Best Available Technique Reference Documents – Process of revision and limit value setting

With the adoption of the European Industrial Emissions Directive 2010/75/EU (IED Directive) in 2010, the Best Available Technique Reference Documents (BREFs) have been comprehensively reassessed. BREFs have become a central control element of plant approval in Europe, to which all member states of the European Union must adhere. Article 13 of the IED Directive lays down a foundation for this rule. It defines how the BREFs are to be drawn up or revised, and how to draw conclusions from the emissions of the affected installations.

The revision takes place through an information exchange between the Member States and affected industrial sectors non-governmental organizations, and the EU Commission.

As a result, provisions for future emission limits will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Key words: Industrial Emissions Directive, Best Available Techniques (BAT), Best Available Technique Reference Documents (BREFs)