Press Release: European Workshop on Economic Consequences of Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control

The different tools and approaches that regulators can use to assess the economic impact of best available techniques (BAT) were discussed in detail at a European workshop on 'The Economic Consequences of Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC)' in Brussels on 16 May 2002. The introduction of BAT, for reducing industrial pollution in line with the 1996 IPPC Directive, is designed to achieve the greatest possible environmental benefit in the most cost-efficient possible way for industry. Experts reviewed criteria for measuring the impact of BAT on the competitiveness of various industrial sectors, and the tools available to help permitting authorities make appropriate judgements. The workshop was attended by over 150 experts from EU Member States and candidate countries, industry and environmental NGOs.