circular economy

For the first time, binding requirements for the sustainability of textiles are planned for the European market. The basis for this is the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, which came into force in 2024. A study of the German Environment Agency (UBA) has identified five possible product aspects for which requirements could be made and about which consumers should be informed.

How can our built environment become healthier, more climate-friendly, and more resource-efficient? Recommendations for all levels of politics and administration — from the EU to local government — were developed in the EU Interreg project NonHazCity3 and are now presented with policy briefs and a short video. The focus: digital transparency of ingredients of building products and circularity.

NonHazCity 3 is a European project under the framework of the EU Interreg Program for the Baltic Sea Region. The project aims to reduce hazardous substances in the construction sector and to support circular construction. A NonHazCity Building Award will be given to celebrate the most effective laws and policies for non-hazardous buildings – nominations are welcome! Deadline is the 15th June 2024.

City centres have long been characterised by high levels of consumption. They are now facing major changes due to online retail, the after-effects of the coronavirus and the impact of the climate crisis. The EU Interreg project “NiCE – from niche to centre”, coordinated by the UBA, aims to take advantage of these changes and make city centres more attractive by offering sustainable options.

For the EU27 and Germany, the climate protection potential of the circular economy was examined for municipal waste, industrial & commercial, construction & demolition and food waste for 2017 and 2030 using the life cycle assessment method. The study shows the sector's GHG mitigation potential, including food waste prevention, in the context of the EU legal framework and the energy transition.

City centres have long been characterised by high levels of consumption. They now face major changes due to online retailing, the aftermath of COVID19 and the climate crisis. The UBA coordinated EU Interreg project “NiCE – from niche to centre”, started in May 2023. The project aims to take advantage of these changes and make city centres more attractive again by offering sustainable options.