Germany generated some 805 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 – 54 million tonnes (6.3%) less than in 2018. These are the results of a preliminary inventory of greenhouse gas emissions taken by the German Environment Agency (UBA), which continues the positive course of development of the previous year. With the exception of the global crisis year 2009, emissions reductions in 2019. read more
German environmental industry remains strong
Enironmental protection continues to be an important factor in the German economy. Yet, Germany’s international competitiveness has declined markedly in the past ten years. This is the result of two recent reports by the German Environment Agency (UBA) on production, sales, foreign trade and on research and patent applications in the environmental industry. read more
Many bisphenol A alternatives may be endocrine disruptive
A research project by the German Environment Agency (UBA) tested 44 potential substitutes for bisphenol A (BPA) for a number of different applications and products. The result: 43 of these substances are not recommended for use, either because they have a hormone-mimicking effect or a lack of data has not conclusively disproved evidence of such an effect. read more
German Sustainable Building Award launched
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. read more
Federal Ecodesign Award 2020: Contest entries welcome from mid-January through April
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. read more
Professor Dirk Messner is new President of the German Environment Agency
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. read more
Nitrogen surplus from agriculture has been excessive for 20 years
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. read more
Soil of the Year 2020: Intertidal Flat Soil
5 December is World Soil Day, an initiative by the United Nations to focus attention on the importance of natural resources. Germany has named a Soil of the Year every year since 2005. Intertidal flat soils are Soil of the Year 2020. read more