29 Apr CMF Contributes to Consultation on BAT regulations requesting consistent approach for environmental improvements.

The UK Government, and the devolved administrations, are putting in place a new regime for the development of ‘Best Available Techniques’ (BAT) that prevents and minimises impact on the environment from UK industry.

Those companies in the casting and foundry sector with industrial installations undertaking specific types of activity are already required to use ‘Best Available Techniques’ methodology to reduce emissions to air, water and land, and the consultation document outlines how this will change now that the UK has left the EU.

The proposed approach considers the technology used and the way the manufacturing installations are designed, built, maintained, operated and decommissioned. ‘BAT’ are used to determine the types of abatement technologies and methods that operators should put in place, as well as setting emission limits associated with the use of ‘BAT’ within environmental permits. The BATs should be those that are proven to be economically and technically viable, while being the best to minimise or ideally prevent emissions that will impact the environment as a whole. Plus, the consultation proposes a number of new elements in the BAT process. These include the possibility of different BAT emissions levels in the different nations of the UK, as well as introducing public consultations on the outcome of the process.

In response to the consultation Pam Murrell, CEO of the CMF said, “We welcome the opportunity to be consulted this BAT legislation, as we recognise the far-reaching implications for the sector. We have urged the UK Government to minimise bureaucracy, stabilise policy and ensure that our UK manufacturers are allowed to compete in the global marketplace on a level playing field across the whole of the UK.

“Our members comprise large multi-site businesses, as well as small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) located all around the UK, supplying near net shape components into the UK’s manufacturing supply chain, so there is a clear opportunity for the sector to play a key part in ‘building back better’. We have urged the Government to introduce new environmental legislation that uses sound scientific principles and current relevant data in order to ensure a proportionate response and appropriate time scale for implementation. It is important that the devolved UK Governments agree to a common set of standards, thereby reducing the complexity placed on all UK manufacturing organisations coping with the effects of Brexit and economic recovery. We have a responsibility to ensure we are not exporting our carbon footprint and we will work with all agencies to help ensure that the UK can meet our Net Zero targets.”

Angela Mason
Angela Mason
angelamason@cmfed.co.uk