Environmental technology verification methods

Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) is a tool that has been developed in the United States of America, Europe and many other countries around the world to help innovative environmental technologies reach the market. Claims about the performance of innovative environmental technologies can be verified by qualified third parties called "Verification Bodies". The "Statement of Verification" delivered at the end of the ETV process can be used as evidence that the claims made about the innovation are both credible and scientifically sound. With proof of performance credibly assured, innovations can expect an easier market access and/or a larger market share and the technological risk is reduced for technology purchasers. Such an ETV tool is yet to be developed and applied for the South African market. This paper will describe the current international developments on ETV and how it could find application in South Africa that is lagging behind the implementation of such a tool.