Many countries use Best Available Techniques (BAT) to establish evidence-based environmental permit conditions for industrial installations, ensuring a high level of protection for human health and the environment. BAT represents state-of-the-art approaches that deliver optimal results in preventing and controlling pollutants (air, water and soil) while improving process performance across industries. These methods are designed to be both economically and technically feasible, enabling facilities to achieve superior environmental results without incurring excessive costs or encountering technical barriers
Best Available Techniques (BAT) to prevent and control industrial pollution
BAT refers to the most effective and modern techniques, which can prevent or, where that is not feasible, reduce emissions and the environmental impact of industrial processes. The OECD works on BAT by preparing guidance, conducting cross-country analyses, and promoting the sharing of best practices to assist countries in adopting their BAT-based environmental permits.
Key messages
Countries invest significant resources in designing, developing and implementing BAT-based policies. To support them, the OECD has worked with its Expert Group on BAT for over ten years, where member and non-member countries share experiences, exchange knowledge, and discuss best practices. The BAT concept is embedded in the OECD Recommendation on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) [OECD/LEGAL/0256], and closely linked with the OECD Recommendation on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTR) [OECD/LEGAL/0440], ensuring international alignment in tracking and reducing pollution.
The OECD helps countries strengthen their environmental policies by providing capacity-building activities on BAT. These include webinars, workshops and customised engagement, developed based on the needs and interests of countries. Through these activities, governments and stakeholders acquire practical knowledge on how to design, implement and improve BAT-based permitting systems, supporting them in achieving better pollution prevention, resource efficiency, and protection of human health and the environment. Check our latest report which consolidates findings from capacity-building workshops held in Hanoi, Viet Nam, involving the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), and with the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat/India.
Tackling industrial pollution using Best Available Techniques Reference Documents (BREFs)
Industrial facilities have a significant impact on the environment due to their high consumption of raw materials and energy, resulting in emissions into the air, water, and soil. They must meet regulatory standards on emissions, performance, and environmental quality locally. The OECD compiled a list of Best Available Techniques Reference Documents (BREFs) for different sectors from 8 jurisdictions.
OECD’s Three-year Programme: Phase IV of the BAT project (2025-2027)
The 4th phase of the BAT project is running for 2025-2027 with three activities, namely:
- The role of BAT in hydrogen production: an analysis of common hydrogen production routes and related BAT.
- The BAT in the Recovery of Metal Processing Waste and Wood Waste
- Capacity building engagements on BAT with countries that expressed interest.
Why join the OECD Expert Group on BAT?
The OECD established the Expert Group on Best Available Techniques (BAT) in 2015. Today, it brings together more than 160 members from over 40 countries and organisations. The group includes representatives from OECD and non-OECD governments, intergovernmental organisations (such as UNIDO and UNEP), environmental NGOs and industry associations.
The Expert Group operates under the Working Party on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs) as part of the OECD’s work on chemical safety and biosafety. Participation is voluntary and the information shared depends on the availability and expertise of members.
By joining, experts from governments, industry, NGOs, IGOs and academia benefit in several ways:
- Access to knowledge and best practices: Learn from over 40 countries and organisations about how BAT is defined, embedded in legislation, and implemented, supporting stronger national approaches to pollution control.
- Guidance and capacity building: Participate in OECD workshops that enhance government and institutional capacity to implement effective BAT-based measures.
- Legal and policy alignment: Ensure alignment with OECD Recommendations, helping countries harmonise policies with internationally recognised best practices.
- Stay updated on innovations: Gain insights into the latest BAT developments, associated emission levels and monitoring practices, enabling members to adopt and showcase relevant innovations in their own contexts.
- Influence in global discussions: Contribute actively to OECD’s BAT agenda, share experiences and challenges and shape the direction of global efforts in industrial pollution prevention and control.
