Publications | Umweltbundesamt

Chemicals

Indicators for sustainable management of chemicals

Contributions to upcoming development work under the new Global Framework for Chemicals

At the end of September 2023, the World Conference on Chemicals (ICCM5) decided on the follow-up framework for SAICM by adopting the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC). The GFC aims to ensure the sustainable use of chemicals worldwide throughout their entire life cycle, including the products and waste produced from them. In this study, indicators were developed using the concept of sustainable c...read more

Economy | Consumption, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Blue Angel eco-label for textiles

Background report on the revision of the Blue Angel award criteria for textiles (DE-UZ 154, January 2023 edition)

The existing award criteria for the Blue Angel eco-label for textiles (DE-UZ 154) have been reviewed as part of a revision and, in addition to expanding and further specifying the scope, have been specifically further developed in individual requirement areas. The revision was carried out as part of the research project "Development and revision of the Blue Angel reward criteria for textiles" (FKZ...read more

Climate | Energy

Solar Radiation Modification (SRM): Intractable Governance and Uncertain Science

Solar radiation modification is highly controversial. The implementation of invasive geoengineering technologies would entail serious and largely unforeseeable ecological, and geopolitical risks. Considerable scientific disagreement exists around the extent of the risks, how they relate to increased risks of climate change, and whether uncertainties could be resolved. In expert workshops held in 2...read more

Economy | Consumption

Fire-safety requirements for textiles, furniture and mattresses in public facilities. What requirements exist and how can these be fulfilled?

When public contracts are awarded, a significant contribution can be made to the protection of natural resources. However, sometimes there is uncertainty about fire protection requirements for products such as textiles, furniture, or mattresses in the public sector and, if applicable, how the required fire protection can be implemented in the most environmentally friendly way possible. This report...read more

Air

Experimental and literature review of internationally proposed critical levels for ammonia to protect the vegetation

Vascular plants, mosses and lichens react sensitively to the exposure to air pollutants and pollution from ammonia (NH3). Critical concentration values for ammonia to protect vegetation (so-called critical levels) were defined for risk assessment in the Geneva Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP). The project was used to review the current scientific status of those impact...read more

Climate | Energy, Chemicals, Economy | Consumption, Water, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Overview of hazardous substances potentially emitted from offshore industries to the marine environment - Part 1: Emissions from offshore wind industry

The report for industry and permitting authorities provides an overview of the hazardous substances that can be released into the marine environment during the installation, operation and decommissioning of offshore wind turbines, including transformer stations, converter platforms and cables. The substances relevant to operation were identified and listed. These substances were assessed for their...read more

Climate | Energy, Chemicals, Water, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Overview of hazardous substances potentially emitted from offshore industries to the marine environment - Part 4: Emissions from offshore energy industry and other sea-based activities

The report for authorities and scientists provides an overview of substances that can be released into the marine environment from various offshore industries and estimates the quantities of pollutant inputs. These may be relevant as additional contaminants according to European Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848 for Descriptor 8, Criterion D8C1. In addition to the potential hazardous substances fr...read more

Climate | Energy, Chemicals, Economy | Consumption, Water, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Overview of hazardous substances potentially emitted from offshore industries to the marine environment - Part 3: Best available techniques avoiding emissions into the marine environment from the offshore wind industry

The report for industry and permitting authorities provides an overview of the best available techniques to prevent emissions of hazardous substances from the offshore wind industry into the marine environment during installation, operation and decommissioning. In addition to risk management through the use of proper procedures, timely inspection and knowledgeable personnel, the report identifies...read more