ISO 14034:2016 – Environmental Management: Environmental Technology Verification (ETV)

1. Definition

ISO 14034:2016 is an international standard that provides the principles, framework, and procedures for Environmental Technology Verification (ETV).
It enables independent and credible assessment of the performance claims of environmental technologies — ensuring that they deliver measurable environmental benefits as claimed by the technology developer or manufacturer.

ETV according to ISO 14034 focuses on transparency, reliability, and scientific validation of new or innovative environmental technologies that may not yet be fully proven in the market.

2. Purpose and Scope

The main purpose of ISO 14034:2016 is to:

• Establish a standardized method for verifying environmental performance claims of technologies.

• Increase trust among investors, regulators, and customers regarding the environmental effectiveness of a product or process.

• Support the market adoption of innovative environmental technologies by providing credible verification data.

• Promote green innovation and sustainable technological development across industries.

The standard applies to:

• Manufacturers and developers of environmental technologies.

• Independent verification organizations.

• Regulatory agencies, funding institutions, and clients seeking validated environmental solutions.

3. Key Concepts and Definitions

Some of the core terms and concepts used in ISO 14034:2016 include:

• Environmental Technology (ET): Any technology designed to measure, control, prevent, limit, or correct environmental degradation, or to conserve resources.

• Verification: The process of confirming, through evaluation of objective evidence, that the performance claim for a specific technology is accurate and reliable.

• Verifier: A competent, independent third party that conducts the verification process.

• Performance Claim: A measurable statement describing the environmental performance of a technology under specific conditions.

• Verification Report and Statement: Official documents summarizing the verification process, data, and results.

4. Structure of ISO 14034:2016

The standard outlines a systematic approach to the verification process through the following main components:

1. Principles of Verification

   • Independence, competence, transparency, and scientific credibility.

2. Verification Framework

   • Description of roles (developer, verifier, client), scope, and responsibilities.

3. Verification Process

   • Preparation of the verification plan.

   • Data collection and testing procedures.

   • Evaluation of performance claims.

   • Verification reporting and issuance of verification statements.

4. Reporting and Communication

   • Format and content of verification reports and public communication.

5. Verification Process (Simplified Overview)

1. Application
   The technology developer submits an application with a detailed description of the technology and its performance claims.

2. Review and Scoping
   The verifier evaluates whether the technology is suitable for verification and defines the scope and test plan.

3. Data Collection and Testing
   Data are collected from controlled laboratory testing or field trials under agreed conditions.

4. Assessment and Evaluation
   The verifier evaluates the data to determine if it supports the performance claims.

5. Verification Report and Statement
   A formal report and a public verification statement are issued, confirming the verified performance.

6. Relationship to Other Standards and Frameworks

ISO 14034 is part of the ISO 14000 family of environmental management standards and complements other standards such as:

• ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management Systems.

• ISO 14004:2016 – General Guidelines on EMS Implementation.

• ISO 14046:2014 – Water Footprint.

• ISO 14067:2018 – Carbon Footprint of Products.

Additionally, ISO 14034 aligns with international ETV initiatives such as:

• EU Environmental Technology Verification (EU ETV) program.

• Canada ETV, Korea ETV, and other national programs coordinated under the Global ETV Alliance (G-ETV).

7. Benefits of ISO 14034:2016 Implementation

A. For Technology Developers

• Provides credible proof of environmental performance to clients and investors.

• Increases market acceptance and competitiveness of new technologies.

• Facilitates regulatory approval and funding eligibility.

• Enhances company reputation for innovation and environmental responsibility.

B. For Clients, Investors, and Regulators

• Provides independent assurance that the technology works as claimed.

• Reduces risk of adopting unproven or ineffective technologies.

• Supports evidence-based decision-making for environmental investment and policy.

C. For the Environment

• Promotes the use of verified, effective technologies that truly contribute to pollution reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable resource management.

8. Example of Application

Typical technologies that can be verified under ISO 14034 include:

• Water and wastewater treatment systems.

• Air pollution control technologies (e.g., filtration, scrubbers).

• Waste management and recycling solutions.

• Energy efficiency and renewable energy systems.

• Soil and groundwater remediation technologies.

Verification under ISO 14034 provides confidence to potential buyers, governments, and funding agencies that the technology performs as stated.

9. Conclusion

ISO 14034:2016 plays a critical role in bridging the gap between innovation and market acceptance in the environmental sector.
By providing a globally recognized, science-based verification process, it ensures that environmental performance claims are credible, transparent, and comparable.

For technology developers and environmental solution providers, certification or verification under ISO 14034 represents a powerful tool for credibility, innovation, and sustainability leadership.