The only recently revised international noise approval regulations for motor vehicles are not suitable for preventing extreme noise emissions in road traffic. This is according to a recent study for the German Environment Agency (UBA). Various brand-new motorcycles and sports cars that complied with the approval regulations were 20 dB or more louder during measurements outside the type test area o read more
Proper airing reduces risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Aerosols are a possible transmission path of the novel coronavirus. Aerosols spread quickly throughout the entire room, especially in closed indoor spaces. Regular ventilation by shock and cross ventilation or via ventilation systems in the rooms can significantly reduce the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2. read more
Rodent control measures are contaminating fish
Rat poison that is used in municipal sewer systems is a source of emissions to surface water where it bioaccumulates in fish liver. These are the findings of a new research project done on behalf of the German Environment Agency (UBA). The active substances used in baits are not degraded completely in wastewater treatment plants and are thus channelled to rivers. read more
Renewable energy in Germany continues growth trend
Renewable energies strengthened their position in the German electricity mix significantly in the first half of 2020 compared to the same period last year. In total, around 138 billion kilowatt hours of renewable electricity were generated in the first six months of 2020, around eight percent more than in the first half of 2019 (+ approximately 10 billion kWh). read more
Newsletter "UBA aktuell" - No.: 4/2020
Dear Reader, We have been aware of the negative aspects of the meat industry since well before the Coronavirus pandemic. Can tofu sausages, insect burgers or steaks produced in a lab solve environmental and health problems in the future? This is the subject of our focus article in our “UBA aktuell” Newsletter. Other health-related topics also feature in this issue, such as the results of a represe... read more
Residual waste in Germany has nearly halved in 35 years
Germany currently produces about half as much residual waste as 35 years ago, compared to the old federal states. This is shown by a current analysis of municipal residual waste in Germany for the German Environment Agency. The last such survey was conducted in 1985. Many more recyclable materials such as glass, paper and plastic are now collected separately. read more
Integrating environmental protection in legislation on global supply chains
How can businesses ensure protection of the environment and human rights in their global supply chains? How can the state support them in this and what guidelines are necessary? A recent study commissioned by the German Environment Agency (UBA) has the answers to these questions. read more
Expert information drinking water and swimming pool water - No.: 5/2020
Dear Reader,The website Distributing Drinking Water, Evaluation Criteria and Guidelines has been updated as follows: The 2nd amendment of the Recommendation for attestation of conformity of product hygiene suitability for drinking water has been published:https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/dokument/empfehlung-zur-konformitaetsbestaetigung-der This document is currently only a... read more