What is ETV?

A technology that performs well above normal standards or that presents an innovative approach to solving an environmental problem can face market penetration challenges due to lack of independent and credible evidence of its advantages. Other stakeholders, such as purchasers or investors who are committed to using environmental technology solutions are often faced with non-comparable, incomplete or un-tested performance information when assessing the available market options.

Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) provides an independent evaluation of new technologies with a view to validate environmental claims so that users, developers, regulators, and other parties can make informed decisions about purchasing, applying and regulating innovative technologies. Verification builds vendor credibility and buyer confidence by providing assurance that environmental performance claims are valid, credible and supported by high quality, independent test data and information.

ETV was introduced in Canada in 1997 to support the implementation of innovative environmental technologies. In 2016, an International Standard was published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to standardize the ETV process.  ISO standard 14034 falls under TC207 (Environmental Management).

ETV is not a certification scheme; instead it ensures that a product’s environmental claims are true and verified, and presents a clear assessment of the technology’s environmental potential and value.

The principle objectives of ETV are:

• To provide a reliable assessment process for verifying the environmental performance claims associated with technologies and technological processes.
• To provide a mechanism for third-party verification of environmental performance claims of technology to facilitate successful technology commercialization.
• To build vendor credibility and buyer confidence by providing the marketplace with the assurance that environmental performance claims are valid, credible and supported by high quality, independent test data and information.

In today’s competitive business environment there has never been a better time to highlight the environmental benefits of a technology.  One of the best ways to do this is through independent assessment and verification of the environmental performance of the technology. Benefits of ETV include:

• Provides specific & precise environmental performance claim verification, presented in an easily understood format
• Generates credibility & reduces procurement risk
• Provides a distinct market advantage & helps highlight environmental performance
• Expedites use of new technologies
• Supports the patenting process by providing verified claims
• Increases national and international market recognition

Technologies which have undergone Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) come from a variety of technology categories. The ETV process has validated the environmental performance claims of these technologies, and summarizes important criteria such as; Performance Conditions, Technology Application, Technology Description, and Verification.

Technologies which have undergone ETV come from a variety of technology categories. The ETV process has validated the environmental performance claims of these technologies, and have listed important criteria such as: Performance Conditions, Technology Application, Technology Description, and Verification.