The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMU) is responsible for a range of government policies which are reflected in the name of the ministry itself. For more than 30 years the Ministry has worked to protect the public from environmental toxins and radiation and establish an intelligent and efficient use of raw materials; it has advanced climate action and promoted a use of natural resources that conserves biodiversity and secures habitats.
In December 2013 the Chancellor issued a decree transferring responsibility for urban development, housing, rural infrastructure, public building law, building, the construction industry and federal buildings to the BMU, thus bringing the ministry key additional responsibilities from the former Federal Ministry for Transport, Building and Urban Development (BMVBS). The BMU is now also tasked with creating the conditions for good housing standards and intact cities and with raising the quality of structural engineering, building technology and construction materials in Germany still higher. These are the cornerstones of high quality of life and a pleasant social climate.