Good practice on ecolabels and sustainable public procurement: Measuring the environmental impact of ecolabels
This specific good practice explores the importance of assessing the environmental benefits of ecolabelled products using science-based methodologies to enhance their credibility and effectiveness. The EPEAT ecolabel for electronics, the Korean Ecolabel, the GreenPro Ecolabel in India, and the China Environmental Labelling Programme serve as examples of successful implementation, demonstrating how these ecolabels measure reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy savings, resource conservation, and other environmental impacts compared to conventional products. For instance, EPEAT uses an Environmental Benefits Calculator to quantify lifecycle benefits, while the Korean Ecolabel assesses CO2 reductions and job creation in the green economy. The GreenPro Ecolabel focuses on reducing emissions in India’s cement industry, and China’s programme tracks electricity savings and pollution reduction. This system not only strengthens ecolabel credibility but also supports sustainable public procurement and aligns with broader environmental objectives. The good practice highlights that robust measurement frameworks and lifecycle assessments are critical for validating the environmental claims of ecolabels and promoting sustainability.
Available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Watch the webinar to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_29qo8wlrbY
Grabación disponible aquí : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI1yoDqsmoU
Em português: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psMEXvoRUkk
This series of good practices reflects experiences on ecolabelling, sustainable public procurement, or the joint use of ecolabelling and sustainable public procurement that have demonstrated positive impacts on fostering sustainable consumption and production — for this reason, they are called "good practices.” These good practices aim to promote global exchange by providing information and examples of various approaches that entities from different countries and contexts can apply to strengthen the use of ecolabels and sustainable public procurement. They were developed as an outcome of the Working Group on Ecolabelling from the Consumer Information Programme, under the One Planet network, and the EcoAdvance project, jointly implemented by the German Cooperation for Development (GIZ), the United Nations for Environmental Protection (UNEP), and the Oeko Institute, funded by the Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, nuclear safety and consumer protection (BMUV), and the International Climate Initiative (IKI).
We would be delighted to present this good practice during one of your events. Additionally, if you would like to replicate it, share a good practice that we could systematize, or learn more about the EcoAdvance project, please contact us at ciscp@un.org.
