Environmental performance levels associated with the best available techniques
Also known as met de beste beschikbare technieken geassocieerde milieuprestatieniveaus
What does "Environmental performance levels associated with the best available techniques" mean under the IED?
The range of environmental performance levels, obtained under normal operating conditions using a BAT or a combination of BATs; as described in BAT conclusions
‘Environmental performance’ is defined in Article 3, point (13aa), of the IED:
The performance with regard to consumption levels, resource efficiency concerning materials, water and energy resources, the reuse of materials and water, and to waste generation
Defined in / by
- IED (32010L0075), Article 3, point (13a), as inserted by Directive (EU) 2024/1785
Last updated: 14 October 2026.
Resource use, measured like emissions
These levels do for resource use what BAT-AELs do for emissions. They are ranges in BAT conclusions, obtained under normal operating conditions with best available techniques, and environmental performance covers consumption levels, resource efficiency for materials, water and energy, reuse of materials and water, and waste generation.
Article 15(4), inserted by Directive (EU) 2024/1785, turns them into permit conditions. The competent authority sets, for normal operating conditions, binding ranges for environmental performance that are not to be exceeded. For water, the permit contains environmental performance limit values not less strict than those ranges. For waste and resources other than water, the permit uses indicative environmental performance levels.
Benchmarks, a separate 2024 definition, are the indicative range of these levels that the environmental management system uses as a reference. For existing installations, Article 15(4) applies within four years of BAT conclusions published after 1 July 2026 for the installation's main activity (Article 3(1) of Directive (EU) 2024/1785).
Questions and answers
What is environmental performance under the IED?
Article 3, point (13aa), defines it as performance on consumption levels, resource efficiency concerning materials, water and energy resources, the reuse of materials and water, and waste generation.
How do these levels reach a permit?
Through Article 15(4): binding ranges for environmental performance, environmental performance limit values for water, and indicative levels for waste and resources other than water.
Regulations
Industrial Emissions Directive (IED 2.0)
The revised Industrial Emissions Directive is Directive (EU) 2024/1785. Member States had to transpose it by 1 July 2026, and none had notified full transposition by 25 September 2026. Operators need an environmental management system by 1 July 2027, and large pig and poultry farms follow from 2030. The Dutch bill is before the Eerste Kamer.
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