Lesson 1 – Introduction to Best Available Techniques

Welcome to first lesson of our online course on Best Available Techniques (BAT) and their importance in preventing and controlling industrial emissions. In this course, we will cover different policies and practices being implemented around the world to ensure a high level of protection for human and environmental health. We will delve into the concept of BAT and its crucial role in setting emission limit values.

The Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive, approved by the European Union in 1996, gives the definition of BAT that is used throughout Europe today. BAT refers to the most effective and advanced stage in the development of activities and their methods of operation, which indicates the practical suitability of particular techniques for providing the basis for emission limit values designed to prevent and reduce emissions and the impact on the environment as a whole.

To achieve a high level of environmental protection overall, specific industrial activities need to be authorized, including measures aimed at preventing or reducing emissions to air, water, and land, improving energy efficiency, and waste reduction. The Directive aims to utilize the best available techniques while taking local conditions into consideration.

In determining the best available techniques, special consideration should be given to different factors, including the use of low-waste technology, less hazardous substances, recovery and recycling of substances and waste, comparable processes, technological advances, nature and volume of the emissions, commissioning dates for new or existing installations, the consumption and nature of raw materials, and the need to prevent accidents and minimize the consequences for the environment.

The Directive also provides for common EC emission limits to be adopted at a later date, creates a new structure within which certain existing quantitative EC standards are to be applied, and requires installations to implement BAT and have integrated permits. The EU has also developed BAT reference documents (BREF documents) that describe the best available techniques in each industrial sector and techniques that can be applied in several sectors.

We will also cover the different industries covered by the Directive, including energy, metals and minerals production and processing, chemicals, waste management, and ‘other’ facilities such as pulp and paper production, textile treatment, tanning, food production, and intensive pig and poultry rearing. The scope of the Directive differs according to each category, either by the nature of the product or process, or its size.

In conclusion, the use of BAT is essential in preventing and controlling industrial emissions and achieving a high level of environmental protection overall. Join us in this course to learn more about the importance of BAT and how it is being implemented around the world.