You are in: Home > Sustainable Production, Plant Safety
Last changed: 23/05/12
Starting now, the Environmental Innovation Programme (UIP) and Cleaner Production Germany (CPG) websites have a new look. UIP and CPG have both been instruments for the success of German environmental technologies and environmental technology transfer within Germany and abroad. On the UIP website, applicants and funding advisors can easily find information on what and who is eligible to receive what kind of support. CPG, in contrast, provides an overview of German environmental technologies and eco-friendly production processes, including information on funding providers and contacts, and mainly targets an international audience.
Nanoparticles are already frequently used today as coating on textiles and additives in paints and varnishes. A study commissioned by UBA showed that the particles are released during use or weathering. Another study shows that, in rats, inhaled titanium dioxide nanoparticles mostly remain in the lungs. A small fraction translocates into the whole body via blood circulation and is deposited there permanently. Uptake of nanoparticles and their dispersal throughout the body may also be harmful for humans.
The use of nanoparticles in products is on the rise. UBA had four of the following products tested: fabrics, house paint, car tyres, and diesel fuel. Result: They release nanoparticles in the course of their life cycles, which is problematic insofar as particle uptake can pose a risk to human health. The study reveals there is a serious lack of knowledge on the subject. Appropriate measuring methods by which nanoparticles in the environment can be detected and identified, for example, are still lacking.
A study commissioned by UBA shows that nanotechnology can benefit the environment. The study analysed nanotech processes and products (e.g. plastics with nanoparticles, nanoscale “organic metal” surfaces) for their environmental relief potential, focusing on energy saving, material efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The aim of CCS technology is to reduce atmospheric CO2 emissions. In a background paper, UBA has formulated requirements for safe and environmentally sound carbon capture, transport and underground storage.
Nanotechnology is playing an ever greater role in product and process innovations. Whilst this is an opportunity to develop new products, it also harbours risks for the environment and health. Use of products that contain and may release nanomaterials should be avoided wherever possible, at least as long as their impact on mankind and the environment is still largely unknown.
A project from the German Environment Ministry’s Advisory Assistance Programme supports Ukraine, Moldova and the Transnistria region in cross-border risk management in the Dniestra river basin. The goals: improving the standard of polluting industries in order to minimise accidental input of water pollutants into the Dniestra and establishing a cross-border warning and alert system to warn river users in the event of a disaster and to prevent potential consequences of hazardous incidents.
An OECD-CCA Workshop on Human Factors in Chemical Accidents and Incidents took place on 8/9 May 2007 in Potsdam, Brandenburg. The workshop was hosted and sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, the Government of Brandenburg and the European Commission. The workshop took place back to back with the 17th meeting of the EU Committee of Member State Competent Authorities under the Seveso II Directive and within the framework of the German EU presidency.
Developing entirely new products or replacing existing technologies, this is what ”nano-solutions” can do. However, they may also present risks to health and the environment. A legal opinion identifies regulatory gaps, based on an analysis of the current state of the art in nanotechnology and of existing and emerging environmental legislation at national and European level. The study also developed approaches to filling those gaps and gives recommendations for the further regulatory course of action on nano-materials.
Industrial installations handling hazardous substances can cause considerable levels of water contamination in the event of a major accident. These hazards can be dealt with only by assuming joint responsibility for the river catchment area and through international cooperation in the prevention of major accidents.
UBA, industrial and commercial enterprises, associations in the textile and shoe industry, and civic institutions are addressing textile and shoe manufacturers in developing and threshold countries with a brochure aimed at showing the way towards European environmental standards, so-called Best Available Techniques (BAT). Improvements in technology and processes are illustrated by steps of the actual production process.
Biotechnological products and processes can benefit the environment, but unfortunately they have been slow to establish themselves on the market. Therefore, a study commissioned by UBA has compiled a catalogue of incentive-based instruments. Biotechnology uses enzymes, cells or whole organisms. For instance, by using bacteria important industrial chemicals, such as propylene oxide, can be produced in a comparatively environmentally friendly way. The study shows that the use of genetically modified organisms can be particularly effective in reducing environmental impacts. The authors therefore suggest that discussions should be launched on the benefits and risks of an increased use of genetic engineering in industrial biotechnology.
Nanotech processes can be used successfully in many areas of environmental protection, as shown by a study on behalf of UBA. Examples include water treatment by means of a special membrane process, groundwater remediation with iron nanoparticles, and effective air pollution control using technical filters lined with nanofibres. Nanotechnology has recognisable, yet often small, potential for relieving the environment.
A wide variety of chemicals is used in the manufacture of shoes and textiles, which may result in severe pollution when wastewater treatment is deficient. Also, this branch of industry has repeatedly made the headlines with poor work conditions. A feasibility study commissioned by UBA identified retailers and branded producers as key actors in promoting adoption of environmental and health standards by suppliers in developing countries and emerging market economies. Its aim was to explore just how ”Best Available Techniques” (BAT), the European environmental standards, can be established across the supply chain.
The final report shows how installations and establishments can be protected against flooding in practice, taking installations for the handling of substances hazardous to water pursuant to Article 19g of the Federal Water Act, establishments covered by the Major Accidents Ordinance and installations for the storage of flammable gases in North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt as examples. For establishments, the report also addresses protection from earthquakes, storms and ground subsidence. Based on an analysis of legal requirements and the present state of technology/safety technology, the report makes numerous suggestions for updating relevant environmental legislation and technical rules.
Acute Exposure Guideline Levels” (AEGL) serve as planning values for the safety design of industrial plants for which the possibility of a hazardous incident is relevant. Additionally, measures for alert and emergency response planning as well as for disaster control can be projected more accurately on the basis of the AEGL framework.
The Central Reporting and Evaluation Office for Hazardous Incidents (ZEMA) at the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) reports on over 25 hazardous incidents in 2005.
A project in technology transfer to water protection facilities in Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine was launched in 2000, triggered by the accident in Baia Mare, Romania, in which 100,000 m³ of water containing cyanide leaked from a mining operation into the Someş and Theiss rivers, and ultimately into the Danube. The project goal was to make improvements in the technical safety standards at industrial facilities with a view to the protection of bodies of water.
Innovative technologies developed by German companies protect the environment, secure jobs, and are on the cutting edge of the state-of-the-art in Europe. The guide shows what must be done in order to have your new techniques taken up in BAT reference documents (BREFs).
