Press release from | No. 31/12

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

Press release from | No. 30/12

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

Press release from | No. 28/12

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

Press release from | No. 25/12

10th anniversary of Elbe flooding: Timely information is the basis of preparedness

Mid-August marks the tenth anniversary of the flood of the century along the Elbe River, which caused enormous damage in summer 2002. The associated damages amounted to than eleven billion euros in Germany. The floods affected more than 370,000 people; 21 people died. So what has happened since then? Back in 2002, the means of public information were lacking. Many people were caught by surprise. T... read more

Press release from | No. 26/12

A facade that generates renewable energy

What will the annex to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) in Dessau-Roßlau that provides a workplace for 100 staff look like? The answer lies in the decision taken on 7 August 2012 following a cross-sectoral competition for architects and engineers. A distinguished jury of architects, engineers and other experts headed by the Dortmund-based architect Prof. Eckhard Gerber voted unanimously for th... read more

Press release from | No. 24/12

Strategic reserve can ensure supply of electricity at low cost

A new study carried out on behalf of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has determined that the current electricity market, which is designed as “energy only“, is ideal for the transformation of the energy supply system and will ensure secure supply of electricity. Capacity markets, in contrast, do not need to be introduced at this time as they harbour great risk of inefficiency, in part because... read more

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