Air and Soil We want to further reduce emissions to air from production, prevent waste and protect the soil. We have set ourselves standards for doing so in global directives. If no recovery options are available for waste, we dispose of it in a proper and environmentally responsible manner. Strategy Regular monitoring of emissions to air Professional disposal of hazardous waste Regular monitoring of our emissions to air is a part of our environmental management. Aside from greenhouse gases, we also measure emissions of other pollutants into the atmosphere. Our climate protection activities are based on a comprehensive analysis of our emissions. Our Raw Material Verbund helps us prevent or reduce waste. We regularly carry out audits to inspect external waste disposal companies to ensure that waste is properly disposed of. In this way, we also contribute to preventive soil protection and keep today’s waste from becoming tomorrow’s contamination. If soil and groundwater contamination occurs at active or former BASF sites, proper remediation measures are reviewed based on prevailing legal and current technical standards, and undertaken as necessary. Emissions to air Emissions to air slightly lower Absolute emissions of air pollutants from our chemical plants amounted to 25,130 metric tons in 2019.1 Emissions of ozone-depleting substances as defined by the Montreal Protocol totaled 28 metric tons in 2019 (2018: 19 metric tons). Emissions of heavy metals2 in 2019 amounted to 2 metric tons (2018: 2 metric tons). Our product portfolio contains a variety of catalysts used in the automotive sector and in industry to reduce the emission of air pollutants. 1 As part of the implementation of BASF’s strategy, we have made changes to how environmental indicators are reported. For ease of comparison, the 2018 figures have been adjusted according to the new requirements (see Data). 2 Heavy metals are included in the figure for dust (see the table “Emissions to air”). (XLS:) XLS Emissions to air (Metric tons) Air pollutants from BASF operations 2019 2018a a As part of the implementation of BASF’s strategy, we have made changes to how environmental indicators are reported. For ease of comparison, the 2018 figures have been adjusted according to the new requirements. CO (carbon monoxide) 3,530 3,778 NOX (total nitrogen oxides) 10,534 11,130 NMVOC (nonmethane volatile organic compounds) 4,496 5,391 SOX (total sulfur oxides) 1,982 1,926 Dust 2,410 2,377 NH3 (ammonia) and other inorganic substances 2,178 2,264 Total 25,130 26,866 Management of waste and contaminated sites Total waste volume slightly higher Systematic management of contaminated sites We aim to avoid waste as far as possible. If waste is unavoidable, we review the options for recycling or energy recovery in terms of a circular economy. BASF’s Verbund structures are used for efficient waste management. As of 2019, the BASF Group’s waste footprint also includes all materials from construction activities, which are usually recycled. Until 2018, only hazardous waste from construction activities was reported. Accordingly, the total waste reported in 2019 is higher than in 2018. (XLS:) XLS Waste generation in the BASF Group (Million metric tons) 2019 2018a a As part of the implementation of BASF’s strategy, we have made changes to how environmental indicators are reported. For ease of comparison, the 2018 figures have been adjusted according to the new requirements. b The classification of waste into hazardous and nonhazardous waste is performed according to local regulations. Total waste generation 2.34 2.19 Waste recovered 0.99 0.80 Recycled 0.45 0.28 Thermally recovered 0.54 0.52 Waste disposed of 1.35 1.39 In underground landfills 0.19 0.17 In surface landfills 0.38 0.46 Through incineration 0.78 0.76 Classification of waste for disposalb Nonhazardous waste 0.43 0.45 Hazardous waste 0.92 0.94 Transported hazardous waste 0.28 0.28 We set out global standards for managing contaminated sites. A worldwide network of experts ensures their proper implementation. We develop remediation solutions that balance nature conservation, climate protection concerns, costs and social responsibility. This means making customized decisions on a case-by-case basis, founded on the legal framework and current technological possibilities. Relevant sites are documented in a contaminated site database. Ongoing remediation work around the world continued on schedule and planning was concluded on future remediation projects. For more information on provisions for environmental protection, see the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements:Other Operating Income / other Operating ExpensesOther Provisions back next