International Standardization of a Guideline for Evaluating the Contribution of Fine Bubble Technology to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Background to the international standardization

Fine bubbles are bubbles with a particle size of less than 100 μm. Fine bubble water contains these bubbles, and is used for water purification, cleaning, etc. It has characteristic properties that ordinary water lacks. It is expected that using these properties will have environmental benefits such as reducing the amount of water used to clean restrooms, clothing, and agricultural crops, purifying seawater, and improving the efficiency of washing off oil from manufacturing processes. Consequently, the use of fine bubbles is expanding in agriculture, fisheries, environmental fields and many other areas. Fine bubble technology is often applicable to one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development goals (SDGs) the United Nations set in 2015, and is expected to be an effective technology for achieving them.
However, until now, there has been no systematic organization of information about which SDGs goals fine bubble technology can specifically contribute to in the form of documents or other media. With these circumstances, there has been an increasing call for guidelines on the topic. This has led to the present development of a TR (technical report) based on a proposal by Japan.

2. Main points regarding the international standardization

The TR issued is a guideline regarding fine bubble technology covered by ISO standards issued to date, or ones that are planned to be developed in the future. The guidelines indicate how to evaluate and classify which SDGs the fine bubble technology contributes to.
For example, with regard to the cleaning effects of water containing fine bubbles, a case study of using fine bubble water to clean restroom floors in service areas on expressways shows that it can contribute to the achievement of SDGs in the following ways:
The cleaning time was reduced by 40% compared to using tap water. A shorter cleaning time means more efficient work. This will contribute to the achievement of Goal 8 ("Decent work and economic growth"). In addition, it uses 99% less water than if tap water is used. Reducing the water usage will lead to improved efficiency of water use and reduced wastewater discharge. This means it can contribute to achieving Goal 6 ("Clean water and sanitation") and Goal 12 ("Responsible consumption and production").
Furthermore, fine bubble water improves cleaning efficiency by lifting away stains. As a result, it reduces detergent consumption by 66% compared to using tap water. This will contribute to the achievement of Goal 3 ("Good health and well-being"), Goal 12 ("Responsible consumption and production") and Goal 14 ("Life below water").

3. Expected effects of the international standardization

This TR makes it possible to indicate the contributions that the adoption of fine bubble technology represents to society based on its evaluation in terms of contributions to SDGs.
Amid expanding investments (ESG investments) in SDGs, the contributions of fine bubble technology to the SDGs is expected to attract investments in the technology. This is also expected to lead to further development of the fine bubble industry.

Related materials:

• NITE website (in Japanese) Link

Division in Charge

International Standardization Division, Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau