In an effort to advance the ‘LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment) movement initiated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has introduced two groundbreaking initiatives. These initiatives, the Green Credit Program (GCP) and the Ecomark Scheme, embody India’s commitment to climate change action, sustainability, and the promotion of eco-conscious practices that align with the principles of the LiFE concept.
Green Credit Program (GCP): Encouraging Environmental Actions
The Green Credit Program (GCP), announced on October 13, 2023, is an innovative, market-based mechanism aimed at incentivizing voluntary environmental actions across various sectors. This initiative encourages participation from diverse stakeholders, including individuals, communities, private sector industries, and companies. The GCP is overseen by an inter-ministerial Steering Committee, with the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) serving as the GCP Administrator. ICFRE is responsible for program implementation, management, monitoring, and operation.
Key Focus Areas
In its initial phase, the GCP concentrates on two crucial activities: water conservation and afforestation. Draft methodologies for awarding Green Credits have been developed, which will be shared for stakeholder consultation. These methodologies establish benchmarks for each activity or process to ensure environmental impact and fungibility across sectors. To streamline the project registration, verification, and Green Credit issuance processes, a user-friendly digital platform is under development.
Acquiring Green Credits
To obtain Green Credits, individuals and entities are required to register their activities through the central government’s dedicated app/website, www.moefcc-gcp.in. The Administrator will verify the activities through a designated agency, with self-verification available for small projects. Once verification is complete, a Green Credit certificate will be issued, enabling trading on the Green Credit platform.
Ecomark Scheme: Promoting Eco-Friendly Products
The Ecomark Scheme, introduced on October 13, 2023, replaces the previous Notification. This scheme focuses on providing accreditation and labeling for household and consumer products that meet specific environmental criteria while maintaining quality standards according to Indian norms. Products accredited under the Ecomark Scheme will adhere to these environmental criteria, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The scheme aims to enhance consumer awareness of environmental issues and motivate eco-conscious choices. Furthermore, it encourages manufacturers to transition towards environmentally friendly production practices. The Ecomark Scheme seeks to ensure accurate labeling, preventing misleading information about products.
Administration and Collaboration
The Central Pollution Control Board administers the Ecomark Scheme in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national body responsible for standards and certification.
Paving the Way for Sustainable Living
Both the Green Credit Program and the Ecomark Scheme represent significant strides in promoting sustainable living, environmental conservation, and eco-friendly practices in India. These initiatives align with global sustainability goals and underline the government’s dedication to the conservation and protection of the environment.