Glossary:Integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC)
Integrated pollution prevention and control, abbreviated as IPPC, refers to the minimising of pollution from various industrial sources throughout the European Union (EU), as established by the so-called IPPC Directive (Directive 2008/1/EC of 15 January 2008 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control). The Regulation requires industrial and agricultural activities with a high pollution potential to have a permit; this permit can only be issued if certain environmental conditions are met, so that the companies themselves bear responsibility for preventing and reducing any pollution they may cause. All permit applications must be sent to the competent authority of the Member State concerned, which will then decide whether or not to authorise the activity. The IPPC Directive is based on several principles, namely an integrated approach, best available techniques, flexibility and public participation.
Directive 2008/1/EC replaces Directive 96/61/EC, a formal amendment that assembles the original instrument and its subsequent amendments in one single legislative act without however altering its substantive provisions.
Further information
- Directive 2008/1/EC of 15 January 2008 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control
- Europa - Summaries of EU legislation - Environment
- European Commission - Environment - Prevention and control of industrial emissions
- European Commission - Environment - The IPPC Directive