As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation, NELP-GCP is currently implementing the EcoAdvance Project—a collaborative initiative co-led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), GIZ, and Öko-Institut, with support from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI).
The EcoAdvance Project is designed to accelerate climate action by expanding the use of ecolabels and promoting Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP). It focuses on the building and construction sector, where resource efficiency, biodiversity protection, and emissions reduction are key levers in achieving the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the IPPU (Industrial Processes and Product Use) sector.
Cement Criteria Revision: Paving the Way for a Low-Carbon Construction Sector
One of the project’s critical deliverables is the review and enhancement of the NELP-GCP ecolabelling criteria for cement. This activity aims to align the certification requirements with current environmental challenges and technological innovations by incorporating considerations such as:
- Carbon dioxide emissions reduction
- Resource efficiency and circularity
- Climate and environmental impact mitigation
To ensure that the updated criteria reflect a comprehensive, science-based, and stakeholder-driven approach, NELP-GCP facilitated a Stakeholders Consultation Meeting to present the Technical Committee’s Revised Draft Criteria for Cement.
The consultation will brought diverse voices and expertise from key sectors including:
- Consumer groups and end-users
- National government agencies and local authorities
- Industry associations and professional organizations
- Academe and research institutions
- Civil society and non-government organizations
- Accredited testing laboratories
- Cement industry leaders and sustainability practitioners
Their insights and recommendations will be instrumental in shaping the final version of the criteria, ensuring its credibility, industry relevance, and alignment with both national regulations and global standards.
This stakeholder engagement marks an important milestone in advancing sustainable construction practices in the Philippines. With strong cooperation among public and private institutions, we can build a resilient future that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility.
The National Ecolabelling Programme – Green Choice Philippines (NELP-GCP), a voluntary, multi-criteria, third-party certification program rooted in ISO 14024 – Guiding Principles and Procedures, is proud to be at the forefront of promoting environmentally preferable products and services in the Philippines. Administered by the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Inc. (PCEPSDI) since 2008, NELP-GCP has aligned its actions with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Learn more about the Green Choice Philippines Programme
