The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) kicked off the 7th Annual GreenPro Summit on October 16 at Le Meridien, New Delhi, with the theme “Advancing towards Net Zero, Low Carbon Materials and Technologies.” The event highlighted the importance of promoting Ecolabelled products and materials that are both performance-tested and environmentally sustainable.
This year’s discussions centered on enhancing the circular economy, vital for tackling global environmental issues while fostering economic resilience and innovation. The conference also addressed green procurement policies and advocacy, which are essential for promoting sustainability, protecting the environment, and delivering economic and social benefits. Public procurement can significantly accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy by generating demand for green products and technologies.
During the summit, CII GreenPro established a mutual recognition agreement with Eco Choice New Zealand, marking a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing sustainability through Ecolabelling. This partnership will work to align ecolabel standards, facilitating easier cross-recognition of products that follow sustainable practices and promoting green trade between India and New Zealand.
The inaugural session included notable attendees such as Ms Isabella Huang-Loh, Chairman of the Singapore Environment Council; Dr Ulf D. Jaeckel, Head of the Division of Sustainable Consumer Protection at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Environment; Mr Jamshyd N. Godrej, Chairman of CII Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre; and Mr Unnikrishnan, Chairman of the Green Products and Services Council.
Mr Jamshyd N. Godrej emphasized, “We are witnessing remarkable growth in India’s green movement, with over 12 billion square feet of rated green buildings and increasing adoption of ecolabelling like GreenPro. This reflects the collective dedication of industry, government, and communities toward a sustainable future. However, the challenge lies in scaling these efforts and making green practices the standard. Collaboration will be crucial for accelerating our journey towards net-zero and tackling significant issues like air pollution.”
Mr. Unnikrishnan stated, “The GreenPro Summit 2024 serves as a platform for sharing insights into sustainable practices, inspiring more companies to engage in the green movement. With over 450 companies currently adopting the GreenPro Ecolabel, the summit cultivates an environment that fosters innovation. By uniting industry leaders, we can discuss the future of eco-friendly technologies and solutions, shaping a greener, more sustainable tomorrow. Our mission is to inspire, innovate, and build a global network of green partnerships that empower businesses to reduce their carbon footprints and normalize sustainability.”
The summit brought together industry leaders, architects, engineers, manufacturers, and policymakers to explore advancements in low-carbon solutions and technologies that can facilitate a more sustainable future.
The event also marked the launch of GreenPro Ecolabelling for Facility Management Services and the release of the 5th edition of the GreenPro Directory. This new ecolabelling initiative aims to promote sustainability in building management and operations, reducing environmental footprints while improving operational efficiency. It allows Facility Management Services (FMS) to showcase their commitment to sustainability in alignment with global green standards and contribute to broader environmental objectives such as carbon neutrality and resource efficiency.
Over 60 organizations from various industries received GreenPro Ecolabelling Awards for their products that are pivotal in advancing environmental sustainability, responsible consumption, and supporting green market practices. Among the prominent winners was VOLVO Group India.
Kamal Bali, President and Managing Director of Volvo Group India, remarked, “At Volvo Group, we believe that genuine leadership in the green transition depends on partnership and innovation. No single entity can drive this transformation alone, nor can it be achieved through traditional methods. Strong collaborations and forward-thinking solutions are essential for paving the way toward a sustainable, fossil-free future.”
GreenPro is a Type-1 Ecolabel that enables end-users in the building and manufacturing sectors to select sustainable products, materials, and technologies to minimize environmental impacts during construction, operation, and maintenance.
The GreenPro Ecolabel is accredited by the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) through GENICES, its internationally coordinated ecolabelling system. Products bearing the GreenPro Ecolabel have a lower environmental impact and significantly enhance the performance of green buildings and companies. GreenPro empowers end-users with vital sustainability information, guiding them toward sustainable purchasing decisions.
