5. Mistakes to avoid

5.1 Don't confuse BAT with clean technology

The term "clean technology" is not synonymous with Best Available Technique (BAT):

• BATs are based on a preventive approach as close as possible to the source, and concern both curative and preventive techniques. BAT can be defined as a snapshot of the panel of least-polluting and industrially-proven technologies, i.e. the most eco-efficient for a given period.

• Clean technologies concern only preventive techniques. A clean technology can be defined as a manufacturing method that enables the rational use of raw materials and energy, and the reduction of the quantity of effluents polluting the environment. For industrial applications, a clean technology can only...