best available techniques

Defined in Article 2, Directive 2008/1/EC

Definitions over time (1)

1. 25/06/2009 – today applies on 12/11/2026 Article 2, Directive 2008/1/EC Scope: Whole act

   For the purposes of this Directive the following definitions shall apply:

   ‘best available techniques’ means the most effective and advanced stage in the development of activities and their methods of operation which indicate the practical suitability of particular techniques for providing in principle the basis for emission limit values designed to prevent and, where that is not practicable, generally to reduce emissions and the impact on the environment as a whole: ‘techniques’ shall include both the technology used and the way in which the installation is designed, built, maintained, operated and decommissioned; ‘available techniques’ means those developed on a scale which allows implementation in the relevant industrial sector, under economically and technically viable conditions, taking into consideration the costs and advantages, whether or not the techniques are used or produced inside the Member State in question, as long as they are reasonably accessible to the operator; ‘best’ means most effective in achieving a high general level of protection of the environment as a whole. In determining the best available techniques, special consideration should be given to the items listed in Annex IV;

Used in (15 places in 12 provisions on 12/11/2026)

Directive 2008/1/EC (15 in 12)

Recital 18 · Recital 20 · Recital 21 · Recital 27 · Article 2² · Article 3 · Article 9 · Article 10 · Article 11 · Article 13 · Article 17² · Annex IV²