This project was designed and executed to integrate the International Standards Organization (ISO) 14034 – Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) standard into existing ESTCP processes and projects to provide an example of how the ISO standard implementation works, how it can integrate with ESTCP processes, and its potential benefits in supporting technology transition. The primary objectives of this project were to utilize the ISO 14034/17020 framework for ETV, establishing its relevance to demonstration projects within ESTCP via a gap analysis, and implementing the ISO ETV approach in initial ESTCP technology demonstrations and case studies as add-ons to two new or current ESTCP demonstration projects, and disseminate the results to the market, including relevant end users, purchasers, regulators, and funders.

ISO 14034 reflects an international consensus that standardization of the performance verification process is an effective way of establishing the global credibility of innovative environmentally sound solutions, addressing one of the critical barriers to market acceptance of innovations. The standard provides transparent and robust procedures and specifies the highest levels of quality assurance (ISO 17020, ISO 17025). The standard was developed initially with support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its former ETV program. Within the U.S., the standard is in the early stages of adoption, with the first ISO 14034 verifications issued in 2020, and use of the standard in a 2020 U.S. EPA technology challenge and other commercial prize competitions. This project evaluated the potential benefits of application of standard and its improved quality requirements to Department of Defense demonstration projects.

The performance assessment summarizes results of the project with respect to each of the stated performance objectives. The assessment presents results of the project with respect to the analyses of gaps between existing ESTCP demonstration procedures and conformance with the ISO 14034 Standard. The assessment included examination of identified gaps using specific ESTCP demonstrations, applying the Standard to those projects, and developing case studies for each. Finally, the assessment includes guidance for implementation of the ISO Standard to future ESTCP demonstrations.

The primary implementation issue of integrating ISO 14034 verification is the inherent additional costs to a project. The primary cost is the addition of an independent verifier to the project to provide third-party verification. This and other potential additional costs that can arise due to additional requirements imposed by conformance with ISO 14034 are examined in the Final Report.