ETV Support for Ontario’s Water Sector Strategy

GLOBE-Net, June 24, 2013 – The Canadian Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program has been delivered by GLOBE Performance Solutions (GPS) under a license agreement with Environment Canada since December 2012.

Globe Performance Solutions works closely with a distributed network of performance testing organizations across Canada to provide a reliable mechanism for third-party testing and verification of environmental performance claims associated with technologies and technological processes, thereby facilitating successful commercialization of innovative technologies. 

A primary objective is to build vendor credibility and buyer confidence by providing the marketplace with assurance that environmental performance claims are valid, credible, and supported by high-quality, independent test data. ETV as a national program can also be used to support a defined path for regulatory approvals and the permitting of new technologies.  

[stextbox id=”custom” float=”true” width=”200″ bcolor=”add3d5″ bgcolor=”add3d5″ image=”null”]”The difficulties experienced in obtaining approvals may have a detrimental effect on business in Ontario, pushing leading edge businesses with innovative environmental technologies to other jurisdictions where obtaining approvals is easier. It may also be impacting our environment by deterring facilities from applying for (and obtaining) approval to implement improved environmental technologies to replace older, less effective processes.” Office of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (2007) [/stextbox]

Towards an International ETV Standard: “Verify Once, Accept Everywhere” 

Of particular significance is recent progress in developing an international ISO standard for ETV. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the world’s largest developer of voluntary international standards, providing state-of-the-art specifications for products, services and good practice, helping to make industry more efficient and effective. 

Canada formally submitted the ISO-ETV proposal in Geneva in June 2012, and the proposal was then referred to the ISO Technical Committee for Environmental Management (TC207). The proposal was officially approved by TC207/SC4 in February 2013. 

An international ETV standard will help to break down barriers to international trade, making it easier for companies with verified technologies to access international markets. 

Ontario’sWater Sector Strategy

Ontario’s vision for the water sector,to be the North American water innovation leader by 2015,was set out in the 2011 Speech from the Throne. To fulfill this vision, the Ontario Water Sector Strategy was released in January 2013. 

It is clear that third-party technology testing and verification, as undertaken through the Canadian Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program, would contribute to the success of the Water Sector Strategy. The table below outlines how ETV could support specific actions included in the Strategy.

Enhancing the role of ETV in Ontario’s water sector requires close collaboration with its many stakeholders. For example, WaterTAP was created to accelerate innovation in Ontario’s water sector. Its mission is supported by a number of organizations, including: the Southern Ontario Water Consortium; Ontario Centres of Excellence; Centre for Alternative Wastewater Treatment; Centre for the Advancement of Trenchless Technologies; Toronto Region Conservation Authority: Living City Campus; and others.  

ETV -The Opportunity for Collaboration and Integration as Part of the Ontario Water Sector Strategy

[stextbox id=”custom” float=”true” align=”right” width=”200″ bcolor=”add3d5″ bgcolor=”add3d5″ image=”null”]GLOBE Performance Solutions has already established valuable connections with all of these stakeholders. It is noteworthy that five Ontario-based organizations are part of the GLOBE Performance Solutions consortium of leading testing and verification organizations.[/stextbox]

In addition, the Ontario Government has taken a proactive position in promoting Ontario’s water capabilities through its Ministries, specifically: Environment; Economic Development, Trade and Employment; and Research and Innovation; as well as the Ontario Clean Water Agency; and the Walkerton Clean Water Centre.

At the heart of Ontario’s water sector are the technology innovators, developers, and adopters, including: technology companies; researchers and university-based institutes; utilities, municipalities and their associations; developers and consulting engineers; and water associations. 

From this, it is clear that the Canadian ETV program will provide benefits to Ontario and to Ontario’s water sector. By aligning with the vision for the Ontario water sector, a targeted ETV program has the potential to offer: 

• A coordinated and effective third-party testing and verification program for Ontario-based water sector technologies, including customized testing and verification protocols;
• Support to WaterTAP and other key stakeholders in meeting their objectives, with particular focus on building end-user demand;
• Support to provincial efforts in modernizing approvals through the incorporation of third-party testing and verification;
• Greater innovation in the Ontario water sector through the joint promotion of Ontario water technologies, including joint events with a range of stakeholders;
• Support to testing and verification organizations in the Ontario water sector to help drive delivery of the Ontario Water Sector Strategy.

You can find out more here about the Canadian ETV Program and GLOBE Performance Solutions

By Larry Moore

Laurence F. (Larry) Moore Ph.D., CRSP – served for three years as the CEO of the Walkerton Clean Water Centre. Dr. Moore’s career has included senior management positions with the Ontario ministries of Environment, Energy and Agriculture and 17 years working closely with both the largest and smallest water utilities. He played a major role in the introduction of management systems to the Canadian water industry and is a recognized expert on emergency programs, small water systems and innovation. Larry was responsible for the development and delivery of training courses to hundreds of operators, including many from small systems and First Nations. He has served on numerous boards and committees for water research and management at the international, national and provincial levels.