The European consumer protection network CPC (Consumer Protection Cooperation), co-led by the German Environment Agency (UBA), has succeeded in removing misleading environmental claims ("green claims") from Zalando's European websites.
Under European law, commercial content on social media must be labelled as advertising. The German Environment Agency (UBA) took part in an EU-wide study on this. The findings showed that advertising was only consistently labelled as such in around 20 percent of the influencer profiles examined.
The International Organization for Standardizations (ISO) last year published the first standard on carbon neutrality of organizations and products. In a new factsheet, the German Environment Agency (UBA) outlines its strength and shortcomings and draws some conclusions relevant to companies, verifiers, courts and policymakers.
Vehicles have an impact on the environment and climate not only during operation, but also during production and disposal. According to a recent study commissioned by the German Environment Agency (UBA), electric cars registered in 2020 are around 40 per cent more climate-friendly than cars with petrol engines.
Construction products for interior work can be a significant source of pollutants in indoor air. In order to better protect human health, UBA has been working with a group of experts since 2011 to develop common assessment standards across Europe. The first complete list of substances and associated evaluations (EU LCI values) was published in November 2023.
As of today, projects can once again apply for the “Blue Compass” federal award – the highest state award in Germany for projects to adapt to the consequences of climate change. The award is aimed at local authorities, private and municipal companies, educational and research institutions as well as clubs, associations and foundations. The deadline for applications is March 22, 2024.
A total of around 750 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent was emitted in Germany in 2022. This is 9.6 million tonnes or 1.3 per cent less than in 2021 and 40 per cent less than in 1990.
Waste prevention conserves resources and protects people and the environment. It is therefore a primary goal of the circular economy. In 2013, the Waste Prevention Program with the participation of the federal states was adopted. It was drawn up with support of the German Environment Agency. The waste prevention program was reviewed in 2019 and updated in 2021.
Revenue from the European and national emissions trading system in Germany rose to a new high of over 18 billion euros in 2023. Compared to the previous record year of 2022 with revenue of 13 billion euros, this represents growth of around 40 per cent.
The European consumer protection cooperation (CPC) Network, led by the German Environment Agency (UBA), has secured a consumer-friendly amendment to the terms and conditions of the online payment service PayPal.
A recent analysis of global climate scenarios commissioned by the German Environment Agency shows that nuclear energy is not necessary to achieve the climate targets set out in the Paris Agreement. Instead, it is the rapid and targeted expansion of renewable energies that is crucial to advancing climate protection and the energy transition.
The winners of the 2023 German Ecodesign award show how a consideration of design can lead the way to a more sustainable future Twelve projects were honoured with the coveted award this year. The Europe-wide competition will be announced again on the 22nd of January 2024.
