Publications

This partial report shows decision-makers and interested parties the potential of the circular economy for greenhouse gas reduction in 2017 and for 2030 in Germany. Municipal waste, food waste and roughly commercial waste and construction and demolition waste are contemplated using the life cycle assessment method.

The aim of the project was to gain new insights into the effects of progestins and glucocorticoids on aquatic invertebrates, in particular water snails. For this, two medicinal substances for human use were tested, Dienogest and Dexamethasone.

Urban spaces are confronted with diverse competing uses. There is high development pressure on inner-city land, especially in growing municipalities.

We are facing an enormous challenge: the climate crisis and scarcity of resources require a consistent paradigm shift in housing construction and urban development. Quality of life, health and aesthetics must be combined with environmental, resource and climate protection.

Satellites that measure the chemical composition of the atmosphere are becoming more accurate and numerous, providing a unique opportunity to independently monitor emissions for large geographical regions in a consistent way. This report elaborates the development of a software tool which is able to process satellite observation data and estimate NOx emissions from it for a pre-defined area.

OECD Test Guidelines (TG) are internationally standardized methods for testing chemicals. Industry, academia and authorities use the data collected with these methods for the evaluation of chemicals (such as industrial chemicals) with regard to their hazards to humans and the environment.

This report summarises key aspects that should be accounted for in the design of policy instruments to support the implementation of climate-friendly soil management measures. It outlines overarching aspects that need to be considered for any type of policy instruments. Furthermore, aspects that are relevant for all types of results-based funding schemes are elaborated upon.

This scientific opinion paper discusses the key topics of the European Commission’s Proposal for a Recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. It shows how the proposed changes could affect wastewater treatment in Germany and highlights further refinement needs.

Dietary changes towards healthier and more sustainable diets have been highlighted as one of the key strategies for simultaneously reducing the environmental pressures of the food system and the health risks of current dietary patterns. Although there is broad consensus on the long-term need for global dietary changes, much less information is available or accessible at the national level.

This scientific opinion paper outlines existing problems related to data gaps, non-harmonized assessments, insufficient post-market control, and data transparency of pharmaceuticals, and identifies possible solutions through the introduction of a monograph system for active pharmaceutical substances.

This paper presents the results of a multicountry survey on Covid-19-induced changes in consumption habits with a focus on nonessential material consumption and mobility behavior. The survey was carried out in Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States in early 2021.

More and more countries are already implementing or considering the introduction of carbon pricing as a key instrument in order to reduce greenhouse gases. In recent years, market-based instruments in the form of emissions trading systems or CO2 taxes have been established or are currently in the process of implementation in various regions of the world.