We have to get away from fossil fuels, including for heating. However, in this newsletter issue you will discover why a massive expansion of the use of wood in domestic wood burning stoves or pellet heating systems is not a good idea. Other topics include health risks from traffic noise, corruption prevention and the new levy for manufacturers of disposable plastic products such as plastic cups or cigarette filters.
We hope you find it an interesting read,
The Press Office of the German Environment Agency
Energy transition in heating: Expansion of wood use counterproductive for climate and health
Burning wood produces greenhouse gases and air pollutants that are hazardous to health.
Source: Marco2811 / Fotolia.com
The heating of rooms accounts for about 70 percent of the energy consumption of private households in Germany. In order to mitigate the disastrous consequences of climate change for us humans, a reduction in this consumption and a complete switch from natural gas and oil to renewable energies is essential. However, if this were to significantly increase the use of wood, it would have far-reaching negative consequences for health and climate protection.
The burning of wood in small private combustion units, such as fireplaces and tiled stoves or wood-fired boilers, already accounted for 18 percent of German emissions of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in 2020 – almost as much as road traffic. However, at least a halving of PM2.5 emissions would be necessary to approach the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) for ambient air. Air pollution – and especially particulate matter – is one of the greatest environmental threats to human health, along with climate change.
Further expansion of wood combustion would also be counterproductive in terms of climate protection. The amount of carbon stored in German and European forests has been declining for years, and it can no longer be reliably assumed that the carbon released when wood is burned will be promptly recaptured. However, for us to meet our climate targets, forests will need to sequester even more CO₂ in the future than they do now. To do this, more wood must grow back than is removed from the forest – and this must be done in the face of increasing risks of droughts and forest fires. If wood is used, it should first be for durable products, such as furniture or lumber, so that the CO₂ stored in the wood is not immediately released back into the atmosphere by burning. Only wood that is not (no longer) usable for such products should be burned, and then for purposes where other renewable energies, such as heat pumps powered by green electricity, are only marginally suitable – such as high-temperature processes in industry – or for applications that can meet high emission standards, such as large combined heat and power plants.
Wood should only be used to heat buildings in exceptional, well-justified cases where there is really no alternative. Buildings should be heated primarily with the help of heating networks or heat pumps, which can now also efficiently supply partially renovated existing buildings, after energy refurbishment has minimised the heat demand. Where a heat pump alone is not sufficient, hybrid heating systems are a solution, in which the heat pump provides most of the heating and a pellet boiler provides support on the coldest days – even this combination saves a lot of fuel.
The UBA (German Environment Agency) therefore recommends the following 4-point plan to protect health and the climate:
Point 1: State subsidies for wood heating systems, whether with logs, wood pellets or briquettes, should be discontinued by the end of 2023 and the money used instead to promote energy-efficient building renovation and heat pumps.
Point 2: In the regulation currently being planned by the legislator to use at least 65 per cent renewable energies in new heating systems, preference should be given to heat pumps and heating networks.
Point 3: The limit values for particulate matter in ambient air should be tightened in the course of the upcoming revision of the EU Air Quality Directive based on the recommendations of the WHO.
Point 4: The emission limits for wood heaters should also be tightened in the EU and Germany.
Electricity and gas consumption decreased from the second half of 2022
The comparison of quarterly figures for electricity and gas consumption in Germany shows a decline for the first time in four years. Consumption of both is below that of the last four years from the 2nd half of 2022. Energy saving activities and policies need to be expanded and sustained to turn this into a genuinely stable trend reversal. read more (in German)
CO₂ emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity increased in 2022
Calculations by the German Environment Agency (UBA) show a continuation of the trend from 2021: the specific greenhouse gas emission factors in the German electricity mix also increased in 2022. The main causes are higher electricity production from coal, triggered by the war against Ukraine and the associated gas crisis, the progressive nuclear phase-out and higher electricity exports. read more (in German)
Sixth Symposium of the Register of Guarantees of Origin (HKNR)
On 25 and 26 April 2023, after a five-year break, the 6th symposium of the Guarantees of Origin Register for Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources (HKNR) took place in Dessau. You can download the presentations of the lectures here. read more (in German)
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. However, the application potentials for…
Climate Change
161
Health
UMID 01/2023: Diclofenac – Risk for the environment
The cover topic of the new issue is the release of pharmaceuticals into the environment and related consequences, illustrated using the active ingredient diclofenac. Also in the current issue: presence of PFAS in the environment, results of the Europe-wide project HBM4EU, public perception of radon, influence of climate change on UV radiation exposure and awareness of rare pollen allergens. read more (in German)
Chemicals
Public consultation on the proposed restriction of PFAS
A six-month public consultation on the proposal to restrict PFAS (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) started on 22.03.2023. The proposal seeks to restrict the production, use and marketing of all PFAS in the future. All stakeholders are invited to comment on the proposal and contribute relevant information. read more (in German)
Fouling prevention: Interactive atlas for boat owners updated
Algae, barnacles or mussels on boats are often controlled with biocide-containing antifouling coatings that damage the environment. The updated UBA fouling atlas for boat owners describes the fouling conditions in German waters. It also gives recommendations for effective and environmentally friendly fouling protection for a total of 75 marinas in Germany. read more (in German)
This publication provides an overview about data of the German PRTR (Pollutant Release and Transfer Register). For each pollutant, the number of reported facilities and their releases to air, water and land and their off-site transfer in waste water are clearly displayed. Data for industrial sectors of the current reporting year 2023 are summarized in tables while their developments since 2007 are…
The essential base for assessing and managing risks
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. From UBA's point of view, monographs are the crucial bridge between risk assessment, risk…
Überprüfung der für die Umweltbewertung relevanten OECD Prüfrichtlinien hinsichtlich des Stands der Wissenschaft und Technik
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. Therefore, it is necessary that the TGs be continuously expanded and updated to reflect the state of the art…
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. The influence of both substances on the reproduction of Potamopyrgus antipodarum was investigated using the 28-day reproduction test according to OECD TG…
It has been known for a long time that constant noise can lead to cardiovascular diseases. A new study done on behalf of the German Environment Agency shows that incessant traffic noise can also increase the risk of depression. A 10-decibel increase in road, railroad and aircraft noise can raise that risk by up to four, five and eleven percent.
Economy / Consumption
Accidents 2020: Chemical industry most frequently affected
In 2020, ZEMA registered 22 reportable incidents and disturbances of normal operation in German industrial facilities – most of them in chemical plants. Find out more in the latest annual report of the Central Reporting and Evaluation Office for Major Accidents and Incidents in Process Engineering Facilities (Zentralen Melde- und Auswertestelle für Störfälle und Störungen in verfahrenstechnischen Anlagen – ZEMA) at the German Environment Agency. read more (in German)
Funding Guidelines of the Environmental Innovation Programme amended
New funding conditions apply to companies and other interested parties who want to implement new technological processes with environmental relief potential on a large scale for the first time. The amended "Guideline for the Funding of Investments of a Demonstrative Nature to Reduce Environmental Impacts (Environmental Innovation Programme)" of the German Ministry for the Environment came into force in April 2023. read more (in German)
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. The findings show early trends toward more sustainable behavior in nonessential material consumption, especially a reduction in…
The new Single-Use Plastic Fund Act requires manufacturers to pay the cost of waste from single-use plastic products generated in streets or parks. For this, companies will pay a levy into the Single-Use Plastics Fund, which is managed by the German Environment Agency (UBA) and administered via the digital platform DIVID.
The EU member states are currently discussing a proposal for new regulations on packaging and packaging waste. Six new UBA fact sheets support the discussion with facts and figures, experience from regulatory implementation in Germany, and background information relevant to the proposed new regulations.
A broad alliance of politicians, businesses and associations is campaigning for better organic waste collection. On 26 May, the "Organic Waste Bin Day" will be declared for the first time in Germany. The aim is to increase the amount of separately collected organic waste and to reduce the amount of incorrectly discarded waste.
Guide on the implementation of the obligation to offer reusable packaging is published
The obligation to offer reusable packaging for food and beverages for immediate consumption, e.g. in the food-to-go sector, has been in force since 01.01.2023 in Germany. Among other things, it obliges the catering industry to offer food and drinks in reusable packaging. The Federal/State Working Group on Waste (LAGA) has now published a guideline for the uniform enforcement of the new obligation to offer reusable packaging. read more (in German)
Air
German Environment Agency expands air quality app
How good is the air we breathe? Reliable and up-to-date information is available for Germany in the free and ad-free Android and iPhone app "Luftqualität" (Air Quality) from the German Environment Agency (UBA). The Air Quality app now takes into account another pollutant that poses a health risk (particulate matter PM2.5) and is now also available for the Apple Watch. read more (in German)
Water
Release of substances into German waters at a glance
The quality of Germany's waters has improved considerably in recent decades. Nevertheless, nutrients and chemicals continue to enter bodies of water. Where do these substances come from and how do they get into the waters? Where is the pollution at its highest level? A digital map application shows the pollution levels of selected nutrients and chemicals in German rivers. read more (in German)
UBA welcomes Commission proposal on the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive
The German Environment Agency has examined the EU Commission's proposal to revise the more than 30-year-old Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) and welcomes it in principle with some suggestions for improvement:
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.
In general, the proposal of the revised UWWTD is endorsed. The clear shift from basic wastewater collection and treatment to efficient…
Scientific Opinion Paper
13
Agriculture
Without animals and fertilisers: Pilot project vegan organic farming
According to scientific studies, a more plant-based diet can help protect the climate, but what about the development of animal-free agriculture? The UBA funded a project on bio-cyclical vegan farming as part of its funding of organisations, which investigated the potentials and obstacles of bio-cyclical vegan farming. read more (in German)
Key issues to be considered in the design of funding instruments
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. Particular risks exist…
Climate Change
76
Sustainability / Strategies / International Matters
From 14 to 16 February 2023, the International Academy Transformation for Environment and Sustainability at the UBA (abbreviated to "TES Academy") held a three-day workshop on "Corruption Prevention as a Prerequisite for Successful Sustainability Transformation". In a video statement, the participating international experts call for cooperation in the prevention of corruption.
Results of the Strategic Research Agenda for Urban Environmental Protection and the research project “Advancing the New European Bauhaus – AdNEB”
Urban spaces are confronted with diverse competing uses. There is high development pressure on inner-city land, especially in growing municipalities. At the centre of the planning model of triple inner urban development is the question of how mobility, green and open spaces and building can be developed together in a qualified manner in order to achieve high quality of life for all city residents…
An analysis of the environmental effects and policy implications of dietary change in Germany
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…
Texte
54
Project funding for associations: Apply now for 2024
Until 31 July, environmental protection and nature conservation organisations can apply for project funding for 2024. read more (in German)
Digitalisation
Energy Efficiency Act offers opportunities for data centres and IT
The German Environment Agency (UBA) and five partner institutions welcome the draft of the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) as a great opportunity for the data centre and IT sector. Among other things, the bill provides for minimum standards for the energy-efficient operation of data centres and the use of waste heat. read more (in German)
