Frequently Asked Questions about the ETV Canada Environmental Performance Claim Verification Program

1. What are the objectives of the ETV system?
2. What legal status does the ETV system have?
3. When was the ETV system established?
4. How many technologies have been verified to date?
5. Who selects technological fields to be verified? How? What selection standards are used?
6. How much does verification cost? How long does the process take?
7. What kind of organization is a Verification Entity?
8. What status must a testing organization possess, suitable for ETV Canada verification?
9. What does a company receive upon successful verification?
10. What are the benefits of having a company's environmental technology performance claims verified?
11. Are any quantitative criteria or standards set for verification?
12. Does ETV Canada conduct verification testing?
13. Does ETV Canada verify technologies with testing data only?
14. Does ETV Canada conduct mutual assessment and approval or share protocols, testing methods, and benchmarks with verification organizations of other countries? Is ETV Canada verification recognized in other countries?
15. Are there technological fields common (or similar) to those in other national ETV programs?
16. How does verification differ from certification?
17. Other Questions and Answers

1. What are the objectives of the ETV System?

There are several principal objectives of the ETV system:

• ETV Canada offers a reliable assessment process for verifying the environmental performance claims associated with technologies and technological processes.
• The Canadian ETV Program was originally established to provide a mechanism for third-party verification of environmental performance claims of technology and to facilitate successful technology commercialization.
• The ETV process builds vendor credibility and buyer confidence and provides the marketplace with the assurance that environmental performance claims are valid, credible and supported by high quality, independent test data and information.
• Over the past two years, ETV Canada has expanded its focus to take into account the needs of technology users. Through the application of stakeholder-driven performance benchmarking, credible environmental performance criteria can be established in target sectors to help guide the verification. This will provide transparent reporting of performance information in support of decisions related to technology selection and risk management.

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2. What legal status does the ETV system have?

ETV Canada operates the Canadian ETV Program on behalf of the Government of Canada. ETV Canada is a division of a not-for-profit organization, the Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA) which has the license from the responsible Canadian Government Department, Environment Canada, to operate the Canadian ETV Program. Through this arrangement, ETV Canada has the authority to verify technologies on behalf of Environment Canada.

When a technology is verified by ETV Canada a license agreement is signed between ETV Canada and the company (NB - henceforth reference to the word 'company' means a vendor or applicant) , which is considered a legal contract valid for three years. It can also be renewed every three years.

The ETV program is recognized by most provinces in Canada through Statements of Recognition, however the status of these relationships are at the moment under review (this has no real effect on verification). ETV Canada also has the flexibility to work with sector stakeholders that have specific environmental performance requirements and are interested in using the established ETV Canada mechanism to define performance objectives so that verification is more responsive to the particular needs of these stakeholders.

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3. When was the ETV system established?

The Canadian ETV Program was established in 1997.

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4. How many technologies have been verified to date?

A total of 55 technologies have been verified since 1997.

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5. Who selects technological fields to be verified? How? What selection standards are used?

The basic approach to ETV in Canada is client driven and can be labeled "environmental performance verification". The performance verification component of the program addresses the need for independent environmental performance verification of technologies and brings together technology innovators with qualified testing organizations. Technology performance verification, as delivered in Canada, is purely voluntary for the technology provider. Participation in the program by technology vendors is motivated by a desire to improve their success in commercializing their products. The defining of "performance claims" for each technology is initially proposed by the vendor. Such claims are based on the perception of what the buyer of the product needs to meet or exceed their environmental and operational requirements. If regulations are in place, the minimum performance is that such standards must be met or exceeded by the technology. However, the vendor can define any relevant claims, provided that these can be supported by scientific and statistical proof that meets the needs of the verification protocol.

A second approach now being implemented by ETV Canada is "environmental performance benchmarking". This approach involves engagement with technology users in key sectors to facilitate the development of stakeholder-driven performance criteria. It is responsive to situations where the Government (at any level - Federal, Provincial or Municipal) has a particular environmental problem that needs to be solved, potentially with one or more technologies. The performance benchmarking process involves the identification of environmental performance objectives leading to the establishment of clear performance criteria and in some cases regulatory standards or guidelines. The process is utilized as a means of ensuring that ETV Canada verified technologies meet the established performance criteria. The process typically involves a sector specific stakeholder group.

The list below are typical environmental subject areas where technologies can be developed for eventual verification:

• Pollution prevention
• Pollution detection and monitoring
• Environmentally-related human health protection
• Pollution control and treatment
• Instrumentation and measurement systems for environmental protection or remediation
• Energy efficiency/management
• Emergency response
• Non-hazardous and hazardous waste management
• Site remediation and restoration
• Land and natural resource management
• Greenhouse gas reduction/monitoring

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6. How much does verification cost? How long does the process take?

Testing: the cost of testing (to produce the reliable data required) is usually paid directly to the testing organization and analytical laboratory by the vendor.

Verification: fees are paid by the applicant company to ETV Canada as follows:

• $2,000 - formal application fee. $1,000 is non-refundable and $1,000 is credited to the applicant if verification is pursued.
• $15,000 - 20,000 - actual cost of verification (this includes the work done by the verification entity); this amount also includes the cost for the production and printing of 400 copies of the Technology Fact Sheet ($1,500); 200 of the 400 copies are kept by ETV Canada for promotion purposes.
• $2,000 - renewal fee for every three year period.

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7. What kind of organization is a Verification Entity?

To perform the specific technology verifications, ETV Canada engages the services of independent technical experts and experts working within qualified organizations with the expertise and credibility to verify the test data provided by independent testing organizations against the performance claims in question. These independent verification experts are called "Verification Entities" or VEs under the Canadian Environmental Technology Verification Program. A list of VEs is on this web site.

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8. What status must a testing organization possess, suitable for ETV Canada verification?

Under the Canadian ETV Program, it is mandatory that test data be provided by an accredited laboratory which is certified for analyzing the specific parameters of interest. In most cases, this requires accreditation by the Canadian Association for Environment and Analytical Laboratories (CAEAL), an accredited PALCAN member. The laboratory must also have related experience with similar projects and an established Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) plan. It is the testing laboratory's responsibility to apply and execute the appropriate analytical procedures which meet general accepted principals of good laboratory practice and quality control. Appropriate laboratory equipment must be provided for sample analysis and "chains of custody" and records of analytical procedures must be maintained throughout the process from field to lab.

In addition, although not mandatory, it is advisable that the vendor contract the services of an independent, qualified and unbiased testing organization to review the test protocol in detail prior to testing to ensure implementation of a test plan that will produce verifiable data, or is likely to. In some cases it may be necessary for the independent testing organization to operate and maintain the technology during the test procedure consistent with the test plan and in accordance with the vendor's O & M manual. If necessary, the testing organization can modify and make changes to the existing test plan. However, any changes must be documented.

Upon completion of the test, the testing organization prepares and submits a testing report along with the test data to the owner of the technology (e.g. the applicant). For verification requirements, the analytical laboratory used to analyze the samples must be identified and recorded. This includes specifying the accreditation and capabilities of the laboratory analyzing the samples and the provisions in-place for laboratory QA/QC.

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9. What does a company receive upon successful verification?

Upon successful verification the company is issued three documents:

• A framed Verification Certificate, signed by the CEO of OCETA;
• 200 Technology Fact Sheets;
• A Final Verification Report.

The company is also entitled to use the ETV logo (on the specified documentation) to market their technology in Canada and abroad. The company is usually awarded the Verification Certificate by the Federal Minister of the Environment at a major Canadian tradeshow. Verified technologies are also profiled on the ETV Canada website.

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10. What are the benefits of having a company's environmental technology performance claims verified?

In today's competitive business environment and ever increasing concern about improving environmental quality, there has never been a better time to reap the benefits of obtaining an independent assessment and verification of the environmental performance of your technology, whether this is a product, process or system. Verification of performance is becoming a market access issue as buyers are demanding proof of performance claims.

As a marketing and sales tool, ETV Canada verification:

• Provides an excellent means to break the hurdle of obtaining that elusive '1st sale'.
• Differentiates your company from the competition and provides your company with a distinct market advantage.
• Provides a specific and precise performance claim of your technology and presents this in an easily understood manner.
• Provides your company with credibility to prospective buyers and reduces their risk in the procurement process.

As a mechanism to effectively promote your company and technology, ETV Canada verification:

• Is based on a scientifically sound systematic approach and is specific to your technology. The Performance Claim is specific and precise and is the centre piece of the Technology Fact Sheet.
• Has the backing of the Canadian government through Environment Canada.
• Is beginning to be recognized internationally which will open up further markets to exploit.
• Can expedite permitting and approvals for the use of your technology.

Other benefits that can be realized through ETV Canada verification:

• An enhanced ability to attract investment to your company.
• The verification cost is reasonable, compared to patenting and marketing costs, and can offer quick ROI.
• Verified claims can be incorporated in to the patenting process.
• Verification demonstrates the commitment of your company to be fully transparent and accountable to your stakeholders.
• Verification can align your company's business strategy with government policy and regulation, which may be advantageous in any present or future applications for government funding support.

The ETV process has unique benefits of importance to vendors/proponents:

• It encourages the use of best available test methods.
• Is a fully confidential process.
• The Final Verification Report is owned by the applicant.
• Credibility is assured by involving accredited test labs.
• The applicant agrees to the use of a specific Verification Entity.
• A rigorous process treats all applicants fairly and in the same manner - use of a standardized protocol puts all applicants on a level playing field.

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11. Are any quantitative criteria or standards set for verification?

The "performance benchmarking" component of the program addresses this need. The approach used is based on the development of credible stakeholder-driven performance criteria and the transparent reporting of performance information. It typically includes the following four steps:

It is also important to note that ETV Canada has a "General Verification Protocol" (GVP) that provides the criteria and process for doing any verification. This document was created in March 2000 by an independent contractor and was substantially revised in February 2007 by ETV Canada. The GVP is used by VEs in the verification process and offers a comprehensive and rigorous procedure so that all verifications are done in a uniform manner, which puts all applicants on a level playing field.

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12. Does ETV Canada conduct verification testing?

ETV Canada does not test the technologies. It is the responsibility of the vendor/proponent to test their technology.

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13. Does ETV Canada verify technologies with testing data only?

Periodically, companies request whether verification can be done based solely on a review of test data only. Typically in these cases the data were not generated by an accredited testing organization or were generated by their own testing. There are strict ETV guidelines that the proponent must follow in order for ETV Canada to accept the testing results. The first and most important requirement is that the testing is carried out by an independent third party and the laboratory generating the data is accredited by CAEAL or equivalent ( - See #8 above).

ETV Canada's preferred process is to have reliable data generated by a rigorous independent testing agency, witnessed by the VE, and involving an accredited laboratory. Anything less raises questions about the validity and integrity of the program.

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14. Does ETV Canada conduct mutual assessment and approval or share protocols, testing methods, and benchmarks with verification organizations of other countries? Is ETV Canada verification recognized in other countries?

ETV Canada has had Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with some US states and in general ETV Canada has been involved in activities and workshops with the US EPA ETV Program and the European Commission over the last few years. ETV Canada has also entered into discussions and in some cases international agreements with Japan, China and South Korea, and seeks to cooperate with other countries. A major project for OCETA and ETV Canada, currently underway, is the verification of arsenic removal technologies in Bangladesh.

Generally speaking, a vendor interested in marketing in to a foreign country would have an advantage over its competition if the performance claim was verified and the competition does not have this.

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15. Are there technological fields common (or similar) to those in other national ETV programs?

As noted in #5 above the basic approach to ETV in Canada is client driven (i.e. responding to client enquiries), and thus initially there were no target fields for verification. After implementing the "environmental performance benchmarking" approach, the following target fields have been identified for ETV Canada for fiscal year 2007:

• Storm water management technologies.
• Environmental sensors and monitoring technologies.
• After market technologies for vehicle emissions reductions and reduced fuel use.
• Drinking water technologies for removal of arsenic, pathogens and other contaminants.
• Remediation technologies.
• Other possible technology prospects on the horizon which might arise through initiatives such as Green Procurement.

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16. How does verification differ from certification?

While the ETV Canada verification process results in the issuance of a verification certificate, it is not a certification process. Certification is a process normally restricted to meeting a legal, regulatory or professional requirement in order to do a specific thing, e.g. the right to practice medicine or engineering. Verification is a 3rd party process and opinion of what was done by someone else, to determine the validity of what was done. Also, certification also normally includes liability and is usually mandatory. Verification is a voluntary process.

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17. Other Questions and Answers

Who owns the final verification report?

The company/vendor pursuing verification owns the report. ETV Canada retains a copy for its files and this report is not released or shared with anyone without the express written permission of the company. The VE retains a copy of their report to ETV Canada and this document is kept confidential.

What information is made public?

The Technology Fact sheet, which includes the Performance Conditions (PC) verified, a technology description and application statements, are prepared by ETV Canada and reviewed by both the VE and the vendor, is the only public information that can be distributed by ETV Canada.

What happens if we do not renew the license agreement when it comes up for renewal?

The Technology Fact Sheet is removed from the ETV Canada web site and is also no longer provided to enquirers of the technology. The use of the verification logo also terminates. Other conditions may apply.

Is there funding available to help pay for the cost of testing?

Generally, this is the cost of doing business and development of a commercial product, process or equipment. The company may be eligible for financial support from any one or a number of municipal, provincial or federal programs that support R&D efforts where testing is a part of a project. OCETA and ETV Canada are participating with a few funding programs, such as NRC-IRAP Ontario Region, the Ontario Research Commercialization Program (ORCP) and the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation, MaRS-BMEP (Business Mentorship and Entrepreneurship Program) to provide modest funding on a case-by-case basis, for all verification-related activities conducted by SME clients. Please enquire with us directly. Please note: these funding programs are for Ontario-based companies only as the source of the funds are from the Government of Ontario.

ETV Canada staff may, in certain circumstances, assist the company with locating the most promising funding program given the stage of development of the technology.

Is there funding available to defray some of the cost of verification?

This is being explored - please enquire with ETV Canada staff directly.

Does ETV Canada require proof of ownership of the technology?

In the interests of maintaining program integrity, the applicant will be required, as of the date of formal application to ETV Canada, to provide an original signed letter attesting to their ownership of the intellectual property of the technology proposed to be verified, or if in their capacity as an authorized user, manufacturer or distributor ('rights-holder'), an original letter from the owner attesting to the existence of a licensing or similar agreement, in force as of the date of formal application. Notwithstanding this, ETV Canada reserves the right to accept or reject documentation and/or verify true ownership prior to the initiation of a verification project, which may also result in a decision not to proceed with verification.

Is there a restriction on the age of data obtained from a testing program?

Generally speaking, data that are more than five to seven years old would likely not be used or accepted in the verification process. ETV Canada would review this issue on a case by case basis.

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