Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) is the establishment or validation of environmental technology performance by qualified third parties based on test data generated through testing using established protocols or specific requirements. The European Commission launched a voluntary scheme for ETV on an experimental basis: the EU ETV pilot programme. The programme is intended for innovative technologies...

The Joint Research Council (JRC) has recently published a report which provides guidelines on implementing water reuse in Europe, and analyses the associated technical, environmental, health and socioeconomic challenges to such reuse. Water recycling and reuse is one of the answers to the water challenges in the urban, industrial and agricultural contexts; it can help...

To support innovation, especially by SMEs, ECHA has published an update to its Guidance on Scientific Research and Development (SR&D) and Product and Process Orientated Research and Development (PPORD) simultaneously with a new Guidance in a nutshell on the same subject. The REACH Regulation aims to ensure “a high level of protection of human health...

ECHA’s website now provides detailed information on the import and export of certain very hazardous chemicals and pesticides which are subject to the Prior Informed Concern (PIC) Regulation. The new web pages contain over 10 years of regulatory information, reports and statistics that were previously made available in the European Database of Export and Import...

Two key steps in Ireland’s on-going implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) have been announced. A consultation document on the Timetable and Work Programme for the development of the 2nd cycle of River Basin Management Plans. New Regulations have also been introduced which re-assign functional responsibility for WFD implementation to local authorities, to the Environmental Protection...

The eGuide on safety data sheets an interactive online publication that aims to provide information on safety data sheets and exposure scenarios in a user friendly way. Its simple structure makes it suitable as both a training tool and reference tool to help employees use chemicals safely.  Some users may require a brief overview of the...

Water Footprint is becoming more well known – Water an expensive resources which may have just got easier thanks to a new ISO International Standard. ISO 14046, Environmental management – Water footprint – Principles, requirements and guidelines will allow all kinds of organizations, from industry, to government and NGOs the means to measure their ‘water footprint’, or...

Water use and management is a key consideration for any organization in light of growing demand for resources and increasing water scarcity.  Water management is required at local, regional and global levels.  It stands to reason therefore that a consistent assessment technique is required.  ISO 14046 (or International Standard ISO 14046, Environmental management – Water...

The EU has proposed higher recycling targets in a bid to transform Europe’s economy into one where nothing is wasted, supporting sustainable growth and a zero-waste economy. Under the new targets, European countries will: Ban the burying of recyclable waste in landfill after 2025 Recycle 70% of municipal waste (everyday rubbish) and 80% of packaging...

Would you intentionally buy something which is nearly fit for purpose?…………….Of course not you say indignantly, and you would be correct. However, way to often over the past 20+years we have been asked to assist Clients where products, processes and services were quite often procured on purchase price without due careful consideration of many other features, including:...