The Flemish centre for Best Available Techniques (BAT Centre) is an initiative of the Flemish Region and VITO (Flemish Institute for Technological Research). The BAT Centre collects and distributes information on pollution prevention and abatement techniques, and selects the Best Available Techniques for different industrial sectors. By supporting the implementation of BAT, the BAT Centre helps industry and authorities attain a high level of environmental protection under economically and technically viable conditions.
VITO’s BAT advice is used by the Flemish authorities when issuing operating permits for industrial installations and when updating environmental regulations. It is also at the basis of Flemish eco-investment support policy. At European level, the BAT Centre exchanges BAT information in accordance with the European Directive on Industrial Emissions.
For more information: The Flemish centre for Best Available Techniques (PDF - new window)
Reference projects
Best Available Technology (BAT) for (manure) cofermentation systems
This study discusses the technology used and environmental aspects of fermentation systems in which manure and/or energy crops and/or organic-biological waste is converted into biogas and digestate. It sets out the current state of affairs regarding (manure) cofermentation in Flanders (input streams, location and digestate treatment technologies) and makes a selection of the Best Available Technologies for the prevention and/or limitation of water and energy consumption, waste and by-products, noise and vibration, emissions into the water and air (such as ammonia, methane, odour and dust), explosion risks, and to improve safety (such as the storage of sulphuric acid). Specific attention is paid to the process steps of preparation, actual fermentation, biogas treatment and digestate treatment. The majority of the BATs for (manure) cofermentation systems are preventive and process-integrated measures. This study also deals with the prevailing Flemish environmental legislation and, where relevant, amendments or additions are suggested.
Period: 2012
At the request of: The Flemish Government (BAT/EMIS steering committee)
Researchers: An Derden, Stella Vanassche and Diane Huybrechts
Study: BAT for (manure) cofermentation systems (Dutch - new window)
BAT for new, small and medium-sized heating systems, stationary motors and gas turbines
This study examines the Best Available Technology for heating systems. It focuses specifically on new, small and medium-sized systems and stationary motors with a wide range of applications: they are found in horticultural applications, hospitals, chemical companies and other industrial sectors. The systems can also be driven by different types of fuel, both fossil and renewable in nature. This study places the focus on fossil fuels, whether solid, liquid or gaseous in nature.
As far as the environmental aspects are concerned, the focus is mainly on the airborne emission of NOx, SO2 and fine dust.
Period: 2012
At the request of: The Flemish Government (BAT/EMIS steering committee)
Researchers: Evelien Dils and Diane Huybrechts
Study: BAT for new, small and medium-sized heating systems, stationary motors and gas turbines (Dutch - new window)
BAT for swimming pools
This study deals with the Best Available Technology for swimming pools. Swimming pools form an essential part of water sports and recreation in Flanders, but use a great deal of water which must be disinfected in order to guarantee good bacteriological quality. To this end, they often use chlorine as a disinfectant/oxidant, which leads to chlorinated compounds (AOX) which can be hazardous to the environment. In addition, covered swimming pools use a great deal of energy to heat the water and rooms. This study examines how to restrict the high consumption of water and energy and the emissions of chlorinated compounds in waste water. It also includes a step-by-step plan for implementing BAT (and technologies which go beyond BAT) in new or existing swimming pools and recommendations/suggestions for amending VLAREM legislation, so that more water and energy-saving technologies can be used in swimming pools.
Period: 2011
At the request of: The Flemish Government (BAT/EMIS steering committee)
Researchers: Liesbet Van den Abeele, Erika Meynaerts and Diane Huybrechts
Study: BAT for swimming pools (Dutch - new window)
BAT for the cattle-breeding sector
Firstly, this study examines the environmental technologies used to limit water consumption in the cattle-rearing sector, and secondly the process steps and animal categories in which the use of alternative water sources such as rainwater, surface water and/or recovered water is feasible. The report also looks at which BAT are available for limit nutrient emissions into water, soil and air and which technologies can prevent odour and dust emissions in sheds. Furthermore, this study summarises the conclusions of the BREF intensive cattle-rearing to the Flemish situation.
Period: 2006
At the request of: The Flemish Government (BAT/EMIS steering committee)
Researchers: An Derden, Erika Meynaerts, Peter Vercaemst and Karl Vrancken
Study: BAT for the catle-breeding sector (Dutch - new window)
iBBT: http://ibbt.emis.vito.be/node/475 (Dutch - new window)
Useful links
http://www.emis.vito.be/bbt (Dutch - new window)
http://eippcb.jrc.es/ (new window)