Best available techniques: environmental permits
Summary
The Environment Agency explains what best available techniques (BAT) are and when they must be used for environmental permits, particularly for installations such as industrial facilities. It also sets out how applicants should reference BAT in permit applications, including when alternatives or derogations may be proposed and what evidence is needed to support them.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors may encounter sites or developments subject to environmental permitting, especially where industrial or intensive-use operations could affect nearby land and occupiers. Understanding BAT requirements helps surveyors identify potential compliance issues, environmental constraints and permit-related risks during due diligence and asset assessment.
Key points
- BAT is the standard for preventing or minimising emissions and environmental impacts for certain installations.
- Permit applicants must explain how each applicable BAT will be followed, or propose an alternative technique.
- Alternatives must demonstrate equivalent environmental protection, or be justified on cost-benefit grounds as a derogation.
- BAT conclusions and BAT-AELs can be legally binding, with permit conditions potentially requiring specific techniques or emission limits.
- The guidance points applicants to the relevant BREF notes, UK BATC documents and the Environment Agency derogation tool.
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