1. Eliminate our contribution to systematic increases in concentrations of substances
from the Earths crust by substituting certain minerals that are scarce
in nature with others that are more abundant, using all mined materials efficiently,
and systematically reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
2. Eliminate our contribution to systematic increases in concentrations of substances
produced by society by systematically substituting certain persistent and
unnatural compounds with those that are normally abundant or break down
more easily in nature (green chemistry), and using all substances produced by
society efficiently.
3. Eliminate our contribution to the systematic physical degradation of nature
through overharvesting, introductions, and other forms of modification. This
means drawing resources only from well-managed ecosystems, systematically
pursuing the most productive and efficient use both of those resources and land,
and exercising caution in all kinds of modification of nature.
4. Contribute as much as we can to fulfill human needs in our society and worldwide,
over and above all the substitution and dematerialization measures taken in
fulfilling the first three objectives. This means using all of our resources efficiently,
fairly, and responsibly so that the needs of all people on whom we have an
impact, and the future needs of people who are not yet born, stand the best chance
of being fulfilled.
During the 2000 Seville Conference, industry representatives proposed Integrated
Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive with the requirements for Best
Available Techniques (BATs). The best means most effective in achieving a high
general level of protection of the environment as a whole [47]. As stated in BAT
reference documents the directive should be descriptive rather than prescriptive
[48,49]. Paragraph 11 in Article 2 of the IPPC Directive defines Best Available
Technique as the most effective and advanced stage in the development of activities
and their methods of operation which indicate the practical suitability of particular
techniques for providing in principle the basis for emission of limit values
designed to prevent and, where that is not practicable, generally to reduce emissions
and the impact on the environment as a whole. Article 2(11) defines techniques as
follows: techniques include both the technology used and the way in which the
installation is designed, built, maintained, operated, and decommissioned. Available
techniques are those developed on a scale which allows implementation in the
relevant industrial sector, under economically and technically viable conditions,
taking into consideration the costs and advantages, whether or not the techniques
are used or produced. The purpose of the Directive is to achieve integrated prevention
and control of pollution arising from the activities (listed in the appendix),
leading to a high level of protection of the environment as a whole. Its implementation
should also take account of other community objectives such as the competitiveness
of the communitys industry thereby contributing to sustainable development.
Essential to this approach is the general principle given in Article 3 that
operators should take all appropriate preventative measures against pollution, in
particular through the application of best available techniques enabling them to
improve their environmental performance [50].