German Environment Agency (UBA)
A scientific authority of the BMUV
The German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt – UBA), which was set up on 22 July 1974 through the Act establishing a Federal Environment Agency, supports the Federal Environment Ministry in matters related to pollution control and soil protection, waste and water management and environmental health concerns, in particular in the drafting of legal and administrative regulations, in researching and developing the basis for suitable measures and in testing and investigating procedures and establishments.
UBA is also involved in the enforcement of a number of laws, such as emissions trading, the Plant Protection Act, the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act and the EU REACH regulation.
An important function of UBA is raising awareness on environmental issues. To this end, UBA offers access to extensive databases, regularly publishes the Data on the Environment indicator report and maintains the largest environmental library in a German-speaking country.
UBA provides central services and support for environmental research by the Federal Environment Ministry and for coordinating environmental research by federal authorities and assists in awarding the Blue Angel eco-label.
German Environment Agency sites
UBA has a staff of around 1,600. Since 2005, UBA has been based in Dessau-Roßlau. It also has sites in Berlin-Grunewald (Bismarckplatz), Berlin-Dahlem (Corrensplatz), Berlin-Marienfelde, Langen (Hesse), Bad Elster and Merseburg. In addition, UBA has its own air quality measurement network with measuring stations distributed throughout the country.
The German Environment Agency is a partner and point of contact for many international organisations. UBA staff are actively involved in many international committees. Important functions at international level include: