Sector Updates

New proposal for a new ISO technical committee on Groundwater (TS/P 335)

A proposal for a new ISO technical committee on “Groundwater" has been submitted by KATS (Korea).

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The scope of the proposal is the following:

Standardization of methods, procedures, instruments, and equipment related to measurement, estimation, prediction, and intervention for groundwater availability and behaviour, in order to ensure the sustainable management of groundwater resources through their conservation, protection, remediation, rehabilitation, efficient use, and risk assessment.

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Exclude: Standardisation covered by

- ISO/TC 113 Hydrometry

- ISO/TC 147 Water quality and its subcommittees

- ISO/TC 190 Soil quality

- ISO/TC 224 Drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems and services

- ISO/TC 282 Water reuse

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Web sessions are being hosted by KATS regarding this proposal on 25 August 2026:

- Session 1: 7 AM - 8 AM UTC

- Session 2: 2 PM - 3 PM UTC

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Voting on this proposal closes on 29 September 2026.

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If you have any questions related to the update, would like the registration information for the info sessions, or wish to provide feedback, please contact us at intsect@standards.org.au

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New proposal for a new ISO technical committee on Responsible Business Practices and Sustainability Reporting (TS/P 337)

A proposal for a new ISO technical committee on “Responsible Business Practices and Sustainability Reporting" has been submitted by ABNT (Brazil), AFNOR (France), DS (Denmark), BIS (India) and BSI (United Kingdon).

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The scope of the proposal is the following:

Standardisation in the field of responsible business practices, corporate sustainability, ESG principles, and transparent reporting frameworks. This includes:

- Horizontal frameworks and guidance to support the management of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

- Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) horizontal principles, including disclosures and performance measurement

- Social responsibility frameworks, to enhance accountability for the impacts of decisions and activities on society and the environment, ethical business operations, and community engagement

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Exclusions: Standards in the scope of the following committees

- ISO/TC 207 Environment Management

- ISO/TC 309 Governance of Organizations

- ISO/TC 322 Sustainable Finance

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Voting on this proposal closes on 1 October 2026.

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If you have any questions related to the update above or wish to provide feedback, please contact us at intsect@standards.org.au

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ISO Member Consultation on Clusters (TS/P 338)

A proposal on Clusters was submitted by SAC (China), initially proposing the establishment of a new ISO technical committee.

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Following its review, the TMB adopted Resolution 69/2026, disapproving the establishment of a new technical committee and noting the relevance of the subject to ISO/TC 279 Innovation management. The TMB nevertheless agreed to consult ISO members to assess their level of interest and expected engagement in this field of work.

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If the proposal receives sufficient support, it will be allocated to ISO/TC 279, which will consider how the work can be taken forward, including whether its title and scope should be revised.

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The scope of the proposal is the following:

Standardisation in the field of cluster governance, including principles, governance structures, diagnostic methods, coordination mechanisms, performance assessment, and implementation tools to improve cluster functioning and productivity.

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Excluded:

- Work on innovation management, including innovation ecosystems, covered by ISO/TC 279

- Work on quality management system standards, covered by ISO/TC 176

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A web session is being hosted by SAC regarding this proposal on 24 August 2026:

- 05 AM – 7 AM UTC

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Voting on this proposal closes on 2 October 2026.

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If you have any questions related to the update above or wish to provide feedback, please contact us at intsect@standards.org.au‍