Three German companies have been nominated for the Blue Angel Prize: HELLER LEDER, hülsta-werke and paint manufacturer J. W. Ostendorf. The prize is awarded to businesses whose products are continuously developed with a view to environmental protection and thus act as role models in their respective industry. The prize will be awarded within the scope of the German Sustainability Award on 7 Decemb... read more
Emissions of air pollutants on steep decline since reunification
Some of the air pollutant emissions in Germany have sunk dramatically since 1990. Sulphur compounds (SO2) in 2010 showed a 91.5 per cent decline since 1990; 85.6 per cent for dust, and 73.1 per cent for carbon monoxide (in the same time period). Fewer heavy metals and persistent organic compounds are entering the environment. These are the results of a new survey by the Federal Environment Agency... read more
InnoTrans 2012: Railways improve environmental performance
The rail transport sector steadily increased its environmental performance from 2000 to 2011. This is the conclusion reached by the latest data from the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), which are regularly updated by the Heidelberg IFEU Institute for the “Environment and Transport“ database and published in a user-friendly way on behalf of the German Railway Industry Association (VDB) and the Ass... read more
REACH: Federal Environment Agency lists more “Substances of Very High Concern“
Two endocrine disruptive chemicals which are sometimes used in paints and varnishes are slated to be classified as Substances of Very High Concern. Germany, upon recommendation of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), is thereby complying with the guidelines of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Germany has submitted a total of eight proposals for inclusion on the Candidate List of Substances o... read more
Federal Ecodesign Award enters final round
The Federal Ecodesign Award, presented by the Federal Environment Ministry and the Federal Environment Agency for the first time, is entering the final round. The jury, made up of renowned experts, has now selected the nominees and prize winners from over 300 entries in the categories of Product, Concept and Young Talent. read more
Breuer‘s XXL chair moves to UBA
The “ti 3a“ children’s chair made in 1923 by Marcel Breuer is something of a journeyman’s piece by a young Hungarian who went on to become a young master of design and architecture at the Bauhaus and significantly shaped the history of 20th century design. This iconic piece of furniture, enlarged by a factor of seven, has been installed at the Dessau town hall since May to promote the exhibition “... read more
Tight restrictions on hydraulic fracturing required
Hydraulic fracturing technology, used to extract natural gas from unconventional deposits, can lead to groundwater contamination. There is particular concern and uncertainty regarding the use of chemicals and the disposal of flowback, the wastewater produced by the process. This is the conclusion of a new report for the Federal Environment Ministry and the Federal Environment Agency presented in B... read more
On the trails of global warming
Save electricity, recycle, go by bike more often - children can learn this and much more from the very beginning. But how does that help the environment? What has saving energy got to do with the climate? Is there a difference between climate and weather, and why is the climate heating up anyway? This is what Pia and Alex want to find out for a school project during which they mysteriously experie... read more
