The 15 December 2011, the European Commission announced on their webpage that they’re launching a new instrument to help companies that are developing innovative environmental technologies. The Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) pilot program will provide independent verification of the performance of new environmental technologies, and this is intended to help manufacturers prove the reliability of performance claims, and help technology purchasers identify innovations that suit their needs.
“The Environmental Technology Verification pilot programme is the first, practical fruit of the Eco-Innovation Action Plan. Investors need objective and credible information about the performance of new technologies, so this initiative will have an important role to play. It should help companies at the cutting edge of environmental technologies make the most of the opportunities in the European Single Market.” said Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik
One of the goals for the ETV pilot program is to reduce the need for multiply demonstration sites, or to repeat test campaigns for different markets. The program is entirely voluntary and will initially cover the following areas: water treatment and monitoring; materials, waste and resources; and energy technologies. It could also facilitate exports to non-EU markets such as North America and Asia. The aim is to reduce the risks and increase confidence of the first purchasers or investors in a new technology by providing reliable, science-based information on its performance and will take the form of a Statement of Verification for use in business-to-business relations.
The ETV pilot programme has been prepared in co-operation with 7 Member States and many stakeholders active in the field of technology development and assessment. It is one of the actions announced in the new Eco-Innovation Action Plan that has also just been adopted (see IP/11/1547).
