The European Solvents Volatile Organic Compounds Co-ordination Group
Scope
ESVOCCG is a cross industry group of producers, downstream users (Trade Associations) and National Chemical Associations, incorporating over 25 solvents user groups). The group focuses on issues affecting the producers and the users of solvents. It develops joint positions on any piece of legislation related to VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions and works on matters, such as occupational diseases, classification, storage, waste management and transport.
ESVOCCG is a unique vehicle to facilitate the implementation of existing legislation through downstream users via harmonized approaches, advice and practices.
Mission
- Facilitate the implementation of existing legislation aiming at reducing VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions to air and in the workplace.
- Develop joint positions on directives impacting the use of solvents.
- Facilitate the collection of data to support scientific programmes, studies and surveys led by European authorities.
- Facilitate the communication between European authorities and downstream users.
- Promote best practices of handling solvents throughout the supply chain and in the workplace.
Issues
ESVOCCG deals with several issues related to VOC emissions, such as:
- The Solvents Emissions Directive (SED) (1999/13/EC) on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain activities and installations.
- The global debate about safety in the workplace and the claimed possible link between solvents and CTE (Chronic Toxic Encephalopathy) which can result from long-term excessive exposure to organic solvents
- The Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive (96/61/EC) on the minimization of pollution from various sources throughout the European Union through Best Available Techniques.
- The National Emission Ceilings (NEC) directive (2001/81/EC) setting upper national emission ceilings for each Member State for the total emission in 2010 of the four pollutants responsible for acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone pollution (SO2, NOx, VOCs and ammonia). (See also ESIG Newsletter 10 on ozone and NEC.)
- The ongoing Clean Air for Europe programme (CAFE) developing a long-term, strategic and integrated policy advice (up to 2020) to protect against significant negative effects of air pollution on human health and the environment. (see also ESIG Newsletter 12 on the CAFE programme).
Organisation
ESVOCCG is overseen by a General Assembly and has set up three working groups to facilitate its activities: VOC Working Group, HSE Working Group and IPPC Working Group.
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