosted by the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) and the German Environment Agency (UBA).
4,200
Every year in Germany, some 4,200 tonnes of particulate matter (PM10) are released through the combustion of fireworks, most of which takes place on New Year's Eve. This amount corresponds to roughly 25 percent of the annual amount of particulate matter released by wood fires and around two percent of the total amount of particulate matter to be released in Germany.
