Päästödirektiivi

Päästödirektiivi refers to European Union directives aimed at reducing emissions from various sources. The most prominent of these is the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), which sets out rules for preventing and controlling pollution from large industrial installations. This directive consolidates and updates several previous legislative acts concerning industrial pollution, including those on integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC), large combustion plants, and waste incineration.

The IED requires industrial operators to use the best available techniques (BAT) to minimize emissions to air, water, and soil. These techniques are determined through a process of information exchange between member states, industry, and environmental organizations, resulting in BAT reference documents (BREFs). Permits are then issued to installations based on these BAT conclusions, setting emission limit values and other environmental protection measures.

Another significant directive related to emissions is the National Emission Ceilings Directive (NECD), which sets upper limits for the national emissions of certain air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and particulate matter. These ceilings are designed to improve air quality and protect human health and ecosystems across the EU. Member states are required to develop and implement national air pollution control programmes to meet these targets.

The overall goal of these directives is to achieve a high level of environmental protection by reducing the negative impacts of industrial activities and air pollution on the environment and human well-being. They contribute to the EU's broader environmental objectives, such as combating climate change and promoting sustainable development.