Best available techniques (BAT)

On September 24, 1996, the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive was adopted. Its purpose is to impose a global approach to the environment when issuing operating permits for industrial installations at European level.

At the end of 2007, there were some 7,000 IPPC installations (4,000 in industry) in France, out of a total of 50,000 IPPC installations in 25 European Union countries. In view of this number, and with a view to ensuring consistency across the EU, the Seville-based European IPPC office has carried out a major documentary study of industrial practices for controlling environmental impacts. This work has led (and is continuing) to the drafting of documents summarizing the best available techniques (BATs) compiled in BREFs (Best REFerences).

This article takes up one of the key concepts of the 1996 directive and attempts to define and understand its use: Best Available Techniques (BAT).