Many industries and businesses are legally required to minimise odour emissions. If you operate a permitted site, your permit will include odour control requirements. The goal is to limit odour pollution that may be harmful or offensive to neighbouring communities. Non-compliance can lead to complaints, fines, legal action and reputational damage.

At Silsoe Odours, we help operators plan, implement, and maintain effective odour control. Here are three essential steps to manage odours efficiently and cost-effectively.

Step 1: Odour Control Planning

A strong plan is the foundation of odour control. This involves identifying all potential odour sources and taking early action to reduce their impact. Your approach will depend on whether your site is new or being redeveloped, but data is always key.

Using Data for Effective Odour Control

• Use odour dispersion modelling to predict how odours travel and their potential impact on the local community. This helps prioritise control measures and optimise equipment design.

• Conduct odour sampling to understand the magnitude and characteristics of emissions.

Early modelling and sampling provide valuable data. You will need this to develop effective odour control processes, equipment and systems. For more, see our guide on Odour Control Equipment: Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them.

Community Engagement

Building trust with your local community is a key part of odour management.

This approach lets you spot issues and resolve complaints quickly. It also shows your commitment to managing odours responsibly. This is key to strengthening both your reputation and regulatory compliance.

Step 2: Good Odour Abatement Equipment Design

Once you understand your odour sources, design your system using data-driven insights. Effective odour management requires properly designed equipment and containment measures:

• Biofilters, scrubbers, or chemical treatment systems tailored to your emissions.

• Building containment: fast-acting doors, custom strip curtains and sealed surfaces to minimise odour leaks.

• Energy-efficient operation: selecting the right equipment capacity reduces energy use while maintaining performance.

A well-designed system saves time, money and complaints in the long term. Learn more in our guide to industrial odour control best practices (coming soon).

Step 3: Ongoing Odour Monitoring

Implementing equipment is only part of the solution. Regular monitoring and maintenance ensure long-term compliance and odour management.

Best Practices

• Inspect fans, ducts, and containment areas daily.

• Keep floors, drains, and surfaces clean.

• Ensure doors remain closed where possible.

• Maintain accurate records of odour management activities.

Odour Sensitivity Testing

Staff conducting odour assessments must complete sensitivity testing in line with BS EN 13725:2022. This ensures compliance with European standards.

Support with Effective Odour Control

Silsoe Odours can provide initial and ongoing data to support your odour management goals.

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^{_{This article was written in 2022 and updated in 2026 to reflect current best practices.}}