ISO has released a new standard designed to help companies developing cutting-edge environmental technologies reach new markets. ISO 14034:2016, Environmental Management — Environmental Technology Verification (ETV), provides independent verification of the performance of new environmental technologies. This helps manufacturers demonstrate the reliability of their products while assisting businesses in identifying which new technologies best suit their specific needs.

Effective performance verification is a critical step toward market acceptance of green technological innovations. With assured test results, these advancements can navigate market entry much more easily.

Why does green technology implementation need verification?

New environmental technologies can offer significant cost and resource savings. However, they often face market barriers because they are innovative and lack a proven track record. ETV aims to change this by providing evidence of environmental technology performance, distinguishing these solutions from competitors.

What is the purpose of the ISO 14034 standard?

ISO 14034 reflects an international consensus on standardizing the performance verification process. It is an effective way to establish global credibility for innovative and environmentally sound solutions.

The new standard specifies verification principles, accepted testing practices, and reporting requirements. This creates a level playing field for technology innovators and encourages greater market adoption of advanced technologies. It builds supplier credibility and buyer confidence by providing the market with assurance that environmental performance claims are valid, reliable, and backed by high-quality, independent test data.

How do businesses identify ISO 14034 requirements?

Global economies demand independent, quality-assured data on the performance of advanced technologies. Business leaders and public organizations must balance the need for change and adaptation against the risks of adopting innovative solutions.

Equally important, industries and utilities require effective, scalable technologies to improve the environment, address emerging regulations, and meet stakeholder expectations. Finally, technology companies entering the market need streamlined options to demonstrate and validate their advanced products and services.

What are the benefits of this standard for the industry?

ISO 14034 is designed to provide numerous benefits that enhance confidence in selecting technologies with environmental value. These include:

• Leveling the playing field for technology innovators.
• Harmonizing the ETV process across international borders.
• Providing a reliable, independent assessment method for innovative environmental technologies.
• Assisting in informed decision-making when identifying and selecting appropriate technologies.
• Achieving sustainable environmental goals that benefit people worldwide.

ETV paves the way for technology performance assessment where sustainability and innovation are closely linked. Internationally recognized verification is expected to shape an eco-innovation market that drives competition based on efficiency and promotes green technology procurement.

Who uses the ETV method and how?

First and foremost, ISO 14034 provides independent verifiers with the methodology to conduct quality-assured verifications.

• For technology providers: ETV helps provide objective and reliable data on the performance of innovative environmental technologies.
• For technology buyers and investors: ETV verification serves as a trustworthy source of information to base purchasing decisions and manage technology or investment risks.
• For policymakers and regulators: It provides clear information on the performance levels achievable by new environmental technologies.