The Federal Ecodesign Award, presented by the Federal Environment Ministry and the Federal Environment Agency for the first time, is entering the final round. The jury, made up of renowned experts, has now selected the nominees and prize winners from over 300 entries in the categories of Product, Concept and Young Talent. read more
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
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
On the trails of global warming
Save electricity, recycle, go by bike more often - children can learn this and much more from the very beginning. But how does that help the environment? What has saving energy got to do with the climate? Is there a difference between climate and weather, and why is the climate heating up anyway? This is what Pia and Alex want to find out for a school project during which they mysteriously experie... read more
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
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
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
It’s okay to pay to protect the marine environment
There is still too much algae growth in the Baltic Se. This can be quite detrimental to its water quality, which is all the more reason why the people in the Baltic Sea littoral states are prepared to pay for its protection. Respondents in a study said they would be willing to spend roughly four billion euros to improve the ecological condition of the Baltic Sea. According to a new study carried o... read more