2010-03-10

Proposal for a new field of technical activity on Biogas

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is seeking feedback on the development of a new field of technical activity on Biogas submitted by the Standardizaton Administration of China (SAC) to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Biogas is a combustible mixture of gases produced by micro-organisms when manure and other biological wastes are allowed to ferment in the absence of air. Biogas can become an important source of fuel. As there are no international standards in this field, the purpose of this new technical activity would be to develop standards and promote their use by industry and individuals in both developed and developing countries.

Biogas is currently being used as a source of fuel however its full potential has not been reached. Biogas development will contribute to environmental protection, sanitary improvement, nuisance-free agriculture and recycling economy development. There is an increase in the development and use of biogas-related technology and the international market for biogas technology and equipment continues to grow. International standardization would help facilitate this continued growth; would facilitate the exchange, transfer and provision of biofuels in an economically sustainable manner; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and, respond to the increase need for fuel and reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.

Scope of the Proposed Work:
Proposed new field of technical activity will address the following areas:

• Glossary of biogas terms;

• Design, construction, commission, check and test of small biogas facilities and medium sized and large scale biogas plants;

• Design, manufacture, installation and inspection of biogas equipment, products for biogas application, equipment and facilities for biogas power generation;

• Use of digested solid and liquid biogas;

• Appraisal of technical, economical and environmental benefits of biogas facilities.

As the official Canadian member of the ISO, the Standards Council of Canada is seeking feedback on ISO’s proposal from Canadian experts. All responses submitted to SCC will be considered to generate a Canadian position and comments on this proposal. Experts are invited to consider the following when formulating a response:

1. Is the proposed scope relevant and uses appropriate terminology, or is the scope too broad or too specific?

2. How could the development of this proposed standard impact your sector, negatively or positively and why?

3. Will the development of this proposed standard benefit your sector or will it pose challenges?

4. If this field of technical activity is regulated, will the proposed development of this standard complement it or not?

The deadline for submission is April 12, 2010.

For more information, or to submit comments including support for or opposition to the proposal, please contact Lynne Gibbens, Senior Program Officer ISO via email, [email protected] or by telephone +1 613 238 3222 ext. 452.

The Standards Council of Canada is a federal Crown corporation with the mandate to promote efficient and effective standardization in Canada with the goal of enhancing Canada’s economic competitiveness and social well-being. SCC is Canada’s representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is responsible for coordinating Canadian participation in the development of international standards. It also accredits standards development and conformity assessment organizations. For more information on SCC’s programs visit www.scc.ca or email [email protected].

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