Environment

Environment Ministry issues notification for Green Credit Program and Ecomark scheme

13.10.2023

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has introduced two pioneering initiatives that indicate the country's pro-active approach to climate change, sustainability and promotion eco-conscious practices. These initiatives, seek to encourage environmentally friendly practices rooted in tradition and conservation; reflecting the ideas of 'Lifestyle for Environment' (LiFE) concept. Both initiatives will play significant role in promoting sustainable living, environmental conservation, and, through individual and collective choice, embody eco-friendly practices in India.

Green Credit Program (GCP) is an innovative market-based mechanism designed to incentivize voluntary environmental actions across diverse sectors, by various stakeholders like individuals, communities, private sector industries, and companies. The GCP's governance framework is supported by an inter-ministerial Steering Committee and The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) serves as the GCP Administrator, responsible for program implementation, management, monitoring, and operation. In its initial phase, the GCP focuses on two key activities: water conservation and afforestation. A user-friendly digital platform will streamline the processes for registration of projects, its verification, and issuance of Green Credits.

The philosophy behind LiFE, is nudging individual choices and behavior towards sustainability. In line with this approach, the Ministry has recast its Ecomark notification so that consumers are able to make choices among products and thereby opt for those products that are eco-friendly in their design, process etc. The Ecomark Scheme, notified on 13th October 2023, replaces the previous Notification. It provides accreditation and labelling for household and consumer products that meet specific environmental criteria while maintaining quality standards as per Indian norms. The Central Pollution Control Board administers the Ecomark Scheme in partnership with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is the national body for standards and certification.

Tags : Scheme Notification Issuance

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