Dear Reader, It is clear to those who care about the environment that the way we live and do business must change if we are to protect our livelihoods. But what is the opinion of the German population as a whole? That is what you will find out in this edition of our newsletter. Strategies for change have been brought to the table. We will introduce you to some of these in this newsletter. This i... read more
Expert information drinking water and swimming pool water - No.: 19/2021
Dear Reader,The website Distributing Drinking Water, Evaluation Criteria an Guidelineshas been updated as follows:The Evaluation criteria for metallic materials has been updated. Document adaption was necessary due to additions in the Positive list. Your department for Drinking Water and Swimming Pool Water Hygiene at UBA. read more
UBA proposes multisectoral cap on nitrogen
![Eine Pflanze und Stickstoff-Verbindungen (Montage)](https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/styles/800w550h/public/medien/2294/bilder/titelbild_stickstoff.jpg?itok=Knp-pN11)
The German Environment Agency proposes a national cap on nitrogen emissions. By 2030, no more than 1 million tonnes of nitrogen per year is to be emitted into the environment. Only then can existing protection goals for water bodies, terrestrial ecosystems and human health be achieved. read more
Final data on nitrogen dioxide pollution 2020: downward trend continues
![Stau](https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/styles/800w550h/public/medien/1/bilder/stau_innenstadt_c_kara_fotolia_30929781_m_0_ka.jpg?itok=6iLH6yng&c=56cfd407888e0f27874445d40fa9921f)
The 2020 data for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) are available for all air monitoring stations in Germany. Six cities exceeded the air quality limit of 40 micrograms NO₂ per cubic metre of air (µg/m³) as an annual average. read more
Trifluoroacetic acid from fluorinated refrigerants contaminates rainwater
![A lot of room air conditioners hangig on the face of a building](https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/styles/800w550h/public/medien/419/bilder/wirtschaft-konsum_produkte_fluorierte_treibhausgase_fckw_anwendungsbereiche_gebaeudeklimatisierung_kanvag_fotolia.com_30855546.jpg?itok=jMGaP9Al)
Current rainwater measurements commissioned by the German Environment Agency (UBA) show that TFA concentrations have risen sharply since the 1990s. read more
Expert information drinking water and swimming pool water - No.: 18/2021
Dear Reader,The website Distributing Drinking Water, Evaluation Criteria an Guidelineshas been updated as follows:• The Transposition of the Elastomer Guideline and the TPE Transitional Recommendation into the Evaluation Criteria Document for Plastics and other Organic Materials in Contact with Drinking Water (Transitional Regulation of Elastomer Guideline) has been updated and is now availab... read more
Strengthening environmental and climate protection in corporate reporting obligations
![Ein idylisches Flussufer mit vielen grünen Bäumen, die sich im Wasser spiegeln](https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/styles/800w550h/public/medien/bilder/Wasser_Fluss_Barabanschikov_Fotolia_990478_Subscription_L.jpg?itok=N_f007hy)
A recent study on behalf of the German Environment Agency (UBA) shows that even though German companies increasingly report on climate, water, resources and waste, significant gaps remain. Only about 20 percent disclose information on air pollution and biodiversity. Apparently, the identified gaps in corporate reporting are often due to insufficient legal provisions. read more
Fluorinated refrigerants in the EU: additional CO₂ savings potential of 100 million tonnes
![Old refrigerators at a recycling facility](https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/styles/800w550h/public/medien/376/bilder/kuehlschraenke_ermess_fotolia_37369314_m_0.jpg?itok=ZXUohmQ8&c=d6a8b7821ded7f70d5c74cd6b564b757)
A new publication by the German Environment Agency (UBA) proposes an even stronger regulation of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to protect the climate. HFCs are used as refrigerants in cooling and refrigerant systems which may escape to the environment during filling, operation and disposal. Ammonia, water and hydrocarbons are available as climate-friendly alternatives. read more