The performance of IED installations is influenced by multiple factors, including plant design and operation, compliance with permit conditions, and the implementation of effective management systems. To align with circular economy principles, these factors must be fully considered during the permitting process. However, applying the IED in this context requires both operators and regulators to handle increasingly complex data, posing a particular challenge for authorities with limited resources.
This subproject, conducted in collaboration with the IMPEL project on IED Implementation, explored how different aspects of the IED can support the transition to a more circular economy. As a result, guidance has been developed to help regulators align IED permits with circular economy objectives and assess performance. The document outlines what IED applications should include regarding circularity, and what requirements regulators should set to promote it.
The guidance supports the integration of self-monitoring plans and performance reporting into "circular IED permits." These reports should provide the information needed to assess circularity using tools like a Circularity Index. This helps inform decision-making, supports condition-setting, and assists operators in meeting circularity targets. The IED&CE Guidance is available under the “Project Outputs” section in the menu on the right.
In addition, a Circularity Index and Circular Plan have been developed as core components of the IED application process.