The new edition of Leitfaden für die Innenraumhygiene in Schulgebäuden [Guidebook on indoor air hygiene in school buildings] has been published. The Indoor Air Hygiene Commission of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has reworked it and added new current topics. The 140-page guide offers tips and advice about particulate matter, carbon dioxide, as well as other chemical substances and acoustic p... read more
More environmentally friendly mobile air conditioning systems needed now
At this year’s 79th International Motor Show in Geneva, which runs from 5-15 March, a myriad of Minis, hybrid and electric cars are pointing towards tomorrow’s trend: fewer emissions and low fuel consumption. It seems the automotive industry has responded to customer demands. Yet a customer’s search for a passenger vehicle fitted with a green air- conditioning system will be in vain. All the same... read more
Green information technology: ecologically and economically superior
Information and communications technology (ICT) is the backbone of a modern national economy. However, digitalisation in households and offices, as well as the Internet, are causing high electricity and materials consumption. It takes about ten power plants to cover the power needs of ICT in Germany’s modern households alone. Be it the digital camera, notebook, games console, mobile phone or plasm... read more
Emissions trading: Certificates for 2009
The German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt) at the Federal Environment Agency is issuing the ‘emissions allowances’ for 2009: they will be issued to operators’ accounts in the German Emissions Trading Registry by 28 February. The total 2009 budget in Germany is 451.86 million emissions allowances, of which DEHSt allocates some 390 million free of charge to 1,625 participating installations and... read more
Climate change: Federal Environment Agency supports adaptation in Brazil
Climate change is real, and the human population worldwide must adapt to its unavoidable consequences. This is especially true in developing and newly-industrialising countries which, although they are particularly affected by climate change, are often least to blame for the problem. The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) is coordinating a project of adaptation to climate change in Brazil, which is... read more
Not just any fuel allowed in fireplaces or tiled stoves
It may seem like a clever idea at first glance: a large discount chain’s online shop is offering a paper briquette maker for sale. However, consumers are not allowed to burn the painstakingly paper briquettes made with it in so-called small firing units, that is, is household ovens and heating furnaces. read more
Consumer-minded CO2 labelling for new passenger cars required now
Buyers of a new car can not easily recognise how much carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions a car produces. The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) is therefore calling for a new labelling system for passenger cars by which fuel economy and CO2 emissions can be seen at a glance. ”At this moment in time it is especially important to introduce consumer-minded labelling on new passenger cars. The stimulus pack... read more
Private sector, political arena and environmental organisations call for re-thinking paper use
In conjunction with this year’s Paperworld trade fair in Frankfurt whose motto is ”Green Office”, the Federal Ministry for Environment (BMU), the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), and the Initiative for Sustainable Use of Paper (IPR) are working to enhance the use of recycled paper in public offices and the private sector. read more
