The Federal Environment Agency is the scientific environmental authority under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), responsible for the most diverse range of topics.

Its key statutory mandates are:

• To provide scientific support to the Federal Government (e.g.. the Federal Ministries for Environment; Health; Research; Transport, Building and Urban Affairs);
• The Implementation of environmental laws (e.g. emissions trading, authorisation of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and plant protection agents)
• To provide information of the public about environmental protection.

It assumes responsibility for the protection of the environment and of humankind against adverse environmental factors. It represents all essential fields of study and qualifications, and its independence from lobbying interests make us a unique environmental institution in Germany.

UBA’s goals are

• to protect and maintain natural resources, also as an act of responsibility towards future generations,
• to advance sustainable development,
• to promote environmental protection as a matter of course in the thinking and action of everybody.

Experts at the Agency carry out research in in-house laboratories in addition to commissioning research projects to scientific institutions in Germany and abroad. The UBA adopts an exacting interdisciplinary approach in its activities. For example, economists, chemists, biologists or legal experts may well work together to find solutions to environmental problems. The Agency can thereby cover a wide range of topic areas and rely on the high level of commitment and motivation of its staff.