Publications | Umweltbundesamt

Waste | Resources

General requirements for monitoring the recycling of long-lived, technically complex products with an in-depth-analysis of end-of-live vehicles

The present way of production and consumption is characterised by a more or less linear change from products into wastes, leading to constantly increasing amounts of waste. In order to change this general behaviour, more and more take-back obligations are being developed in Germany and other European Member States either on a legally binding basis or on the basis of voluntary agreement. read more

Waste | Resources, Agriculture

Formulation of criteria for a sustainable and environmentally compatible use of genetically engineered crop cultivars

Criteria for a sustainable and ecologically beneficial use of genetically engineered crop cultivars Currently it is estimated that by the year 2000 more than six billion people, and by the year 2050 more than ten billion people will live on the earth. In order to meet the food requirements of this rapidly growing world population, agricultural production must be increased first of all by improving...read more

Water

Field Trials to Assess Metallic Materials In Contact with Drinking Water

Leaching of heavy metals from the materials of fittings, valves, tap valves etc. into the drinking water has gained in interest and importance in recent years.read more

Economy | Consumption, Waste | Resources

Valuation as an element of life cycle assessments

German Federal Environmental Agency method for impact indicatorstandardization, impact category grouping (ranking), and interpretation inaccordance with ISO 14042 and 14043 (1999 version)

The present Federal Environmental Agency manual on the use of valuations in life cycle assessments addresses a burning issue in the environmental debate, namely the priority rankings that should be accorded to various environmental impacts.  Apart from the concerns and rivalries aroused by this issue amongst the members of many disciplines, and the tremendous amount of attention it has attracted a...read more

Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Annual Report 1999 - Federal Environmental Agency

As the “New Style Agency”, the Federal Environmental Agency, also known as the UBA, has been much talked about since its formation in 1974. Since then, the UBA has often provided the initiative for German environmental policy, supplied the facts and made suggestions – for new regulations and limiting values as well as for new techniques and processes. Over the past twenty-five years, it has become...read more

Chemicals

Guidance Manual for Formulators and Other Professional Users of Chemicals

Following up the research project on „Requirements for Discharges of substances into waters“ (UBA-Texte 60/99) it seemed appropriate to convey the newly gained knowledge to industrial users of water-relevant substances. This was to be done in such a way that they themselves would be able to undertake an assessment of substances according to their environmental soundness. read more

Economy | Consumption

Compilation of Biotest Data

Data Collection, Data Evaluation, Recommendations

The Waste Water Ordinance (Abwasserverordnung - AbwV) issued on the basis of Article 7 a of the Federal Water Act (Wasserhaushaltsgesetz - WHG) and Article 3 of the Waste Water Charges Act (Abwasserabgabengesetz - AbwAG) requires waste water and waste water discharges to be tested for the noxious effect of waste water ingredients, using biological test methods. The biotests prescribed by the Waste...read more

Waste | Resources, Agriculture

Transgenic Crops in Developing Countries

A report on field releases, biosafety regulations and environmental impact assessment

In the following, the report intends to provide orientation and conclusions for everybody involved in the business, e.g. politicians, scientists and representatives from companies or NGOs. The comments and recommendations are based on the informations, opinions and links gathered in this report. Since this report intended to show the diversity of initiatives, strategies, countries and people invol...read more