Topics | Umweltbundesamt

Products used in construction contain many organic and inorganic substances. If they are released into the indoor air of buildings, or into the soil and groundwater, they can pose a risk to the environment and human health. Sofar these inputs of contaminants from building products have been quantified only sporadically. read more

From July 2013 a new regulation laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products is effective in the EU. The objectives of the regulation are the same as already in Council Directive 89/106/EEC which it replaces: to promote free trade and use of construction products in the common market – without endangering levels of protection. read more

The principle „no data, no market" from chemicals policy can also be applied to construction products. Knowledge on the release behaviour of the own product gained through in-house research helps to reduce future costs of testing. With the release data it becomes possible to optimize the environmental characteristics of construction products already during their development. read more

Refurbishing is fun and it beautifies the home. However, hazardous substances frequently lurk in building products - joint sealants, paints and varnishes. Building products which outgas volatile organic compounds (VOC) and odours can be harmful to the health and well-being of the people who reside inside. Healthy indoor air is therefore a very important issue. read more

The German Federal Environment Agency supports the development and use of building products that are low in emissions and pollutant content. For this purpose our research projects are developing appropriate test and assessment methods for building products. We are also analysing how statutory and voluntary regulations can be further developed. read more

Environmental product declarations for construction products provide guidance in the selection and ease the documentation of products in the construction process. They also provide the fundamental information for carrying out life cycle assessments. read more

Good health and well-being in the home depends greatly on the quality of indoor air. Indoor air has many potential sources of pollutant emissions. Building products and furnishings also have a great impact on quality of indoor air. read more