The BfS is helping to protect the climate

The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) is helping to protect the environment and climate. In recent years, the BfS has considerably reduced the emission of harmful carbon dioxide, among other things. Each employee saved approx. 21% carbon dioxide.

This is mainly because changes in travel behaviour have greatly reduced the carbon dioxide emissions caused by business trips. Paper consumption has also decreased considerably

Considerable decrease in the number of flights taken

President of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Dr Inge Paulini

BfS President Inge Paulini stresses that: "As a scientific authority within the scope of responsibility of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, we attach great importance to working in an environmentally conscious and resource-saving manner. Protecting people and the environment is part of our self-image – not only when it comes to radiation protection."

Compared with 2016, the number of flights taken has decreased substantially. Only 8% percent of business trips in 2019 involved air travel. During the same period, the number of kilometres travelled by rail increased considerably.

In order to save even more carbon dioxide during business trips, the BfS is also increasingly using video conferences. This also facilitates cross-location cooperation at the seven BfS locations.

On average, per capita energy consumption decreased by 15.4% between 2016 and 2019. Per capita electricity consumption decreased by 8%, thermal energy consumption by 20%, and fuel consumption by 16%.

Nearly 50% less paper consumption than in 2016

Paper consumption has also decreased considerably. On average, each employee used almost 50% less paper than in 2016. The amount of waste also decreased by 12% per employee.

For the coming year, the BfS aims to receive EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) certification. With the certification, companies and authorities are awarded for good environmental management.

This includes both environmental indicators and social orientation. Last year, the BfS set a clear example when it decided that Lebenshilfe Braunschweig would run the canteen in Salzgitter.